There's something magical about the combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, isn't there? That nostalgic flavor of summer campfires often inspires me to re-create those cherished moments in my kitchen. Enter the S'mores Hand Pies—your new favorite dessert that marries the classic s'mores experience with a delightful, hand-held treat. Not only are these little gems a breeze to whip up in just 30 minutes, but they also promise gooey goodness with every bite, making them an instant hit for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Plus, they’re air-fried for a slightly healthier twist, so you can enjoy them with less guilt! Ready to indulge in this sweet escapade? Let's dive into these airy, chocolate-filled delights!
Why are S’mores Hand Pies irresistible?
Gooey Goodness: Each bite is packed with melty chocolate and soft marshmallows, capturing the essence of classic s'mores in a new, enjoyable form.
Quick to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes, these hand pies offer a swift solution to your sweet cravings without hours of fuss in the kitchen.
Air-Fried Delight: Enjoy a healthier twist on a favorite treat, thanks to the air-fryer method that yields a crispy outer crust while keeping the interior irresistibly gooey.
Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings in a batch, these hand pies are ideal for gatherings, parties, or simply indulging with family on a cozy night.
Versatile Dipping Options: Elevate your treat with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a dollop of marshmallow cream for an indulgent experience that everyone will love!
S’mores Hand Pies Ingredients
Unleash the sweet magic of homemade treats!
For the Filling
• Chocolate bars – use your favorite variety, like milk or dark, for that rich, gooey center.
• Miniature marshmallows – they melt perfectly, creating that classic s'mores experience in every bite!
• Crushed graham crackers – add a delightful crunch and enhance the s'mores flavor profile.
For the Pie Crust
• Refrigerated pie crusts – make preparation a breeze while providing a flaky exterior to hold your delicious filling together.
• Water – a simple ingredient for sealing the edges of the hand pies, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking.
With these ingredients, you're just a few steps away from creating the most scrumptious S’mores Hand Pies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for S’mores Hand Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by allowing the refrigerated pie crusts to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This softening makes them easier to work with as you roll them out. Once they’re pliable, you’ll be ready to create perfectly shaped circles for your S’mores Hand Pies, ensuring a flaky texture for that delightful bite.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped chocolate bars, miniature marshmallows, and half of the crushed graham crackers. Stir gently until the mixture is well blended, allowing the sweet aromas to fill your kitchen. This filling will be the heart of your S’mores Hand Pies, creating that beloved flavor combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers.
Step 3: Cut the Circles
Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles from the pie crust dough. You’ll want to aim for about 24 circles, which will allow you to create 12 hand pies. Lay half of the circles on a non-stick surface, and place about a tablespoon of your delicious filling in the center of each, ensuring they are spaced out for easy handling.
Step 4: Seal the Hand Pies
Moisten the edges of each crust circle with a few drops of water, creating a seal for your S’mores Hand Pies. Top them with the remaining circles, pressing the edges firmly together to ensure no filling leaks out during cooking. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch if desired.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes; this step is essential for achieving a golden brown crust on your S’mores Hand Pies. As the air fryer warms, lightly spray the cooking basket with nonstick cooking spray, preventing the pies from sticking and ensuring an even crisp.
Step 6: Air Fry the Pies
Carefully place the sealed hand pies in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them for optimal cooking. Air fry for approximately 10 minutes, watching for the crust to turn golden brown. You’ll know they are done when the delightful aroma fills the air, and the filling begins to ooze out slightly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the hand pies to a wire rack and allow them to cool for a few minutes. This waiting period helps the filling set before serving. Optionally, serve your S’mores Hand Pies with chocolate syrup and marshmallow cream for dipping, and dust with powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness!
What to Serve with S’mores Hand Pies
Indulging in these little delights makes it easy to build a cozy evening full of comforting favorites.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture balances the warm, gooey hand pies, enhancing the indulgent experience with every delicious bite.
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Fresh Strawberries: Their juicy sweetness adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pies, bringing a bright note to your dessert spread.
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Chocolate Syrup: A generous drizzle not only enhances the chocolatey goodness but also makes for an eye-catching presentation on your dessert table.
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Whipped Cream: Fluffy and light, this classic topping rounds out the flavors and adds a delightful touch of creaminess to each bite.
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Marshmallow Cream Dip: For true s'mores aficionados, this add-on enhances the nostalgic flavors, inviting you to dive deep into indulgence with every dip.
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Sparkling Water: A light, bubbly drink refreshes the palate, providing a crisp contrast to the sweet richness of the hand pies.
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Mint Tea: The soothing herbal notes complement the sweet flavors perfectly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your gathering.
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Decadent Brownies: For dessert lovers, a plate of fudgy brownies beside the hand pies takes the dessert table to a whole new level of indulgence.
