S’mores Rolls


In the soft warmth of your kitchen, as the sun dips low, imagine a dessert that conjures memories of laughter around a campfire. Gooey S’mores Rolls are a delightful marriage of nostalgia and culinary artistry, enveloping you in the comforting embrace of melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows. With each bite, a melody of flavors dances upon your palate, awakening the soul to the simple joys of life.

Why make this recipe
Creating these rolls is an act of love, a delicate balance of textures and flavors that reinvents the classic s’mores experience. The warm, pillowy dough cradles sweet chocolate and the crunch of graham crackers, all generously topped with a cloud-like meringue. Each roll tells a story, inviting you to pause, savor, and share in the sweet moments that connect us all.

How to make Gooey S’mores Rolls

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Milk (lukewarm)
  • 1/4 cup Water (lukewarm)
  • 2 1/4 tsp Instant Yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/8 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/8 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1/3 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
  • 2 large Egg Whites (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/8 tsp Cream of Tartar
  • 1/8 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (divided)

Directions:
Dough Preparation
In a quaint bowl, cradle the warm milk and water together before gently whisking in the instant yeast and sugar. Allow this mixture to bloom for a few moments, waking the yeast from its slumber. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt, creating a canvas of dry ingredients. Once the yeast has come alive, pour it into the flour, adding half of the soft, melted butter. With a tender hand, bring these elements together until a dough begins to form, either by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead the mixture until it becomes smooth and elastic, immersing yourself in its silky texture. Let it rest in a covered bowl for an hour, letting it rise and double in size.

Filling Preparation
As the dough rises, melt the remaining butter and combine it harmoniously with the heavy cream, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs. This mixture, rich and gooey, will create the perfect filling for your rolls—a decadent reminder of the campfire treat we all hold dear.

Assembly
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently, releasing the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, inviting you to fill it with the embracing chocolate concoction. Spread the filling over the dough, rolling it up tightly from the long edge. Slice the roll into generous pieces, ensuring that each will be filled with those nostalgic flavors of s’mores.

Baking
Place these sweet rolls in a baking dish, each nestled cozily next to the other, and let them rise once more for about thirty minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) as the aroma of expectations fills the air. Bake until the tops are golden and your kitchen is filled with a scent that whispers of childhood adventures, approximately 25-30 minutes.

Meringue Topping
Whip the egg whites with cream of tartar and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form, then gradually incorporate sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the meringue stands tall and glossy. Once your rolls emerge from their baking sanctuary, spoon the meringue atop them, creating soft peaks that will crisp during the final moments in the oven. Return to the heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching closely as the meringue turns a delicate golden hue.

Finalizing Rolls
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few moments, allowing the excitement to build. Each roll, adorned with meringue pirouettes, beckons for admiration.

How to serve Gooey S’mores Rolls
Serve warm, allowing the meringue to glisten with its sweet promise. Perhaps, alongside a cup of steaming coffee or a glass of milk, a delightful accompaniment that enhances the indulgence. Invite your loved ones to partake, sharing the joy in every luscious bite.

How to store Gooey S’mores Rolls
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, and reheat gently in the oven, regaining that tender warmth.

Tips to make Gooey S’mores Rolls

  • Ensure your milk and water are lukewarm, as this activates the yeast effortlessly.
  • Play with the filling—add caramel bits or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra depth.
  • Experiment with different types of chocolate; dark chocolate adds a marvelous richness.

Variations
For a seasonal twist, consider adding a hint of peppermint extract to the filling during the winter holidays or incorporating fruit preserves for a vibrant summer rendition.

FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, indeed! Prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before continuing.

What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
You can substitute with digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a unique flair.

Can I freeze the rolls after baking?
Absolutely! Once cooled, freeze the rolls in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven before serving for their delightful warmth.

In the gentle act of creating these Gooey S’mores Rolls, we embrace the beauty of baking—a union of patience, love, and the alluring promise of blissful indulgence.

Gooey S'mores Rolls

Delightful rolls filled with melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and a graham cracker crunch, topped with a sweet meringue.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup Milk (lukewarm)
  • 1/4 cup Water (lukewarm)
  • 2 1/4 tsp Instant Yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided) Half for the dough and half for the filling
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/8 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Filling
  • 1/8 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1/3 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
Meringue Topping
  • 2 large Egg Whites (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/8 tsp Cream of Tartar
  • 1/8 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (divided) Half for meringue and half for dough

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine lukewarm milk and water, then whisk in instant yeast and sugar. Let bloom.
  2. In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
  3. Pour yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, add half of the melted butter, and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rest covered for an hour.
Filling Preparation
  1. Melt the remaining butter and mix with heavy cream, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs.
Assembly
  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle.
  2. Spread the filling over the dough and roll tightly from the long edge.
  3. Slice into pieces and place in a baking dish.
Baking
  1. Let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden.
Meringue Topping
  1. Whip egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form.
  2. Gradually add sugar and vanilla, beating until glossy peaks form.
  3. Spoon meringue on rolls and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden.
Finalizing Rolls
  1. Cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

For best results, use lukewarm liquids to activate yeast. Variations include adding peppermint extract or fruit preserves.