S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe

If you’re someone who loves the gooey, melty magic of campfire treats but wants to enjoy them year-round with a bit of a grown-up twist, this S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine soft, buttery rolls swirled with rich chocolate and graham cracker crumbs, all topped with a cloud-like toasted meringue that perfectly mimics the classic s’mores experience—but in a way you can enjoy at any kitchen table. Keep reading, because I’ve got all the tips, tricks, and secrets you need to pull off these show-stopping rolls successfully.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe plays a special role in recreating that nostalgic campfire flavor with a bakery-style upgrade. Using quality ingredients and understanding their purpose will help you get the best results every time.

• Lukewarm Milk and Water: Essential for gently activating the instant yeast without shocking it; too hot or cold can affect the rise.
• Instant Yeast: Quick and reliable, which helps the dough rise beautifully in a short time.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling, and dissolves into the meringue for that balanced sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the dough enough structure to hold all the fillings without becoming tough.
• Unsalted Butter: Divided between the dough, filling, and brushing, it adds richness and helps the rolls stay moist.
• Salt: A pinch of salt intensifies the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness across components.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor in the filling without adding extra sugar.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a luscious, smooth chocolate filling base.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into the filling for chocolatey gooey pockets inside each bite.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds that signature crunchy texture and the unmistakable s’mores flavor.
• Egg Whites: For the meringue topping, creating a glossy, airy cloud that’s perfect for toasting.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the meringue, ensuring it holds stiff peaks and stays fluffy.
• Vanilla Extract: Sprinkles subtle warmth and complexity into both the filling and meringue.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe is — it’s really fun to make it your own! Depending on the season or your cravings, you can easily adjust the fillings or toppings to suit your mood or dietary needs.

• Darker Chocolate Variation: Sometimes I swap out semi-sweet chips for bittersweet or even some chopped dark chocolate chunks for a richer, more intense flavor.
• Nutty Twist: Tossing in a handful of toasted pecans or hazelnuts gives the rolls a wonderful crunch and nutty depth.
• Marshmallow Swap: If you want an extra gooey texture, add mini marshmallows to the chocolate filling—though keep an eye on them while baking so they don’t burn.
• Dairy-Free Options: Use plant-based butter and cream replacements; just be aware the meringue topping requires egg whites, so not vegan, but you can use aquafaba if you want to experiment.

Step-by-Step: How I Make S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast and Mix Your Dough

Start by warming your milk and water to a cozy lukewarm temperature—think bath water warmth, around 100°F (38°C). This wakes up your yeast without shocking it. In your stand mixer bowl, combine the milk, water, instant yeast, sugar, and flour. Then add melted butter and salt. If you don’t have a mixer, don’t sweat it—mix and knead by hand, though it’ll take a bit more muscle. Stir everything until it comes together roughly.

Step 2: Knead Until Blissfully Soft and Elastic

Switch to your dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 6 to 8 minutes until the dough feels smooth and bounces back when poked. It’s like a little squishy cloud. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rest for 15 minutes to rise gently. This short resting helps develop flavor and texture without overproofing.

Step 3: Create the Chocolate-Graham Filling

The filling is where the magic happens. On low to medium heat, whisk together cocoa powder, heavy cream, chocolate chips, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan until everything melts and comes together into a glossy, smooth chocolatey mixture. Remove from heat, cool slightly so it won’t melt your dough, and stir in the graham cracker crumbs for that crunchy texture signature to s’mores.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Slice Your Rolls

Lightly flour your countertop and roll your dough into a 10 by 16-inch rectangle. Brush generously with melted butter, then spread your cooled chocolate filling evenly, leaving the edges clean so it seals well. Sprinkle extra graham crumbs on top. Now for the fun: roll it up tightly like a jelly roll starting from the long side, then cut into 8-10 even slices and nestle them cut-side up into a greased pan. This is when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Slightly Puffy

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 25-28 minutes until they’re a beautiful golden brown. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before the final flourish. This cooldown is important so the rolls hold their shape when you add the meringue.

Step 6: Whip Up That Dreamy Meringue

In a double boiler setup, whisk egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla. Keep whisking until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is warm to the touch. Then transfer to your stand mixer and beat on high until stiff, glossy peaks form. This step is my favorite because you see the meringue take shape like a snowy cloud.

Step 7: Spread and Toast Your Meringue Topping

Gently slather the meringue over your warm rolls in an even layer. Then comes the finishing show: grab your kitchen torch and toast the meringue to a gorgeous golden brown, or carefully place it under a low broiler—watching it like a hawk because it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. That toasty exterior with the soft interior is pure joy on every bite.

How to Serve S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe

Garnishes

I like a simple dusting of crushed graham cracker crumbs or mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top of the toasted meringue for a little extra crunch and visual pop. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of dark chocolate or caramel sauce if I’m feeling fancy, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the meringue.

Side Dishes

These rolls are indulgent enough to be a dessert star, so I keep sides light—maybe fresh berries or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. When serving for brunch, a cup of coffee or hot chocolate alongside really completes the cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the rolls on a rustic wooden board with fresh marshmallows, chocolate chunks, and small bowls of graham crumbs as a fun “build-your-own” s’mores station. Wrapping individual rolls in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming edible gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live with caramel-lovers like me, though, they’ll probably be devoured before then! To keep the meringue looking fresh, store it separately if possible and add freshly toasted meringue before serving again.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked rolls without the meringue topping wrapped snugly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and toast fresh meringue right before enjoying – trust me, the texture and flavor come back beautifully.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a warm oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive the softness of the rolls. Then add and toast fresh meringue to bring that perfect toasted contrast back to life—this little extra step feels like magic every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I have to confess, these S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe hold a special place in my heart—they’re like campfire nostalgia meets cozy afternoon baking. Every time I bake them, I get a flood of happy memories and can’t wait to share that joy with friends and family. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special dessert to impress, you’re going to love how these rolls bring warmth, fun, and that iconic s’mores flavor to your kitchen anytime you want. Go ahead, treat yourself—you deserve it!

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