Expert Tips for S’mores Hand Pies
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Choose Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate bars for richer flavor. Dark chocolate can add a sophisticated twist to your S’mores Hand Pies.
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Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the hand pies. A tablespoon of filling is perfect; filling them too much may cause leakage as they cook.
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Seal Well: Ensure the edges are sealed properly with water, or the filling might escape during cooking. A fork can help crimp and secure the edges beautifully.
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Air Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Frying in batches leads to perfectly golden and crisp hand pies every time.
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Experiment with Fillings: Get creative! Add peanut butter or Nutella along with the classic s’mores ingredients for a delightful twist on your hand pies.
How to Store and Freeze S’mores Hand Pies
Room Temperature: Let cooled hand pies sit out for up to 2 days, stored in an airtight container to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep S’mores Hand Pies in the fridge for up to 5 days. Place them in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze hand pies for up to 3 months. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for best protection against freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, air fry at 350°F for about 5 minutes for a crispy finish, or microwave for 20-30 seconds if you're short on time.
Make Ahead Options
These S’mores Hand Pies are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the hand pies up to 24 hours in advance by assembling them and storing them in the fridge, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This keeps the filling fresh and prevents the crust from getting soggy. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat your air fryer and cook the hand pies directly from the refrigerator, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time if needed. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey S’mores Hand Pies that are just as delicious as if made fresh, saving you precious time on busy weeknights!
S’mores Hand Pies Variations
Feel free to play with flavor and swap ingredients to match your cravings!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crusts to accommodate those with dietary restrictions while keeping that beloved flaky texture.
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Nutty Twist: Add ¼ cup of finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the filling for a delightful crunch and extra depth.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon in the filling for an unexpected, warm flavor that elevates your hand pies.
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Mini Versions: For a fun twist, use a smaller cookie cutter to create bite-sized hand pies—perfect for parties and sharing!
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Fruit Fusion: Swap some of the chocolate for sliced strawberries or bananas for a fruity, fresh twist on the classic combination.
Explore beyond classic s'mores by blending in new ingredients. Imagine creamy peanut butter layered with chocolate—such a delicious twist to savor!
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Meringue Topping: After frying, pipe a layer of toasted meringue on top, for a simple yet elegant presentation that adds a treat’s visual appeal.
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Caramel Delight: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for that sticky, sweet indulgence that takes these hand pies to a whole new level of decadence.
Embrace creativity and delight in a world of sweet possibilities with these S'mores Hand Pies!
S’mores Hand Pies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chocolate for my S’mores Hand Pies?
Absolutely! A key factor in achieving gooey perfection is selecting the right chocolate. I recommend using high-quality chocolate bars, such as milk or dark chocolate, for the best flavor. Aim for a chocolate that melts smoothly—this will enhance the overall taste and make each bite a delightful experience.
How should I store leftover S’mores Hand Pies?
To keep your S’mores Hand Pies fresh, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you'd like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days in a sealed container. This will ensure they retain their delicious softness and flavor!
Can I freeze S’mores Hand Pies for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your hand pies, first allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and follow up with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F.
What can I do if my filling is leaking out during cooking?
Very! If you encounter filling leakage while cooking, it typically means the dough edges weren’t sealed well. Ensure you moisten the edges with water before sealing. If they do leak, don’t stress! They will still taste delicious. Just be careful not to overfill them next time; one tablespoon of filling is usually perfect.
Are S’mores Hand Pies safe for kids and people with allergies?
Yes! However, always consider dietary restrictions. For children, ensure they’re monitored while eating due to the warm, gooey filling. For allergy considerations, you may want to substitute ingredients based on needs—such as using gluten-free pie crusts, dairy-free chocolate, or vegan marshmallows. Always check labels to ensure safety!
Indulgent S'mores Hand Pies for Your Sweet Tooth Cravings
Equipment
- Air fryer
- mixing bowl
- Cookie cutter
- wire rack
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 bars Chocolate bars use your favorite variety, like milk or dark
- 2 cups Miniature marshmallows they melt perfectly
- 1 cup Crushed graham crackers add a delightful crunch
For the Pie Crust
- 2 packages Refrigerated pie crusts for a flaky exterior
- 2 tablespoons Water for sealing the edges
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Allow the refrigerated pie crusts to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped chocolate bars, miniature marshmallows, and half of the crushed graham crackers. Stir gently until well blended.
- Cut the Circles: Use a 3-inch cookie cutter to cut out about 24 circles from the pie crust dough.
- Seal the Hand Pies: Moisten the edges of each crust circle with water and press together to seal.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Pies: Place the sealed hand pies in the air fryer basket and air fry for approximately 10 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the hand pies to a wire rack and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
