As I watched the last rays of sun dip below the horizon, a flurry of nostalgia rushed over me, reminding me of campfire nights filled with laughter and the sweet smell of melting marshmallows. This S’mores Hand Pies recipe brings that classic summer magic right to your kitchen, minus the open flames. Perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these little treats are not only a wonderful way to indulge your sweet tooth but also a quick and delightful dessert that everyone will love. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these crowd-pleasers that are ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Are you ready to take your taste buds on a little adventure? Let’s dive into the delicious world of s’mores!
Why Are These S’mores Hand Pies a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: The gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate meld together, creating a taste that transports you to summer nights around the campfire.
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can proudly serve a delightful dessert without hours of effort in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These mini pies are perfect for parties, sleepovers, or just a cozy night in—guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults!
Versatile Enjoyment: Customize your filling by adding peanut butter or fruit to make it even more exciting, keeping everyone guessing on what delightful surprise they’ll get!
Perfect for Air Fryers: Enjoy a crispy crust without the guilt—these hand pies are air-fried to perfection, giving you that beloved crunch while saving time and hassle.
S’mores Hand Pies Ingredients
Here's everything you need to create your very own sweet escape!
For the Hand Pies
- Refrigerated pie crusts – saves time; no need to make your own from scratch!
- Chocolate (chopped) – choose your favorite type like milk or dark for a richer flavor.
- Miniature marshmallows – they melt beautifully, giving that classic s’mores texture.
- Crushed graham crackers (divided) – provides that essential crunch and iconic s’mores taste.
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar – dust on top for a sweet finishing touch and a lovely presentation!
With easy-to-find ingredients, making these S'mores Hand Pies is a delightful breeze. Now, let’s get cooking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for S’mores Hand Pies
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the air fryer is warm to the touch, ensuring it’s primed for perfectly cooked S’mores Hand Pies.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped chocolate, miniature marshmallows, and half of the crushed graham crackers. Stir the mixture until everything is well blended, creating a gooey filling that captures the essence of classic s’mores. Set it aside to allow those sweet flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Cut Out Dough Circles
Roll out your refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface, achieving a thin layer. Use a 3-inch cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. You should prepare enough circles for the bottoms and tops of your S'mores Hand Pies, making them ready for assembly.
Step 4: Fill the Dough Circles
Take half of the dough circles and place about 1 tablespoon of the s'mores filling in the center of each. Be sure to leave some space around the edges to allow for sealing. This step is crucial for ensuring every bite is filled with that ooey-gooey goodness.
Step 5: Moisten and Seal the Edges
Using your fingertip, moisten the edges of each filled dough circle with a little water. This will help the dough stick together. Then, place the remaining circles on top, pressing the edges firmly to seal. For an extra touch, crimp the edges with a fork for a beautiful finish.
Step 6: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures your S’mores Hand Pies come out easily and maintain that gorgeous golden-brown crust you’re aiming for after air frying.
Step 7: Air Fry the Hand Pies
Carefully place the hand pies in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded for even cooking. Air fry for about 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the filling starts to ooze out. Keep an eye on them for that ideal crispy crust.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, remove the S’mores Hand Pies from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This cooling time allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier to handle. Serve warm for the ultimate sweet treat experience!
What to Serve with S’mores Hand Pies
Indulging in sweet nostalgia has never been easier, and these delightful hand pies crave companions that will add even more joy to your dessert experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully alongside the warm hand pies, creating a luscious pairing that contrasts warm and cold.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce enhances the chocolatey goodness already inside, making each bite truly decadent.
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Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of vibrant, ripe strawberries or raspberries for a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweet and gooey pies. The berries offer a burst of flavor that balances the richness perfectly.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a smooth topping that brings a whimsical texture, making every bite feel like a dreamy cloud.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel adds a touch of luxury and sweetness that complements the flavors of the s’mores, enhancing the overall indulgence.
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Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A cup of warm coffee or rich hot chocolate creates a cozy vibe, making for an inviting dessert experience. Sip while savoring the crispy, gooey delights!
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Mint Tea: A soothing mint tea can cleanse the palate after the sumptuous sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast to the hand pies.
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S'mores Charcuterie Board: Create a miniature charcuterie display with additional s’mores ingredients—graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolates for a delightful interactive dessert experience.
