S’mores hand pies have become my latest obsession, and I think they’ll become yours too. As someone who’s spent years reimagining traditional dishes and creating bold new flavors that excite the senses, I found myself staring at a campfire one evening, wondering how I could capture that magical combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker in a more convenient, year-round format.
The answer came to me in the form of these flaky, golden pastry pockets a portable twist that brings all the nostalgic joy of s’mores indoors. After countless kitchen experiments and taste tests with the FoodyDish.com community, I’ve perfected this recipe that delivers melty chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and sweet graham cracker crumbs in every single bite.
My expertise in recipe creation and food styling has taught me that the best dishes balance tradition with innovation, and these s’mores hand pies do exactly that. Whether you’re planning a weekend family treat, need a show-stopping dessert for your next gathering, or simply want to satisfy that campfire craving any time of year, this recipe delivers exceptional results that will delight your senses and create lasting memories.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: selecting the best ingredients, mastering the pastry technique, achieving that perfect golden finish, and even some creative variations that will make these hand pies uniquely yours.
Why This S’mores Hand Pies Recipe Works
Through my years of crafting inventive and memorable recipes, I’ve learned that the most successful dishes combine familiar flavors with practical convenience. These s’mores hand pies check every box:
• Uses accessible, pantry-friendly ingredients No specialty items required; everything can be found at your local grocery store • Prep in under 30 minutes for maximum convenience on busy weeknights • Perfect for any occasion from casual family desserts to elegant dinner party finales • Infinitely customizable adapt to dietary needs or flavor preferences with simple substitutions • Make-ahead friendly freeze unbaked for quick treats whenever cravings strike
The genius lies in the technique: encasing all those beloved s’mores flavors in a buttery, flaky pastry creates the perfect handheld dessert that’s both sophisticated and nostalgic.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for S’mores Hand Pies
Success with any pastry-based recipe starts with selecting quality ingredients. My culinary background has taught me that each component plays a crucial role in the final result.
Best Ingredients for This S’mores Hand Pies Recipe
Chocolate Selection: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the perfect balance of sweetness and rich cocoa flavor. Milk chocolate works beautifully for those who prefer a sweeter profile, while dark chocolate (60-70% cacao) adds sophisticated depth. Avoid chocolate with too high cacao percentage as it can become bitter when baked.
Marshmallow Choice: Mini marshmallows distribute more evenly than full-size ones and prevent the filling from becoming too bulky. Their smaller size ensures they melt uniformly, creating that signature gooey texture without overwhelming the pastry.
Graham Cracker Tips: Use honey graham crackers for authentic s’mores flavor. Crush them to medium-fine consistency too fine and they’ll disappear, too coarse and they’ll puncture the dough.
Buying and Storage Tips for S’mores Hand Pies Ingredients
When shopping for ingredients, look for chocolate chips with a glossy appearance and no white bloom (which indicates age). Store graham crackers in an airtight container to maintain crispness, and check marshmallow expiration dates as older ones don’t melt as smoothly.
For the pastry dough, use European-style butter with higher fat content when possible it creates superior flakiness and flavor.
Smart Substitutions for S’mores Hand Pies
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and aquafaba egg wash Nut-Free Alternative: Ensure chocolate chips are produced in nut-free facilities Lower Sugar: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and reduce the sugar in the dough by half
Ingredients & Prep for Perfect S’mores Hand Pies
Complete Ingredient List for S’mores Hand Pies (Makes about 8 hand pies)
For the Dough (or use store-bought pie crust):
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
Filling:
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bars)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup crushed graham crackers (about 4 full sheets)
For Assembly:
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)
- Extra crushed graham crackers and sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Optional Drizzle:
- Melted chocolate or marshmallow fluff
Essential Prep for S’mores Hand Pies Success
Dough Preparation: Keep all ingredients cold this is crucial for flaky pastry. Cut butter into small, uniform cubes and return to refrigerator until needed. Ice water should be actually icy; I often add a few ice cubes to a measuring cup of water and let it sit while preparing other ingredients.
