Imagine the rush of nostalgia as you bite into a warm, gooey S’mores Roll, the rich chocolate melting against the sweet, toasted meringue. There’s something utterly delightful about combining the beloved flavors of a campfire treat with the comforting embrace of freshly baked bread. After a particularly long week filled with fast food and uninspired meals, I decided it was time to whisk away the mundane and create something that not only satisfied my sweet tooth but also embraced the nostalgic essence of outdoor adventures.
These S’mores Rolls are a playful twist on traditional rolls, making them the perfect addition to any family gathering or weekend brunch. While they may look like they’ve been crafted by a professional pastry chef, the truth is they come together easily and are ready to impress in less than an hour. Whether you’re baking for yourself, a loved one, or just indulging in a little self-care, these soft, fluffy rolls, bursting with chocolate and graham cracker goodness, promise to transport you straight back to those carefree summer nights under the stars. Let’s get baking!
Why are S’mores Rolls the Ultimate Treat?
Nostalgic Flavor: Savor the essence of campfire nights with gooey chocolate and toasted meringue in each bite.
Easily Made: Crafted in under an hour, this recipe simplifies homemade treats without skimping on taste.
Crowd Favorite: Perfect for gatherings, these rolls charm both adults and kids alike, making them a hit at any brunch or dinner.
Gourmet Presentation: With their beautiful layers and delightful toppings, they look impressive and taste even better—without any special skills required!
Versatile Pairing: Enjoy them as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, making them a delightful option for any time of day.
Self-Care Indulgence: Treat yourself to these delectable rolls—a cozy way to break the cycle of fast food!
S’mores Rolls Ingredients
• Gather your treasures for the ultimate comfort treat!
For the Dough
• Milk – This lukewarm milk helps activate the yeast, making the dough soft and fluffy.
• Water – Lukewarm water complements the milk, contributing to the dough’s perfect texture.
• Instant Yeast – Vital for fluffiness, this yeast creates that delightful rise in your S’mores Rolls.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for a better rise.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure; don’t substitute with whole wheat for the fluffiest outcome.
• Unsalted Butter – Brings richness; use melted for a silkier dough and topping.
• Salt – Balances flavors and enhances sweetness in your rolls.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds a chocolatey depth to the dough, making each bite special.
For the Chocolate Filling
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Enriches the filling; gives it a luscious, creamy texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Add them for that melty, gooey goodness that defines a S’mores Roll.
• Granulated Sugar – A hint more sweetness to brighten the chocolate filling.
• Unsalted Butter – Improves texture in the filling; don’t skip this for extra creaminess.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor and brings warmth to the chocolate experience.
• Salt – A pinch elevates sweet flavors and balances richness.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs – These add the classic S’mores crunch and flavor, so don’t leave them out!
For the Meringue Topping
• Egg Whites – Fresh, room-temperature whites whip up easily for a fluffy meringue.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and stability to the meringue; adding slowly ensures a perfect texture.
• Cream of Tartar – Essential for stabilizing the meringue, helping it hold peaks beautifully.
• Salt – Just a touch enhances the sweetness and helps your meringue whip perfectly.
• Vanilla Extract – A splash adds complexity to your meringue, pushing the flavor envelope.
Gather these S’mores Rolls ingredients and let the nostalgia of campfire nights fill your kitchen!
How to Make S’mores Rolls
- Combine all dough ingredients in a stand mixer. Mix until just combined for a soft and gentle start to your roll-making adventure.
- Knead the dough on low speed using the hook attachment for 6-8 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. This is crucial for that perfect fluffy texture.
- Rest the dough on a floured surface, cover it, and let it sit for 15 minutes. This short break allows the gluten to relax for easier rolling.
- Whisk together the filling ingredients (excluding graham cracker crumbs) in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat. Keep whisking until smooth and blended, about 5 minutes.
- Cool the mixture after removing it from the heat. It should be room temperature before spreading, ensuring it won’t melt the dough.
- Coat a 9.5-inch round pan with a flour-based baking spray, ensuring an easy release after baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and roll out the dough into a 10″ x 16″ rectangle. Aim for an even thickness to guarantee uniform cooking and fluffiness.
- Brush half of the melted butter onto the dough, leaving a 1/2” margin at the edges to help seal the rolls.
- Spread the chocolate filling over the dough, leaving 1/2″ from the edge, then generously sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs. A great way to channel that S’mores essence!
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinching seams to seal in all that delicious filling. This creates those delightful swirls!
- Slice off the ends of the log and cut it into 8-10 equal pieces. Place these cut side down in your prepared pan.
- Bake in the oven for 25-28 minutes, or until they are golden brown—a sure sign they’re ready!
- Cool the rolls on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up just enough for easy handling.
- Heat the egg whites and granulated sugar using a bain-marie, whisking until the sugar is dissolved—this forms the base for a lovely meringue.
- Whisk the mixture on high in a stand mixer until soft peaks form. Add cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla, then continue mixing until stiff peaks form.
- Top the warm rolls with the marshmallow meringue, and for an extra touch, toast it under the broiler or with a kitchen blowtorch until golden.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra sweet touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best S’mores Rolls
- Perfect Dough Texture: Ensure your milk and water are lukewarm, not hot, to properly activate the instant yeast for fluffy S’mores Rolls.
- Resting Time Matters: Don’t skip the 15-minute resting period. It relaxes the gluten in the dough, making it easier to roll out.
