There’s a certain joy that comes from the first bite of these irresistible s’mores hand pies, transporting me straight to sun-drenched camping weekends. Imagine the delightful crunch of graham crackers, the melted embrace of chocolate, and the gooey sweetness of marshmallows, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry shell. These treats not only evoke fond memories but also bring the beloved flavors of campfire s’mores to any occasion—without requiring a trip into the wilderness.
With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of store-bought pie crust, you can whip up these portable delights in no time, making them perfect for picnics, parties, or even a cozy night in. Plus, their customizable filling options allow you to unleash your creativity and cater to every member of the family. So grab your apron, and let’s create these mini masterpieces that promise to satisfy your sweet tooth while evoking nostalgic vibes.
Why are S’mores Hand Pies a must-try?
Decadent flavors come together in these delightful hand pies, making them a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Incredibly convenient, they utilize store-bought pie crust, saving you precious prep time. Portable treats that are perfect for on-the-go snacking, these hand pies are great for parties and picnics. Customizable with fillings, you can easily swap in your favorite chocolate or add fruity jams. Finally, nostalgic memories of campfire s’mores await you with every bite, making this indulgence irresistible.
S’mores Hand Pies Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
• Store-bought pie crust – Perfect for saving time and ensuring a flaky outside without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
For the Filling
• Chocolate (chopped bars) – Choose your favorite chocolate for a rich, melty flavor; feel free to add more for an extra gooey center.
• Miniature marshmallows – These provide the signature gooeyness reminiscent of classic s’mores; regular-sized marshmallows can work too.
• Graham crackers (crushed) – Adds a delightful crunch and sweetness; sprinkle some on the baking sheet to prevent soggy bottoms.
For the Topping
• Melted butter – Brush on top to give your hand pies a beautiful golden color and added richness.
• Extra crushed graham crackers – Sprinkle on top before baking for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Dive into making these delectable s’mores hand pies and indulge in a deliciously portable treat!
How to Make S’mores Hand Pies
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Warm your pie crust by allowing it to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and cut.
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Cut circles from the dough using a 3-inch cookie cutter to create the base for your hand pies. Aim for uniform sizes for even baking.
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Mix the filling by combining chopped chocolate bars, miniature marshmallows, and half of your crushed graham crackers in a bowl. This creates a delicious, gooey mixture.
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Scoop about one tablespoon of the chocolate-marshmallow filling onto half of the dough circles. Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during baking.
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Moisten the edges of the filled dough circles with a little water. Top with another circle and seal the edges using a fork. This keeps your filling secure!
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Brush the tops of your hand pies with melted butter for a golden finish. Then sprinkle remaining graham cracker crumbs on top for extra crunch.
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Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Air fry the hand pies for about 10 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them for that perfect s’mores look!
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Cool the baked pies on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
Optional: Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with S’mores Hand Pies?
Indulging in these delightful confections opens the door to a world of culinary companions that elevate your dessert experience.
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Cold Glass of Milk: The classic choice, a chilled glass of milk perfectly balances the sweetness and richness of the hand pies, making each bite melt in your mouth.
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Decadent Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of hot chocolate creates a cozy vibe, amplifying the chocolaty flavors while adding a comforting touch to the s’mores experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a lovely contrast with its smooth texture, complementing the warm, gooey filling and enhancing the nostalgia of campfire treats.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling some chocolate sauce over your hand pies adds an inviting, extra layer of sweetness, making them feel even more indulgent.
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Marshmallow Cream: For true s’mores lovers, a dollop of marshmallow cream for dipping takes the experience to a whole new level of gooey heaven.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries introduce a refreshing tartness that cuts through the sweetness, creating a well-rounded dessert spread.
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Iced Coffee: The rich flavors of iced coffee provide a delightful adult twist to your dessert, making it perfect for afternoon treats or summer gatherings.
Each of these delightful pairings enhances the experience, ensuring every bite of your s’mores hand pies is a memorable delight.
S’mores Hand Pies Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your own magic on these delightful hand pies to create variations that tempt your taste buds!
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Peanut Butter Delight: Swap chocolate for peanut butter chips to add a nutty richness that pairs wonderfully with marshmallows. Creamy and dreamy, this twist is bound to become a new favorite!
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Nutella Bonus: Layer a generous spoonful of Nutella alongside the chocolate for an extra decadent experience. It enhances the gooeyness and adds a hazelnut zing to each bite.
