Alright, flavor adventurers, buckle up! I’m about to drop a recipe bomb on you that will absolutely redefine your dessert game. These aren’t your grandma’s tea party pastries, oh no. We’re talking Smores Hand Pies – the kind of treat that makes you want to do a happy dance right then and there!
The exact moment I knew these Smores Hand Pies were destined for Cuba Queen greatness? My neighbor, usually the picture of composure, literally gasped after the first bite. “Quinn,” she said, eyes wide, “this tastes like childhood and a campfire had a baby!” And THAT, my friends, is the Cuba Queen stamp of approval.
These Smores Hand Pies aren’t just dessert; they’re an experience. They perfectly embody my Cuba Queen philosophy: bold flavors, unexpected twists, and making every single bite count. I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, ensuring it’s both ridiculously delicious and totally achievable for flavor adventurers of all skill levels. Get ready to bring some campfire magic to your kitchen – let’s get baking!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
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- 1 box (14.4 oz) Graham Crackers: Crushed into fine crumbs (about 1 1/2 cups). The secret to an epic Smores Hand Pies crust!
- 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Melted. Splurge on good-quality butter here – trust me!
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps bind the crust.
- 1/4 tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark, your call. I personally prefer dark chocolate for that extra oomph.
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows: The classic Smores Hand Pies ingredient!
- 1 large Egg: Beaten, for egg wash.
- Optional: Coarse Sugar: For sprinkling on top before baking.
This Smores Hand Pies ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!
Here’s the game-changer that will blow your mind: Instead of using pre-made pie crust (which is totally fine in a pinch), we’re building our crust from scratch using graham crackers. This gives our Smores Hand Pies that authentic s’mores flavor from top to bottom. You’ll find the best graham crackers for this Smores Hand Pies at your local grocery store, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands!
And for an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to your graham cracker crust. It adds a warm, cozy note that perfectly complements the chocolate and marshmallow. I always have cinnamon available. I store my ground cinnamon in a cool dry space for optimized flavor and zest.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prep the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. This is the foundation of your amazing Smores Hand Pies, so make sure it’s perfect.
- Assemble the Pies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your graham cracker dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut out circles. This is where your Smores Hand Pies transforms into pure magic.
- Fill ‘Em Up: Place half of the graham cracker circles on the prepared baking sheet. Top each circle with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, leaving a small border around the edge. Pro tip for Smores Hand Pies perfection: don’t overfill! Too much filling will cause the pies to burst during baking.
- Seal the Deal: Place the remaining graham cracker circles on top of the filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges of each pie, sealing them tightly. This step is crucial to prevent marshmallow mayhem in your oven.
- Egg Wash & Bake: Brush the top of each pie with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the marshmallows are melted and gooey. In my kitchen, this Smores Hand Pies takes exactly 13 minutes to achieve that perfect golden-brown hue.
- Cool & Devour: Let the Smores Hand Pies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. But honestly, who can wait that long? Dig in while they’re still warm and gooey!
Here’s where most people mess up their Smores Hand Pies – but not you! Don’t skip the egg wash! It’s what gives these pies that beautiful, glossy finish. Also, keep a close eye on them while they’re baking. Marshmallows can go from perfectly melted to burnt in a matter of seconds!
While your Smores Hand Pies are working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! I love to share photos of food, and seeing peoples takes on my recipes makes me happy. Make sure to tag me so I can see them.
PRESENTATION:
These Smores Hand Pies absolutely slay at dinner parties! Arrange them artfully on a platter, maybe with a sprinkle of extra graham cracker crumbs or a drizzle of melted chocolate. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Smores Hand Pies at a casual get-together, too, these never fail to impress.
For a truly unforgettable experience, serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream against the warm, gooey Smores Hand Pies is a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget. Or, pair them with a steaming mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
If you have any leftover Smores Hand Pies (which is highly unlikely), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that gooey goodness.
