Pin it
If you crave all the gooey goodness of classic s’mores without the hassle of building a fire, these hand pies are the answer. Picture flaky pie crust stuffed with melty chocolate, pillowy marshmallow, and crunchy graham cracker all bundled into a perfectly portioned treat. They are quick enough for a weeknight but fun enough to steal the spotlight at parties.
My kids beg for these every camping season and the recipe has even become our rainy day tradition. I first made these on a weekend when we could not barbecue, and they disappeared so fast I had to hide a few for myself in the pantry.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pie dough: Brings flaky texture and saves prep time. Look for doughs with butter for richer flavor.
- Chocolate bars: Choose your favorite chocolate for the filling. Chop for even melting. Dark or milk both work.
- Miniature marshmallows: Classic s’mores flavor and easy portioning. Stay soft after baking.
- Crushed graham crackers: Authentic flavor and signature crunch. Crush by hand for a rustic finish. Use half for filling and half for topping.
- Salted butter: Melts for the golden topping. Choose quality butter for depth of taste.
- Water: Helps seal the pies tight for the perfect bake.
- Chocolate syrup: For serving. Optional but makes them extra decadent.
- Marshmallow cream: For serving. Optional and adds fun for dipping.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Dough:
- Let the refrigerated pie crusts sit at room temperature as directed on the package to prevent cracking. Roll out and cut as many three inch circles as you can using a cookie cutter. Place the cuts close together so you do not waste dough.
- Make the S’mores Filling:
- Combine chopped chocolate, mini marshmallows and half the crushed graham crackers in a bowl. Mix until evenly blended. If you want extra gooey centers, add a bit more chocolate.
- Fill and Seal the Mini Pies:
- Spoon one tablespoon of filling onto half the dough circles. Moisten the edge of each filled circle lightly with water using your finger. Place another dough circle on top. Seal by pinching gently, then press edges with a fork as decoration and to prevent leaks.
- Butter and Top the Pies:
- Brush tops of sealed pies with melted salted butter. Sprinkle with reserved crushed graham cracker crumbs for crunch and appearance.
- Air Fry the Mini S’mores Pies:
- Preheat air fryer at three hundred fifty degrees F for five minutes. Spray basket with nonstick spray so pies do not stick. Arrange two to four pies at a time with space between so air circulates. Air fry for ten minutes or until crust is golden and filling melted. Remove and cool on a wire rack. For even more crunch, let pies cook one extra minute but do not walk away or they can burn.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces:
- Arrange cooled pies on a platter. Serve with chocolate syrup and marshmallow cream on the side for dipping. These are best warm so the fillings are lush and stretchy.
I love using dark chocolate for a little edge to balance the sweetness and it always reminds me of my grandpa’s campfire s’mores from our summers at the lake. Watching my kids dust the tops with graham cracker crumbs makes this a recipe full of nostalgia for all of us.
Storage Tips
Let leftover hand pies cool completely before storing. Pop them into an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked pies flat in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, air fry directly from frozen adding one to two extra minutes to the cooking time.
Ingredient Substitutions
No mini marshmallows? Use large marshmallows cut into quarters or marshmallow bits. Dairy free? Try vegan chocolate and a coconut oil based pie crust. Gluten free? Swap traditional crust and crackers for gluten free versions. Yes, you will get all the classic taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pile on a big platter and let everyone grab their own or skewer them on lollipop sticks for parties. Pair with bowls of fresh berries or drizzle the pies with extra melted chocolate. For a nostalgic feel, wrap warm pies in parchment paper and serve by a backyard bonfire.
Cultural and Historical Notes
S’mores have been a staple in American campfire culture since the nineteen twenties. Thanks to clever home cooks we can now enjoy those layers of flavor any time of year in hand pie form. Air frying gives you that lightly soothed filling and golden crust just like the original fireside treat.
Seasonal Adaptations
In late fall, swap graham crackers for crushed ginger snaps. Use white chocolate or peanut butter cups in the candy filling for a twist. At holidays, add rainbow sprinkles to the graham cracker topping for a festive look.
Helpful Recipe Notes
Air fryers vary in power so check your pies at eight minutes the first time to avoid burning. If your dough gets warm and sticky chill for ten minutes before moving on. Dipping sauces are optional but always make things fun for kids.
Success Stories
My neighbor made these for a family movie night and reported absolutely no leftovers. Every single person came back for seconds. I have served these at birthday parties and they were the first tray to empty. These hand pies also ship well for care packages and classroom treats.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Before air frying, freeze assembled hand pies on a tray then store in a zip top bag. They go straight from freezer to air fryer for a warm treat in minutes. Great for hectic schedules or surprise guests.
These s’mores hand pies are a nostalgic treat you can make anytime. Warm from the air fryer, they are an instant hit at gatherings or for family fun.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use homemade pie dough?
Yes, homemade dough works well. Just roll out to similar thickness and chill before cutting.
- → Can these be baked instead of air fried?
Absolutely. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and filling is melted.
- → Can I add peanut butter or other ingredients?
Yes! Peanut butter, caramel chips, or sliced bananas can be added for extra flavor.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.
- → How do I prevent hand pies from leaking?
Moisten edges with water before sealing and press firmly with a fork to fully close the crusts.