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Fruity Twist: Incorporate your favorite fruit jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, between the filling. The fruity sweetness perfectly complements the richness of chocolate and marshmallows, adding a delightful surprise.
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Flavored Marshmallows: Use flavored marshmallows, like strawberry or caramel, for an unexpected pop of flavor that enhances the classic s’mores experience. This simple swap can take your hand pies to the next level!
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Spicy Kick: For a bit of adventure, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the chocolate filling. This adds a warm, spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
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Mini S’mores Pies: Make smaller versions using a 2-inch cookie cutter for bite-sized treats. Perfect for sharing at parties or simply for indulging your sweet tooth without any guilt!
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Chocolate Trio: Mix different types of chocolate—dark, milk, and white—for a mosaic of flavors in each pie. This decadent combo guarantees a delightful surprise with every bite!
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Choco-Coconut Bliss: Add shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist, reminiscent of a coconut macaroon. The chewy texture blends perfectly with the melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows.
Make Ahead Options
These S’mores Hand Pies are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep! You can prepare the pie crust and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cut the dough circles and mix the chocolate and marshmallow filling as directed, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To maintain the quality, keep the pie crust wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the prepared filling onto the dough, seal, and follow the baking instructions. This ensures you’ll have warm, gooey hand pies with that classic s’mores taste, ready to delight your family without the rush!
Expert Tips for S’mores Hand Pies
• Fill Sparingly: Avoid overstuffing the hand pies, as this can cause them to burst while baking. One tablespoon of filling is just right.
• Seal Properly: Moisten edges with water before sealing. This crucial step keeps your pies intact and prevents any delicious filling from leaking out.
• Poke for Ventilation: Remember to poke small holes in the tops of the hand pies. This allows steam to escape, ensuring they bake evenly without becoming soggy.
• Watch the Clock: Keep a close eye on the baking time. While you want the marshmallows to be golden brown, avoid letting them turn dark, as it can affect the flavor.
• Prime for Crispiness: Sprinkling crushed graham crackers on the baking sheet can help prevent the bottoms from getting soggy while ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite.
Storage Tips for S’mores Hand Pies
Room Temperature: Store leftover s’mores hand pies in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their flaky texture and delicious flavor.
Fridge: If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing other odors.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze hand pies before or after baking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat frozen or refrigerated hand pies in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes until warmed through, restoring their delightful gooey centers.
S’mores Hand Pies Recipe FAQs
What type of pie crust should I use for s’mores hand pies?
Absolutely! I recommend using store-bought refrigerated pie crust for convenience. It provides a consistent flaky texture without the hassle of making your own dough, saving you valuable time when you’re craving these delicious treats!
How should I store leftover s’mores hand pies?
For best freshness, store your leftover s’mores hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge, where they will last for up to 4 days. Just make sure they’re sealed well to maintain their delightful taste!
Can I freeze s’mores hand pies? How?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze s’mores hand pies! Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes until warmed through. This will help restore their gooey centers!
What if my hand pies are bursting during baking?
If you find that your hand pies are bursting, it might be due to overfilling. To avoid this, make sure to only use about one tablespoon of filling per pie. Additionally, moisten the edges well before sealing and poke small holes on top for steam to escape, ensuring they bake evenly!
Are s’mores hand pies suitable for people with allergies?
S’mores hand pies can be customized to accommodate various dietary needs. If someone has a chocolate allergy, you might substitute chocolate with white chocolate or peanut butter chips. Use gluten-free pie crust and graham crackers to make this treat gluten-free. Always double-check labels for allergies and consider any personal dietary restrictions when selecting your ingredients.
Can I use different fillings for my s’mores hand pies?
Very much! The beauty of s’mores hand pies lies in their customizable filling options. Feel free to swap in your favorite chocolates or try adding flavored marshmallows. You could even layer in fruit jams like raspberry or strawberry for a tasty twist! The more creativity, the merrier!
S’mores Hand Pies: Your New Favorite Portable Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm your pie crust by allowing it to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
- Cut circles from the dough using a 3-inch cookie cutter.
- Mix the filling by combining chopped chocolate bars, miniature marshmallows, and half of your crushed graham crackers.
- Scoop about one tablespoon of the chocolate-marshmallow filling onto half of the dough circles.
- Moisten the edges of the filled dough circles with a little water.
- Top with another circle and seal the edges using a fork.
- Brush the tops of your hand pies with melted butter and sprinkle remaining graham cracker crumbs on top.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Air fry the hand pies for about 10 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown.
- Cool the baked pies on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.