Make Ahead Options
These S’mores Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling (chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers) up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep everything fresh and delicious. Additionally, you can cut out the dough circles and store them layered between parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, just assemble the hand pies, moisten the edges to seal them, and air fry following the usual instructions. This makes it easy to enjoy a delightful dessert with minimal effort on busy weeknights, and they’ll be just as delicious as when made fresh!
Expert Tips for S’mores Hand Pies
Filling Balance: Ensure you don't overfill each hand pie; about 1 tablespoon of filling is perfect to prevent ooze during cooking.
Crust Choice: Using refrigerated pie crusts speeds things up, but feel free to use homemade for a personal touch if you have time!
Sealing Technique: Moisten edges thoroughly using water to ensure a tight seal, preventing any gooey filling from leaking out while cooking.
Spacing Matters: Avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket. Give each hand pie enough space to crisp up beautifully for that delightful golden color.
Serving Suggestion: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch, elevating your S’mores Hand Pies to a whole new level!
How to Store and Freeze S’mores Hand Pies
Room Temperature: Allow the S’mores Hand Pies to cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for the best flavor and texture.
Fridge: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a crispy treat!
Freezer: Freeze the unbaked hand pies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
Reheating: For best results, reheat previously baked hand pies in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Enjoy!
S’mores Hand Pies Variations
Unlock a world of delightful possibilities with these customizable twists and turns for your S’mores Hand Pies!
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Nutty Delight: Add a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter into the filling for added richness and delightful crunch. This twist brings a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate and marshmallow.
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Fruit Fusion: Swap out some chocolate for fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas. The fruity notes provide a refreshing contrast and a pop of color in your hand pies.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the filling for a surprising heat. This unexpected twist will excite your taste buds and add a fun element to your dessert.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crusts or make your own with almond or oat flour for a tasty alternative. Enjoy the same crispy texture without gluten—perfect for those with dietary restrictions!
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Double Chocolate: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the filling along with chopped chocolate for an ultra-chocolatey experience. Every bite will be a heavenly explosion of chocolatey goodness.
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Seasonal Spice: Add a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the filling for a festive autumn flair. This warmth will evoke cozy feelings, making your S'mores Hand Pies perfect for fall gatherings.
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Coconut Infusion: Mix in some shredded coconut for an added tropical twist. It brings a chewy texture that beautifully complements the gooey filling, reminiscent of a beachside treat.
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Savory Twist: Experiment by adding a pinch of sea salt and a dash of bacon bits to your chocolate—unique, savory sweetness is sure to surprise and delight!
S’mores Hand Pies Recipe FAQs
What type of chocolate should I use for S’mores Hand Pies?
Absolutely, you can use any chocolate that tickles your taste buds! Milk chocolate gives a classic sweetness, while dark chocolate offers a richer flavor. I often recommend a mix of both for a delightful balance that will please everyone at the table.
How should I store leftover S’mores Hand Pies?
After allowing the S’mores Hand Pies to cool completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. If you want to keep them for longer, they can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days—just make sure to reheat them in the air fryer for that lovely crispy texture!
Can I freeze S’mores Hand Pies, and how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze them! To freeze unbaked S’mores Hand Pies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, you can cook them straight from frozen—simply add a few extra minutes to the air frying time for the perfect result.
What should I do if the filling leaks out during cooking?
If your filling leaks, don’t worry—this can happen. Ensure you moisten the edges of the dough well before sealing to help create a tighter seal. Additionally, using the right amount of filling (about 1 tablespoon) is key. If you do experience some leakage, you can serve them with a scoop of ice cream to soak up the delicious gooey filling!
Are S’mores Hand Pies safe for my pet?
While these treats are delightful for humans, they are not suitable for pets. The chocolate and sugar can be harmful to dogs and other pets, so it's best to keep them for human enjoyment only. You might consider making a pet-friendly treat instead, like pumpkin puree biscuits designed just for your furry friends!
Irresistibly Indulgent S’mores Hand Pies You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped chocolate, miniature marshmallows, and half of the crushed graham crackers.
- Roll out your refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface and cut out circles using a 3-inch cookie cutter.
- Take half of the dough circles and place about 1 tablespoon of the s'mores filling in the center.
- Moisten the edges of each filled dough circle with a little water and place the remaining circles on top, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd, and air fry for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Once cooked, let the S’mores Hand Pies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
