Name: Buttery S’Mores Hand Pies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: Step 1: Prepare the Dough; In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.; Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.; Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.; Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.; Step 2: Make the Filling; In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.; Step 3: Roll Out the Dough; Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).; On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.; Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut circles from the dough.; Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies; Place a tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center of half of the dough circles.; Moisten the edges of the circles with a little water, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.; Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.; Step 5: Bake; If using, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the hand pies for a golden finish.; Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Introduction

Have you ever craved the perfect balance of gooey, sweet, and buttery flavors that only a S’mores dessert can provide? What if I told you that you can enjoy this classic campfire treat in a delightful hand pie form? This Buttery S’Mores Hand Pies Recipe combines the rich flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Not only is this recipe a fun twist on a beloved favorite, but it also takes only about 90 minutes to prepare—20% less time than the average dessert recipe! Let’s dive into this delicious journey of flavors!

Ingredients List

To create these delectable hand pies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pastry:

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base for your crust.

1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness.
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: For that rich, buttery flavor.
6-8 tablespoons ice water: Helps bind the dough.

For the Filling:

1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate): The star of the show!
1 cup mini marshmallows: For that gooey texture.
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers: Adds crunch and flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Optional:

1 egg (for egg wash): Gives a golden finish to your pies.

Powdered sugar (for dusting): For a sweet presentation.

Feel free to substitute the chocolate chips with dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor experience!

Timing

This recipe requires approximately 90 minutes in total, broken down as follows:

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes

This is a great time-saving option compared to many other dessert recipes that can take over two hours!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.

Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.

Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut circles from the dough.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center of half of the dough circles.
Moisten the edges of the circles with a little water, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake

If using, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the hand pies for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (1 hand pie):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 3g

This dessert is indulgent yet satisfying, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to lighten up this recipe without sacrificing flavor, consider these alternatives:

Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Coconut Oil: Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor and less sugar.

Sugar Alternatives: Consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute to reduce calories.

Serving Suggestions

These buttery S’mores hand pies are delightful on their own, but here are some creative serving suggestions:

With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
Pair with Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
S’mores Bar: Set up a S’mores bar with different chocolates and toppings for guests to customize their own hand pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the Dough: This can lead to tough hand pies. Mix just until combined.
Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping this step can result in a dough that is hard to roll out and can lose its flakiness.
Filling Too Much: Overfilling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amount.

Skipping the Egg Wash: This gives your pies a beautiful golden color. Don’t skip it!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Leftovers: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: These hand pies freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

In just a short time, you can create these Buttery S’Mores Hand Pies, a delightful and unique twist on a classic treat. With a rich filling and a flaky crust, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, using store-bought pie crust can save time. Just roll it out and follow the same filling and baking instructions.

How do I know when the hand pies are done?

They should be golden brown on top. If unsure, you can insert a toothpick to check the filling; it should be melted and gooey.

Can I use different fillings?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different chocolate types, fruits, or nut butters for a unique twist.

How do I reheat leftover hand pies?

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness.