S’mores Hand Pies – The Best No-Campfire Dessert for Summer & Parties!

Introduction

Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of summer fun without needing a campfire – introducing S’mores Hand Pies, the perfect treat for warm weather gatherings and parties. These adorable pastries are filled with the classic combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, all neatly packaged in a flaky, buttery crust. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand. Whether you’re a fan of traditional s’mores or just looking for a creative dessert to impress your friends and family, these hand pies are sure to be a hit.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, all using everyday ingredients.
• Ease of preparation: With a simple filling and a store-bought or homemade pie crust, these hand pies come together quickly and effortlessly.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite their simplicity, S’mores Hand Pies look and taste like a professional dessert, making them perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any summer celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 package of pie crust (homemade or store-bought, enough for 12 hand pies)
• 1 cup of milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup of marshmallows (mini or regular, depending on preference)
• 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Roll out the pie crust to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out circles of dough using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, about 3-4 inches in diameter. You should be able to get 12 circles.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the chocolate chips, marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
4. Step 4: Place a tablespoon or two of the chocolate-marshmallow mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Fold the other half over the filling to form a half-circle, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
5. Step 5: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each pie. Brush the tops with a little bit of milk or beaten egg for a golden glaze.
6. Step 6: Bake the hand pies for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• For an extra golden crust, brush the hand pies with egg wash before baking.
• Don’t overfill the hand pies, as the filling can expand during baking and cause the pies to burst open.
• Consider using different types of chocolate or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for a unique twist.

Heat Control

Baking the hand pies at the right temperature is crucial. Aim for 375°F (190°C) and keep an eye on them after 12 minutes. The pies are done when they’re golden brown and firm to the touch. If you prefer a crisper crust, you can bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to overbake.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these hand pies comes from the graham cracker crumbs in the filling and the flaky pie crust. To enhance the crunch, make sure to not overmix the filling, and chill the assembled hand pies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking to help the crust hold its shape.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
• Chill the pie crust in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to prevent it from shrinking during baking.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the hand pies to steam instead of bake, resulting in a soggy crust.

Storage Tips

• Store the baked hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freeze the assembled but unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Bake frozen hand pies for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Reheat the hand pies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their freshness.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These hand pies are perfect for gifting, especially during the summer months. Consider packaging them in cute paper bags, twine-tied bundles, or even mason jars filled with a few hand pies and some extra graham crackers and chocolate chips. You can also add a personalized note or a sprinkle of edible glitter on top for a special touch.

Flavor Variations

• Try using different types of chocolate, such as white, dark, or mint, for a unique twist.
• Add some toasted nuts or shredded coconut to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Use flavored extracts, like almond or orange, to give the hand pies a distinct taste.

Troubleshooting

• If the hand pies are too brown, it may be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes, and cover the edges with foil if necessary.
• If the filling is oozing out during baking, it could be because the hand pies were overfilled or the crust was not sealed properly.
• If the crust is not flaky, it may be due to overworking the dough or not chilling it long enough.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the hand pies? Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked hand pies for up to 2 months. Bake frozen hand pies for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe uses traditional pie crust and graham crackers, which contain gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free alternatives for a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more hand pies. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

S’mores Hand Pies are the perfect dessert for summer gatherings and parties. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are sure to impress your friends and family. With these handy tips, flavor variations, and storage ideas, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and memorable treat. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness of s’mores in a whole new way!