I make these warm rolls on cool nights when we want a simple dessert. I like that they use a few pantry items and take little fuss. I bake them after dinner or when friends stop by. They heat fast and taste best fresh from the oven.
Gooey S’mores Rolls: A Cozy Warm Dessert Adventure joined our weeknight list for quick treats. The rolls fill the house with a small, sweet smell. I slice and serve them warm. They fit simple plans and small crowds.
This recipe shows a soft dough filled with chocolate and marshmallow. The final buns are warm, gooey, and a bit crisp on the edges. People often make this dish for casual evenings, small parties, or a family dessert after dinner. For a similar warm dessert idea that uses fruit and spice, see the cozy apple crisp recipe for serving tips.
Why make this recipe
This dish saves time and uses common items. The dough can be mixed ahead or bought ready to roll. The bake time is short, so you get warm dessert fast. The flavors are sweet, chocolatey, and familiar. You can change fillings and make a small pan or a larger batch. If you want a small sweet bite to add to a spread, try a bite-size dessert idea to mix with these rolls.
How to make this recipe
Gooey S’mores Rolls: A Cozy Warm Dessert Adventure starts with a soft yeast dough. You roll the dough thin, spread a cocoa and chocolate mix, then add crackers and marshmallow bits. Roll it up and slice into rounds. Let the rolls rise a bit, then bake until golden and gooey. Expect a short rise and a quick bake. The main work is rolling and filling. Cool a little before you serve so the filling sets but stays soft.
Ingredients
1/2 cup milk (whole milk for extra richness) — makes the dough tender.
1/3 cup water (lukewarm (98°F-105°F)) — wakes the yeast.
2 teaspoons instant yeast (can substitute with active dry yeast) — helps the dough rise.
1/4 cup granulated sugar (boosts sweetness) — feeds yeast and sweetens dough.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (forms the dough structure) — main body of dough.
1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted) — adds fat and softness.
1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor) — balances sweetness.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (ensure it’s unsweetened) — gives chocolate base.
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (contributes creaminess) — helps filling be smooth.
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (rich chocolate experience) — melts into pockets.
1/4 cup granola cracker crumbs (finely crushed) — adds crunch like graham crackers.
4 large egg whites (at room temperature) — for whipped topping or meringue.
1 cup granulated sugar (for stability) — sweetens and stabilizes egg whites.
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (stabilizes egg whites) — helps peaks hold.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds flavor) — rounds the taste.
These parts work together for dough, filling, and a light whipped top. For a warm breakfast idea with similar pantry use, view the breakfast casserole idea.
Directions
- Mix milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy.
- Stir in butter, salt, and most flour. Knead until smooth. Rest the dough until it doubles.
- Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread cocoa mix and cream. Sprinkle chocolate chips and cracker crumbs.
- Roll tightly and slice into rolls. Place in a greased pan. Let rise 20–30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F until golden and set. Cool slightly before topping.
- Notes: Letting the dough rest makes soft rolls. Don’t overfill or the rolls leak. For a warm snack pairing, consider a bowl of butter bean soup on the side.
How to serve this recipe
Gooey S’mores Rolls: A Cozy Warm Dessert Adventure work best warm. Serve right out of the oven on a plate. Add a small scoop of ice cream or a spoon of whipped cream for contrast. For parties, place rolls on a tray and let guests take one or two. They fit well with coffee, milk, or a simple hot drink. For a casual night, serve with fruit on the side or with a warm drink to balance the sweetness.
How to store this recipe
Cool the rolls fully before you store them. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap each roll tightly in plastic and put in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in a low oven or microwave until warm. If you use a glaze or whipped top, store that separately and add after reheating for best texture.
Tips to make this recipe
Use room temperature egg whites if you whip them. Warm liquids help yeast work fast. Do not add too much flour; dough should stay soft. If the filling oozes, chill briefly before baking. For an extra crispy top, brush melted butter on the rolls before baking. If you plan to make a spread for guests, try pairing with a jar of apple butter to offer another sweet option.
Variation
Swap semi-sweet chips for milk or dark chocolate for a different bite. Use crushed graham crackers instead of granola cracker crumbs for a classic s’mores crunch. Add a thin layer of peanut butter for a nutty twist. If you prefer less sweet, cut the filling sugar by half. Variations stay simple because the core idea is soft dough and melty filling; big changes can alter texture and bake time.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
A: Yes. A ready dough speeds the process and still tastes good.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Replace butter and cream with plant versions and use egg replacer for the topping.
Q: Do I need to whip the egg whites?
A: The egg whites make a light top. You can skip them and use whipped cream.
Q: How long to serve after baking?
A: Serve within 30 minutes for best gooey texture. They stay tasty for a few hours.
Conclusion
This version is an easy, warm treat you can make often. The rolls come together with little fuss and work for fast weeknight treats or small get-togethers. For a guide on different marshmallow uses that pair well with these rolls, see the ultimate guide to making s’mores with square marshmallows. For another sweet recipe idea that matches this warm style, check the fireside s’mores cookies for a cookie twist. For general everyday recipe ideas and more simple meals, visit easy everyday recipes.
Print
Gooey S’mores Rolls: A Cozy Warm Dessert Adventure
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, gooey rolls filled with chocolate and marshmallow, perfect for cool nights and small gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup lukewarm water (98°F-105°F)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup granola cracker crumbs
- 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy.
- Stir in butter, salt, and most flour. Knead until smooth. Rest the dough until it doubles.
- Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread cocoa mix and cream. Sprinkle chocolate chips and cracker crumbs.
- Roll tightly and slice into rolls. Place in a greased pan. Let rise 20–30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F until golden and set. Cool slightly before topping.
Notes
Letting the dough rest makes soft rolls. Don’t overfill or the rolls leak. Serve warm for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