These Mini s’mores pies are especially perfect for backyard BBQs, camping trips, or any occasion where you want to bring a little bit of campfire magic to the table. They’re also a fantastic treat to bake with kids – they’ll love getting their hands dirty and creating these delicious pies. This reminds me of my Creamy Turkey Pot Mini Pies. They are great for gatherings as well.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this Smores Hand Pies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the pies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the crust is fully cooked.
Q: What if I don’t have graham crackers?
A: While graham crackers are essential for that authentic s’mores flavor, you can substitute them with digestive biscuits or even crushed shortbread cookies in your Smores Hand Pies. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate?
A: Of course! Milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination of different chocolates would work well in this recipe. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite flavor combo for Smores Hand Pies.
Q: How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the pies while they’re baking, and if you notice the marshmallows are browning too quickly, tent the baking sheet with foil. You can also try using larger marshmallows, as they tend to melt more slowly.
Q: What if my crust is too dry?
A: If your graham cracker crust seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of melted butter until it reaches the right consistency. The crust should be moist enough to hold together when pressed. I have had to adjust mine a couple of times due to variations in butter.
Q: Can I add any other fillings to my Smores Hand Pies?
A: Get creative! Peanut butter, Nutella, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of sea salt would all be delicious additions to these pies. Feel free to customize the filling to your liking! My followers love to add peanut butter, maybe you will like it too!
Q: How do I know when my Smores Hand Pies is perfectly done?
A: The pies are done when the crust is golden brown and the marshmallows are melted and gooey. The chocolate chips should also be melted and slightly softened. Be careful not to overbake, as the crust can become dry and the marshmallows can burn. It is really a recipe that you can adapt to your particular oven so do not be afraid to test it out.
CONCLUSION:
These Smores Hand Pies represent everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, playful twists on classic recipes, and creating moments of pure joy through food. It reminds me of my Halloween Whoopie Pies Treat These are easy to share, and there is a lot you can do with them.
My Smores Hand Pies Power Tips:
- Don’t skimp on the quality of your chocolate! Good chocolate makes a huge difference in the overall flavor.
- Crimp those edges TIGHT! Nobody wants a marshmallow explosion in their oven.
- Serve them warm! These pies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the marshmallows are melted and gooey.
And if you are looking for more smore goodness, you can try Princess Pinky Girl recipe S’mores Hand Pies with graham cracker crust. This recipe will also guide you in how to make your own crust.
Variations I’ve created and loved:
- Peanut Butter Smores Hand Pies: Add a layer of peanut butter to the filling for a salty-sweet twist.
- Salted Caramel Smores Hand Pies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallows and sprinkle with sea salt before baking.
- Mexican Chocolate Smores Hand Pies: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper to the graham cracker crust for a spicy kick.
These Campfire hand pies are fun to make, so you can try other variations too. But the Salted Caramel Smores Hand Pies gets the biggest reactions, I have to say. People go absolutely nuts for that salty-sweet combination.
I have absolute confidence in you that you will nail this recipe. What you are waiting for? Make this Smores Hand Pies your signature dish, and prepare to become the hero of every potluck and party! You can ask for some cheap meal ideas from groups to make your gathering even more special. Check out these S’mores pie recipe with graham cracker crust.
Now go forth and create some Smores Hand Pies memories! Don’t forget to share your results with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! I love to compare notes with my fellow flavor adventurers! If you want to see another delicious option, you can get some ideas from Facebook Groups Mini S’mores Pies Recipe
Smores Hand Pies
Enjoy the classic campfire treat in a portable, handheld form! These Smores Hand Pies are filled with gooey marshmallow, melted chocolate, and graham cracker crumbs, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pre-made pie crusts
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll pie crusts on a lightly floured surface.
- Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a knife, cut out circles from the pie crusts. You should get about 6-8 circles per crust.
- In a small bowl, combine mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs.
- Place a spoonful of the marshmallow mixture in the center of half of the pie crust circles.
- Top with the remaining pie crust circles. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg wash.
- Sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat!