Gooey S’mores Rolls Recipe
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.
- Author: Ria
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 to 10 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Rest Dough: Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 15 minutes to begin rising slightly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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