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I discovered these incredible s'mores hand pies during a family camping trip gone wrong - well, weather-wise anyway. We were stuck indoors due to rain, and the kids were heartbroken about missing our traditional s'mores night around the campfire. That's when inspiration struck, and I decided to recreate that beloved campfire experience in handheld form. Using simple pie pastry, I wrapped up all those classic s'mores flavors - rich chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and that essential buttery crunch. The result was even better than I had imagined. These golden, flaky pastries encased the most perfect combination of melted chocolate and gooey marshmallow. Each bite delivered that nostalgic s'mores taste with the added bonus of a buttery, crispy exterior. They became an instant family favorite and now hold a special place in our dessert rotation. There's something magical about the way the pastry gets perfectly golden while keeping all that sweetness sealed inside until that first delicious bite.
Why I love this recipe
What I absolutely love about these s'mores hand pies is how they capture all the joy and nostalgia of campfire s'mores while being so much more practical and delicious. There's no wrestling with sticky marshmallows on sticks or dealing with melted chocolate dripping everywhere. Instead, you get all those beloved flavors wrapped up in the most beautiful, buttery pastry that's perfectly portioned and easy to share. The texture contrast is simply divine - that crispy, flaky exterior giving way to the warm, gooey center filled with melted chocolate and marshmallow. They're incredibly versatile too; you can make them for a crowd, pack them for picnics, or just whip up a batch when you're craving something special. I love how they bring people together just like traditional s'mores do, but with an elevated twist that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated. Plus, watching someone take their first bite and see their face light up with that perfect combination of surprise and delight never gets old.
What You Need From Your Kitchen
- Pie pastry dough: Roll out and cut into circles for the base of each hand pie
- Mini marshmallows: Use as filling along with chocolate pieces
- Dark chocolate bars: Break into small pieces for the s'mores filling
- Butter: Use for cooking the hand pies in the skillet
- Egg: Beat and brush on top for golden color and shine
- Coarse sugar: Sprinkle on top for extra sweetness and texture
Let's Make These Together
- Prepare the pastry base
- Start by rolling out your pie pastry dough on a well-floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Using a large round cutter or even a bowl as a guide, cut the dough into 8 equal circles. Make sure each circle is large enough to hold your filling and still have room to fold over and seal the edges properly.
- Create the s'mores filling
- Break your dark chocolate bars into small, bite-sized pieces that will melt easily when cooked. Place a small handful of chocolate pieces in the center of each pastry circle, then add a generous sprinkle of mini marshmallows on top. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make sealing difficult.
- Seal the hand pies
- Carefully fold each pastry circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together gently, then use a fork to crimp all around the edge, creating a decorative seal that will prevent any filling from escaping during cooking. Make sure the seal is complete and secure.
- Add the finishing touches
- Beat your egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to coat the top of each hand pie with the egg wash. This will give them that beautiful golden color when cooked. Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for added sweetness and a delightful crunch.
- Cook to golden perfection
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, carefully place the hand pies in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and crispy. The filling should be heated through and deliciously gooey when you're done.
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Switch Things Up
I remember the first time I made these on a rainy camping weekend when we couldn't have a proper campfire. My kids were so disappointed about missing s'mores night, so I decided to get creative in the cabin kitchen. I had some leftover pie dough and grabbed the s'mores supplies we'd packed. The magic happened when I sealed those first pies and watched them turn golden in the pan. The smell alone had everyone gathering around the kitchen. When we bit into them, that first taste of warm, buttery pastry giving way to melted chocolate and marshmallow was pure joy. Now these hand pies have become our go-to dessert whenever we want that campfire feeling indoors.
Perfect Pairings
These s'mores hand pies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort experience. For adults, try them alongside a rich coffee or even a glass of dessert wine. They're also wonderful with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat, or serve them with fresh berries to balance the sweetness with a touch of tartness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the edges completely using a fork to crimp them shut. Don't overfill the pies, and ensure there's enough pastry border to create a proper seal.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the hand pies and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This actually helps the pastry stay together better during cooking.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftover hand pies?
Reheat them in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
- → Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even chocolate chips work great. You can also add different flavors like peanut butter chips or caramel pieces.
- → Why did my pastry get soggy?
This usually happens if the heat is too low or if there's too much filling creating steam. Cook over medium heat and don't overfill the pies.
Conclusion
These buttery s'mores hand pies bring all the nostalgic flavors of campfire treats into a convenient, handheld dessert. The combination of flaky pastry, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallows creates the perfect sweet treat. They're ideal for parties, picnics, or whenever you crave that classic s'mores experience. Best served warm when the filling is still deliciously melty.