Nothing evokes the nostalgia of cozy campfire nights quite like s’mores. Imagine capturing that classic trio of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and crunchy graham cracker inside a delicate, flaky crust. These S’mores Hand Pies transform a beloved summer treat into bite-sized pastries perfect for any season.
Crisp on the outside and melty on the inside, these mini delights are easy to make, beginner-friendly, and ideal for sharing with friends or family. Whether you’re indulging at a casual gathering or looking for a sweet snack, these hand pies satisfy that chocolate-marshmallow craving effortlessly.
- Combines traditional s’mores flavors in a portable, mess-free form.
- Uses store-bought pie crust for quick and easy prep.
- Perfectly crispy crust with warm, melty filling every time.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated Pie Crust (14.1 oz, about 400 g): Ready-to-use dough providing a buttery, flaky base for the hand pies.
- Chocolate Bars (2 bars, around 90 g): Chopped into small pieces to ensure even melting and rich chocolate pockets.
- Miniature Marshmallows (1/2 cup, 120 ml): Adds classic gooey sweetness that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Crushed Graham Crackers (3/4 cup, 90 g): Provides a crunchy texture with half used inside filling and half as a topping.
- Melted Salted Butter (2 tablespoons, 28 g): Brushed on top for a golden, flavorful crust and to help crumbs adhere.
- Water: Used to gently moisten dough edges, allowing a secure seal for the pies.
- Chocolate Syrup (optional): For dipping, enhances chocolate flavor and adds indulgence.
- Marshmallow Cream (optional): A creamy dip that amplifies the marshmallow experience.
Instructions
- Bring Pie Dough to Room Temperature
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Remove refrigerated pie crust from packaging and let it sit until softened according to package instructions. This ensures the dough is pliable and easy to cut without cracking.
- Cut Out Dough Circles
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Using a 7.5 cm cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as possible from the dough, spacing cuts closely together to minimize waste and maintain dough integrity.
- Prepare S’mores Filling
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Combine the chopped chocolate bars, miniature marshmallows, and half of the crushed graham crackers in a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to create an even distribution of flavors within the filling.
- Assemble the Mini Hand Pies
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Spoon about one tablespoon of the chocolate and marshmallow mixture onto the center of half of the dough circles. Moisten the edges of these filled rounds lightly with water to act as glue, then place a second dough circle on top and gently press down. Use a fork to firmly seal and crimp the edges, preventing leaks during cooking.
- Brush with Butter and Add Topping
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Apply melted salted butter over the surface of each sealed hand pie with a pastry brush. This adds flavor and encourages browning. Then sprinkle the remaining crushed graham crackers evenly over the top for an appealing crunchy finish.
- Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer
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Set the air fryer to 175°C and allow it to warm for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray to avoid sticking and help with easy removal of pies.
- Air Fry in Batches
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Arrange 2 to 4 hand pies in the basket without letting them touch to ensure even cooking. Air fry for approximately 10 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is melted and gooey. Remove pies to a wire rack to cool slightly between batches.
- Serve with Dips
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Once cooled enough to handle, arrange the s’mores hand pies on a serving platter. Optionally, serve alongside chocolate syrup and marshmallow cream for extra dipping fun and richness.
- Consume these hand pies warm for the best gooey texture and flavor.
- Watch closely during air frying as overcooking can darken the crust rapidly.
- They contain gluten, dairy, and soy; check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the pies either before or after baking, then reheat in a 175°C oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these hand pies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a delightful treat. They are ideal party snacks or a fun dessert for kids and grown-ups alike.
- Use good quality chocolate bars for a richer, smoother melt inside the pies.
- Seal the edges well with water and a fork to prevent filling leaks during air frying.
- Adjust air fryer time slightly depending on your model to avoid over-browning.
FAQs
- Can I bake these in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
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Yes, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and bake on a parchment-lined tray for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
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Use plant-based pie crust, dairy-free chocolate, and vegan marshmallows to adapt this recipe for vegan or dairy-free diets.
- How can I prevent the pies from leaking filling?
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Ensure the dough edges are moistened well and firmly pressed together using a fork to create a tight seal before cooking.
- Can I prepare these hand pies ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble and freeze the pies uncooked. When ready, bake or air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- What’s the best way to chop the chocolate?
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Use a sharp knife to chop chocolate bars into small, evenly-sized pieces to help them melt consistently inside the pies.
- Are there other fillings I could try?
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Yes, you can experiment with peanut butter, caramel bits, or different types of chocolate to create variations on the classic s’mores flavor.
- How do I store leftover pies?
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Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for extended shelf life; reheat before eating.
S’mores Mini Hand Pies
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 wire rack
- 1 pastry brush
- 1 7.5 cm cookie cutter
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust 14.1 oz
- 2 chocolate bars chopped (about 3.2 oz)
- 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
- 3/4 cup crushed graham crackers divided
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
- Water for sealing edges
- Chocolate syrup optional for dipping
- Marshmallow cream optional for dipping
Instructions
- Allow pie dough to reach room temperature and roll out on a clean surface.
- Use a 7.5 cm cookie cutter to cut out dough circles, spacing closely.
- In a bowl, combine chopped chocolate, miniature marshmallows, and half of the crushed graham crackers.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of half the dough circles.
- Brush edges with water, then top each filled circle with a second dough circle and seal with a fork.
- Brush each mini pie with melted salted butter and sprinkle with remaining crushed graham crackers.
- Preheat air fryer to 175°C (350°F) for 5 minutes and lightly spray basket with oil.
- Cook 2-4 pies at a time, air frying for 10 minutes or until golden and filling is melted.
- Cool pies on a wire rack before serving.
- Serve warm with optional chocolate syrup and marshmallow cream for dipping.
Notes
- Eat fresh and warm for best flavor and texture.
- Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.
- Freeze baked or unbaked pies for longer storage.
- Reheat frozen pies in 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
- Watch carefully to avoid overcooking air fryer pies.