Temperature Control: Work in a cool kitchen when possible. If your hands run warm, rinse them in cold water and dry thoroughly before handling the dough.
Creating the Perfect Filling for S’mores Hand Pies
The filling ratio is key to preventing soggy bottoms and messy overflow. My tested proportions ensure each bite delivers the perfect balance:
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips per hand pie
- 1 tablespoon mini marshmallows per hand pie
- 1 teaspoon crushed graham crackers per hand pie
Prepare your filling components in advance and have them ready in separate bowls for efficient assembly.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for S’mores Hand Pies
Pre-Cooking Prep for S’mores Hand Pies
Begin by chilling your mixing bowl and pastry cutter in the freezer for 15 minutes — this extra step ensures your butter stays cold throughout the mixing process. Remove butter from refrigerator and cube it, then return to refrigerator until ready to use.
Prepare an ice water bath and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Having everything ready before you start prevents the dough from warming up during preparation.
Cooking Method for Perfect S’mores Hand Pies
Step 1: Create the dough by combining flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces remaining these create the flaky layers.
Step 2: Add ice water gradually, mixing just until dough holds together. Overworking develops gluten, resulting in tough pastry.
Step 3: Divide dough in half, form into disks, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 4-5 inch circles or rectangles using a large cookie cutter or knife.
Assembly Technique for S’mores Hand Pies
Place filling in the center of half your dough pieces, leaving a ½-inch border. Avoid overfilling — it’s better to err on the side of less. Top with remaining dough pieces and seal edges firmly with a fork, creating a decorative pattern.
Doneness Check for S’mores Hand Pies
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes until golden brown all over. The pastry should sound hollow when tapped gently, and you’ll see slight bubbling around the edges where filling meets crust.
Internal temperature isn’t as critical for pastries as meat, but the crust should reach about 200°F (93°C) for proper doneness.
Resting Period for S’mores Hand Pies
Allow hand pies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents the molten filling from burning your mouth and allows the pastry to set properly.
Pro Tips for Perfect S’mores Hand Pies
Avoiding Common S’mores Hand Pies Mistakes
Preventing Soggy Bottoms: Bake on the lower rack of your oven and use a preheated baking stone if available. The bottom crust needs direct heat to crisp properly.
Stopping Filling Leaks: Don’t skip the egg wash it acts as an adhesive to seal edges. Press firmly with a fork and ensure no air pockets remain around the filling.
Achieving Even Browning: Rotate your baking sheet halfway through cooking time for uniform color.
Essential Tool Recommendations for S’mores Hand Pies
A bench scraper makes transferring delicate dough pieces effortless, while a pastry brush ensures even egg wash application. Invest in a quality rolling pin with guides for consistent thickness.
For measuring mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, use a tablespoon cookie scoop for perfectly portioned fillings every time.
Storage & Reheating S’mores Hand Pies
Store cooled hand pies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze baked hand pies for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness avoid microwaving as it makes pastry soggy.
Freeze unbaked, assembled hand pies on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to cooking time.
Flavor Variations for S’mores Hand Pies
My passion for experimenting with diverse ingredients has led to some incredible variations on this classic theme.
Decadent Twist S’mores Hand Pies
Replace regular chocolate chips with Nutella and chopped hazelnuts for an indulgent European-inspired version. The creamy hazelnut spread melts beautifully and adds richness that pairs perfectly with marshmallows.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top before baking for a sophisticated sweet-salty balance that elevates the entire experience.
Dietary-Friendly S’mores Hand Pies Variations
Keto Version: Use almond flour pastry and sugar-free chocolate chips. Replace graham crackers with crushed sugar-free cookies or omit entirely for a lower-carb option.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Add an extra egg yolk to the dough for improved binding.
Global-Inspired S’mores Hand Pies
Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper to the chocolate chips for warming spice.
