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Gooey S’mores Rolls Recipe

4.7 from 62 reviews

Gooey S’mores Rolls are a decadent, chocolate-filled sweet treat featuring a soft, fluffy dough rolled with a rich cocoa and chocolate chip filling, topped with a light, toasted marshmallow-like meringue. Perfect for dessert or a special breakfast, these rolls combine the nostalgic flavors of s’mores with the delightfulness of freshly baked rolls.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk for extra richness)
  • 1/3 cup water (lukewarm, 98°F-105°F)
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast (can substitute with active dry yeast)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (or granola cracker crumbs as noted)

Meringue Topping

  • 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a stand mixer, combine the lukewarm milk and water, then sprinkle the instant yeast and add 1/4 cup of sugar. Let it activate for 5 minutes or until foamy.
  2. Mix and Knead Dough: Gradually add the flour, melted unsalted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Rest Dough: Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 15 minutes to begin rising slightly.
  4. Prepare Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, heavy whipping cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1/4 cup sugar. Heat over low-medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth, then remove from heat. Stir in melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Fold in graham cracker crumbs and let the mixture cool slightly.
  5. Roll and Fill Dough: On a floured surface, roll the rested dough into a 10 by 16-inch rectangle. Brush the dough with melted butter, spread the prepared chocolate filling evenly, leaving a border around the edges, then sprinkle extra graham cracker crumbs on top.
  6. Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from one of the long sides into a log. Slice the roll into 8 to 10 equal pieces and place them cut side down in a greased baking pan.
  7. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 28 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes after baking.
  8. Prepare Meringue: Set up a double boiler and combine egg whites with 1 cup sugar. Whisk continuously until the mixture is warm and sugar dissolves completely.
  9. Beat Meringue: Transfer the warm egg white mixture to a mixer and beat until stiff peaks form. Add cream of tartar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract during beating for stability and flavor.
  10. Top and Toast: Spread the meringue evenly over the cooled s’mores rolls. Use the oven broiler to toast the meringue for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns golden and slightly browned. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure liquids are at proper temperature to activate yeast effectively; too hot or cold can kill or slow yeast.
  • Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the filling to balance the sweetness from sugar and chocolate chips.
  • Let the filling cool before spreading to prevent melting the dough excessively.
  • Be cautious when toasting meringue under the broiler—watch closely to avoid burning.
  • These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated gently to soften.

Keywords: s'mores rolls, chocolate rolls, meringue topping, dessert rolls, gooey chocolate rolls, sweet rolls, baking recipe