Chef Mitchell preparing Buttery S'mores Hand Pies
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered the joy of s'mores during summer camping trips as a child. After years of perfecting my pie crust, I decided to fuse that nostalgia with my love for baking. These Buttery S'mores Hand Pies are a delightful homage to those campfire evenings, making it possible to enjoy that classic flavor anytime. Each bite brings back fond memories while satisfying my sweet tooth!"

Chef Mitchell has spent over a decade mastering American cuisine, with a special focus on desserts. His innovative recipes have garnered a loyal following, making him a sought-after expert in the culinary community. He believes desserts should be both enjoyable to make and eat, bringing joy to every gathering.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Buttery S'mores Hand Pies served on a plate

Why This Buttery S'mores Hand Pies Recipe Works

This recipe combines the nostalgia of classic s'mores with the convenience of hand-held pies. The buttery crust is flaky and crisp, creating the perfect vessel for the gooey filling of melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that is both delicious and impressive.

The technique of sealing the edges ensures that the filling stays intact, allowing each bite to be filled with flavor. By using high-quality chocolate and fresh marshmallows, you elevate these hand pies to a gourmet treat. The baking process melds the flavors beautifully, ensuring that each pie is a delightful surprise.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the pies just before baking. This enhances the flavor and adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the filling. Additionally, ensure your butter is well-chilled to achieve the flakiest crust possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the hand pies ahead of time. Assemble them and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, and they will bake up fresh when you are ready to serve. You can also freeze them before baking for up to 3 months. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

If you prefer a different flavor, consider using caramel, Nutella, or even peanut butter chips as a filling. You can also experiment with a mix of different chocolates, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to suit your taste. Just be sure to maintain a similar consistency for the filling.

The hand pies are done when they are golden brown and have a slightly firm exterior. You can also check for any oozing chocolate or marshmallow filling; if it's bubbling out, they are ready to come out of the oven. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot filling.

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked hand pies for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container. When you're ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

These hand pies are perfect on their own, but you can enhance the experience by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A fresh berry compote also adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat.

In the fridge, Buttery S'mores Hand Pies can last for about 3-4 days. Ensure they are stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh. However, for the best taste and texture, it is advised to enjoy them within the first couple of days.

Yes, these hand pies can be made in advance. You can either freeze the assembled pies or prepare the filling and dough ahead of time. Just make sure to keep everything refrigerated until you are ready to bake, ensuring optimal freshness and flavor.

To reheat, place the hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the crust crispy while reheating the filling. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but be cautious to not make the crust soggy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the hand pies turn out dry, it might be due to overbaking.

Solution: Ensure to keep a close eye on the baking time and check for doneness when they are golden brown. Also, consider using a bit more butter in the dough for added moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the crust isn’t crispy, it may be due to not enough cold butter or not rolling the dough thin enough.

Solution: Ensure your butter is very cold and that the dough is rolled out to the recommended thickness. You can also brush the tops with egg wash for a golden, crispy finish.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked hand pies will have a burnt outer crust.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, set a timer and check on the pies a few minutes before the suggested baking time. If they look golden but are not slightly firm to the touch, they may be ready.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the pies is undercooked, it could be a sign of too thick dough or insufficient baking time.

Recovery: Ensure the dough is rolled out evenly and thinly. If you suspect they are undercooked, return them to the oven for a few more minutes until heated through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can occur due to high oven temperature or uneven baking.

Prevention: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through to promote even baking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the pies are too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavor.

Too Salty: To fix overly salty pies, you can add a touch of sugar to the filling to counter the saltiness.

Bland: If the filling is bland, enhance it with a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added depth.

Fresh ingredients for Buttery S'mores Hand Pies

Essential Ingredients for Buttery S'mores Hand Pies

Key ingredients include all-purpose flour for the crust, high-quality chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. The butter is the star of the crust, providing that flaky texture we love. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

When selecting ingredients, opt for high-quality chocolate and fresh marshmallows for the best results. The freshness of your ingredients can greatly impact the final taste. Always use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning in your hand pies.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Butter: Using cold, unsalted butter is essential for achieving a flaky crust. Cut the butter into small pieces and incorporate it quickly to avoid warming it up. This ensures the layers in the dough remain distinct, resulting in a perfect texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for the filling. Dark chocolate provides a rich flavor, while semi-sweet adds a lovely sweetness. You can even mix different types for a unique taste experience.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Using mini marshmallows ensures that they melt evenly and fill the pies perfectly. If you prefer a toasted flavor, consider lightly toasting them before adding to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Cooking process for Buttery S'mores Hand Pies

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Buttery S'mores Hand Pies is straightforward and enjoyable. Begin by preparing the dough and allowing it to chill, which helps create a flakier texture. Then, roll out the dough and fill it with your chosen ingredients, sealing them well to prevent leaks during baking.

Baking the pies until golden brown allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Cooling them slightly before serving ensures that the filling is not too hot, making them easier to eat. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delightful dessert everyone will love.

Key Technique for Perfect Buttery S'mores Hand Pies

The most crucial technique for making perfect Buttery S'mores Hand Pies is to keep your ingredients cold. This applies especially to the butter when making the dough, as it contributes to the flakiness of the crust. Also, sealing the edges properly ensures that the filling stays intact during baking, delivering a delightful treat with every bite.

Buttery S'mores Hand Pies

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For the crust
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
    Chilled
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To balance sweetness
  • 1/4 cup cold water
    To bind the dough
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
    Rich filling
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
    Fluffy sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Flavor enhancer
  • 1 egg
    For egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon milk
    To mix with egg
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
    For extra flavor
  • Powdered sugar
    For dusting

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough

    In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in chilled butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cold water until dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

  2. Prepare Filling

    In a bowl, mix chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and vanilla extract until combined.

  3. Roll Out Dough

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.

  4. Fill the Pies

    Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of half the circles. Brush edges with beaten egg. Top with remaining circles and seal by pressing edges with a fork.

  5. Prepare for Baking

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  6. Brush and Bake

    Brush the tops of the hand pies with a mixture of beaten egg and milk. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

  7. Cool and Dust

    Allow the pies to cool for 10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

  8. Serve and Enjoy

    Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallow goodness!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To ensure your Buttery S'mores Hand Pies stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them once they have cooled completely. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Serving Suggestions

These hand pies are delightful on their own, but serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the treat. You can also pair them with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. Fresh berries also make a lovely accompaniment, adding a refreshing contrast.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Instead of chocolate chips and marshmallows, you can use peanut butter and banana, or even fruit preserves. For a twist, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for added warmth and flavor.