British Twist: Use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers and add a touch of golden syrup to the dough.
French Inspiration: Incorporate lavender into the pastry dough and use dark chocolate with dried cherries.
Variation | Chocolate Type | Special Addition | Pastry Modification |
---|---|---|---|
Classic | Semi-sweet chips | Graham crackers | Standard recipe |
Decadent | Nutella + chips | Chopped hazelnuts | Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder |
Mexican | Dark chocolate | Cinnamon + cayenne | Add 1 tsp vanilla |
Salted Caramel | Milk chocolate | Caramel squares | Sprinkle sea salt on top |
Peanut Butter | Chocolate chips | PB chips | Add 2 tbsp PB to dough |
Serving Suggestions for S’mores Hand Pies
These versatile treats shine in various settings, and my experience in food styling has taught me that presentation enhances the entire experience.
Casual Family Dessert: Serve warm with glasses of cold milk or hot cocoa. The temperature contrast creates a delightful sensory experience.
Elegant Dinner Party: Dust with powdered sugar and serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream. Drizzle plates with chocolate sauce for restaurant-quality presentation.
Picnic or Outdoor Gathering: Pack in individual containers for mess-free transport. They’re perfect at room temperature and capture that authentic camping spirit.
Holiday Entertaining: Create a s’mores hand pie bar with various toppings crushed cookies, different chocolate types, and flavored marshmallows for guests to customize their experience.
Wine Pairing: Serve with dessert wines like Port or Moscato, or surprise guests with a bold Zinfandel that complements the chocolate beautifully.
FAQs About S’mores Hand Pies
Can I make S’mores Hand Pies ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble completely and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-8 extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes them perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
How do I prevent S’mores Hand Pies from leaking during baking? Ensure your edges are well-sealed with egg wash acting as glue. Don’t overfill use my recommended portions. Cut small steam vents in the top to allow pressure to escape safely.
Can I use store-bought pie crust for S’mores Hand Pies? Yes! Use refrigerated pie crust for convenience. Let it come to room temperature for easier rolling, and follow the same assembly and baking instructions.
Are S’mores Hand Pies safe for pregnant women? Yes, when fully baked according to the recipe. All ingredients are pregnancy-safe, and the high baking temperature ensures food safety.
How do I fix overcooked S’mores Hand Pies? If they’re too brown but not burnt, brush with melted butter immediately after baking to soften the crust. For future batches, reduce oven temperature by 25°F and check earlier.
Can I make mini S’mores Hand Pies? Perfect for parties! Cut 3-inch circles, use 1 teaspoon of each filling component, and reduce baking time to 12-15 minutes. They’re ideal for appetizer platters or children’s portions.
Conclusion
Fire up your oven and create some magic with these irresistible s’mores hand pies tonight! This recipe represents everything I love about culinary innovation taking beloved flavors and reimagining them in new, practical formats that bring people together around the table.
Join the thousands of home cooks in the FoodyDish.com community who have already fallen in love with this recipe. Share your creations, try the variations, and make these hand pies your own. There’s something truly special about watching faces light up when they bite into that perfect combination of flaky pastry and gooey s’mores filling.
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Irresistible S’mores Hand Pies: A Portable Twist on the Classic Campfire Favorite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Portable, gooey, and golden, these S’mores Hand Pies bring the joy of a campfire treat to your kitchen with no mess and no fire.
Ingredients
½ cup mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp crushed graham crackers (optional)
1 pre-made pie crust (or 2 sheets if small)
1 egg or oat milk (for brushing)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out dough and cut into circles.
3. Mix chocolate, marshmallows, and grahams.
4. Place filling in center of each round and fold into half-moons.
5. Seal edges with fork and brush tops.
6. Cut slits on top and bake 15–18 minutes until golden.
7. Cool 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use vegan alternatives to make this plant-based.
Don’t overfill to avoid leaks.
Best served warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: s’mores hand pies, easy dessert, chocolate marshmallow