Who doesn’t love a sweet treat that’s easy to make and delicious? S’mores hand pies are your perfect answer for satisfying a craving or impressing guests. With gooey chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers, every bite delivers joy. In this guide, I’ll share my expert tips on ingredients, instructions, and tasty variations to make these hand pies shine. Let’s dive into the sweet world of s’mores!
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
For S’mores Hand Pies, you will need:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 3 tablespoons cold water
– 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/4 cup chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Additional sugar for sprinkling
These ingredients create a rich and sweet treat. The flour forms the crust, while butter adds a tender texture. Sugar sweetens the dough, and salt balances flavors. Mini marshmallows and chocolate chips bring the classic s’mores taste.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to change some ingredients, here are some swaps:
– Use whole wheat flour for a healthier crust.
– Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
– Coconut oil can replace unsalted butter for a dairy-free option.
– Use almond milk instead of water for a subtle nutty taste.
– If you can’t find mini marshmallows, cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces.
These substitutions can keep the flavor close while meeting your needs.
Importance of Quality Ingredients
Using quality ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh butter gives a rich taste. High-quality chocolate enhances the dessert’s sweetness. Fresh marshmallows melt better, ensuring a gooey filling. Always choose the best ingredients you can find. It makes your hand pies taste like magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, sugar, salt, cold butter, and cold water. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers or a fork to blend until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. Next, add the cold water slowly. Mix until it forms a dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough stay firm when you roll it out.
Rolling and Cutting the Dough
Once the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the chilled dough from the fridge. On a floured surface, roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles that are about 4 inches wide. You will need pairs of circles for each hand pie. Place half of the circles on a lined baking sheet.
Filling, Sealing, and Baking the Hand Pies
Now comes the fun part! For each dough circle, sprinkle a bit of graham cracker crumbs in the center. Add a few mini marshmallows and chocolate chips on top. Then, take another dough circle and place it over the filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal them tight. This step is key to keeping the filling inside while baking. Beat an egg and brush it on top of each hand pie. Sprinkle a little sugar for sweetness. Bake them in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be golden brown when done. Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying your tasty S’mores Hand Pies!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfect the Dough
To make great dough, start with cold butter. This keeps your dough flaky. Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add your cold butter and blend until it looks like crumbs. Then, slowly add cold water. Mix until it forms a ball. Wrap it in plastic and chill for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it roll out better.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One common mistake is overworking the dough. This makes it tough, not tender. Be gentle when mixing. Another mistake is skipping the chill time. It’s key for a flaky texture. Make sure to seal the edges well. If they are not sealed, the filling may leak out while baking.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips
Serve your S’mores hand pies on a wooden board. Dust them with powdered sugar for a nice touch. You can also drizzle chocolate sauce on top. This adds extra flavor and looks great. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!
Variations
Chocolate Variations
You can add different types of chocolate to your hand pies. Try using dark or white chocolate chips. You can also chop up your favorite chocolate bars. Mixing in a bit of mint chocolate can add a fresh twist. Each chocolate option gives a unique flavor to your pies.
Different Fillings (Peanut Butter, Nutella, etc.)
S’mores hand pies are fun to customize. You can use peanut butter for a nutty flavor. Nutella is also a great choice, adding a rich, creamy taste. You might even enjoy adding fruit, like banana slices or strawberries. Just remember to keep the filling balanced so it doesn’t overflow.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. Many brands work well in this recipe. You can also find gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to keep that classic taste. Be sure to check labels for any hidden gluten in your chocolate or marshmallows. Enjoy your delicious treats without worry!
Storage Information
How to Store Leftover Hand Pies
Once you finish your hand pies, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. If they last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and tasty.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great option if you want to save some hand pies for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, just take out how many you want.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your hand pies, use an oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the pies from the fridge or freezer and unwrap them. Place them on a baking sheet. Heat the pies for about 10-15 minutes if cold, or 20-25 minutes if frozen. This makes them warm and crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the crust won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
You can use crushed cookies, like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. They add a nice sweet flavor. If you want a healthier option, try oats or ground almonds. Adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I make S’mores Hand Pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep them in advance. Make the dough and fill the pies. Then, cover them and store in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you are ready to serve. This keeps them warm and tasty.
What can I use instead of egg for the egg wash?
If you need an egg-free option, use milk or cream. You can also try plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. Brush it lightly on the pies for a nice golden finish.
In this blog post, we explored how to make hand pies from scratch. We covered key ingredients and their substitutes, plus tips for perfect dough. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, filling, and baking these treats. We discussed variations like chocolate and gluten-free options. Finally, I provided storage tips and answered common questions.
Use this guide to create tasty hand pies that everyone will love. Enjoy making these delicious treats!