- Even Spreading: When adding your chocolate filling, keep to the 1/2″ edge. This helps prevent any mess and ensures a nice seal while baking.
- Watch the Bake Time: Check on your rolls around the 25-minute mark. They should be golden brown but not overly darkened for that perfect bake.
- Stabilize the Meringue: Slowly add the sugar while whisking the egg whites. This gives your meringue a silky texture and prevents graininess.
- Toast with Care: If broiling the meringue, keep a close eye to avoid burning. A kitchen blowtorch provides more control for a beautiful golden finish!
What to Serve with S’mores Rolls?
Imagine a cozy gathering where the delightful aroma of freshly baked rolls fills the air, inviting everyone to indulge in sweet comfort and warm flavors.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warmth of the rolls, creating a heavenly contrast that enhances each bite.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries provides a burst of freshness and a pop of color, balancing the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A rich drizzle of melted chocolate over the rolls intensifies the decadent chocolate flavor and adds an elegant finish to the dish.
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Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of a warm cup help to cut through the sweetness, making the meal feel complete while offering a cozy drink to sip on.
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Toasted Almonds: Scatter some crunchy toasted almonds on top of the rolls for an added nutty flavor and texture, elevating the overall dessert experience.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce adds another layer of sweetness and a sophisticated touch that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream brings a delightful creaminess that contrasts with the rich, gooey meringue topping of the rolls, creating a blissful blend of textures.
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Herbal Tea: A calming cup of herbal tea serves as a warm, soothing companion, making the whole experience feel like a cozy hug in a mug.
Make Ahead Options
These S’mores Rolls are an excellent choice for meal prep, making busy weeknights stress-free! To get ahead, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. After kneading the dough, form it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge to prevent over-proofing. The chocolate filling can also be made up to 3 days in advance; just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature, roll it out, fill, and assemble the rolls as usual. You’ll enjoy scrumptious S’mores Rolls just as delightful as on the day they were made!
Storage Tips for S’mores Rolls
Room Temperature: Store leftover S’mores Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness and texture.
Fridge: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Just note that they may dry out slightly.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the rolls in a single layer, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy warm S’mores Rolls again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, just until warm. Enjoy the cozy warmth that brings back those delightful memories!
S’mores Rolls Variations
Feel free to give your S’mores Rolls a personal twist—your kitchen, your rules!
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for fluffy rolls without gluten.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the chocolate filling for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Extra Chocolatey: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough for those who crave even more chocolate goodness.
- Fruit Infusion: Incorporate diced strawberries or raspberries into the filling to add a fruity burst that compliments the chocolate.
- Spice it Up: Mix cinnamon or a hint of cayenne pepper in the chocolate filling for a warming touch of spice.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and coconut oil instead of dairy products for a delicious vegan-friendly version.
- Maple Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle warm rolls with pure maple syrup for a sweet contrast that will make your taste buds dance.
- Mini Rolls: Make bite-sized versions for an easy-to-share dessert—perfect for parties or movie nights!
Get creative and make these S’mores Rolls truly your own!
S’mores Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of milk should I use for the dough?
Absolutely! For the best results, use lukewarm whole milk. Whole milk helps create a richer dough, which contributes to the fluffiness of the S’mores Rolls. If you’re out of whole milk, 2% will also work well; just make sure it’s lukewarm to activate the yeast effectively.
How should I store leftover S’mores Rolls?
To keep your delightful S’mores Rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to extend their life, refrigerate them for up to 5 days; however, they may lose some moisture. Just remember to seal them tightly to maintain their flavor and texture!
Can I freeze S’mores Rolls?
Yes! For longer storage, freeze your S’mores Rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Once you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, returning that fresh baked warmth.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If you find that your dough hasn’t risen properly, check a few things. First, make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired, as old yeast can lead to a lack of rise. Also, ensure your milk and water were lukewarm (between 100-110°F). If the dough was too hot or cold, it could impact yeast activity. Try putting your dough in a warm place — like an oven with the light on — for a better rise.
Are S’mores Rolls suitable for kids and pets?
These S’mores Rolls contain ingredients like sugar and chocolate that could be harmful to pets, so keep them away from furry friends. As for kids, they’re absolutely perfect! Just be cautious with young children around the hot oven and melted ingredients while preparing this joyful treat.
Irresistible S’mores Rolls That Bring Cozy Campfire Vibes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine all dough ingredients in a stand mixer. Mix until just combined for a soft and gentle start to your roll-making adventure.
- Knead the dough on low speed using the hook attachment for 6-8 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Rest the dough on a floured surface, cover it, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and roll out the dough into a 10" x 16" rectangle.
- Brush half of the melted butter onto the dough, leaving a 1/2” margin at the edges.
- Whisk together the filling ingredients (excluding graham cracker crumbs) in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat.
- Spread the chocolate filling over the dough, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, and roll tightly.
- Slice off the ends of the log and cut it into 8-10 equal pieces, placing them cut side down in your prepared pan.
- Bake in the oven for 25-28 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Cool the rolls on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
- Heat the egg whites and granulated sugar using a bain-marie, whisking until the sugar is dissolved.
- Whisk the mixture on high in a stand mixer until soft peaks form. Add cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla.
- Top the warm rolls with the marshmallow meringue.
- Toast under the broiler or with a kitchen blowtorch until golden.
