Description
Gooey S’mores Rolls are a decadent and irresistible dessert featuring a rich chocolate filling with semi-sweet chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs, wrapped in soft yeast dough rolls. Topped with a toasted, fluffy meringue, these rolls combine the classic flavors of s’mores in a warm, gooey pastry perfect for any sweet tooth craving.
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 unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (finely crushed)
- Additional graham cracker crumbs for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (for brushing)
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
- Activate Yeast: In a stand mixer bowl, combine 1/2 cup lukewarm milk and 1/3 cup warm water. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of instant yeast and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: Gradually add 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough with the mixer’s dough hook or by hand for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Rest Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. This resting period helps the dough to relax and makes it easier to roll out.
- Make Chocolate Filling: In a saucepan over low to medium heat, whisk together 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir continuously for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is smooth and melted.
- Add Flavor and Crumbs: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Fold in 1/4 cup finely crushed graham cracker crumbs. Allow the filling to cool slightly to thicken.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough into a 10” by 16” rectangle. Brush the surface evenly with 2 tablespoons melted butter to enhance flavor and texture.
- Fill and Roll: Spread the cooled chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs on top for extra crunch. Starting from one of the longer edges, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Slice Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 8-10 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking pan, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-28 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Meringue: Set up a double boiler over simmering water. In a heatproof bowl, combine 4 large egg whites and 1 cup granulated sugar. Whisk constantly until the mixture is warm and the sugar is fully dissolved, about 3-5 minutes.
- Whip Meringue: Transfer the warm egg white mixture to a stand mixer bowl. Beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to stabilize and flavor the meringue.
- Top and Toast: Spread the prepared meringue generously over the warm rolls. Place the pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, carefully watching to toast the meringue until golden and slightly caramelized. Remove from broiler immediately to prevent burning.
Notes
- Use whole milk for richer dough flavor and texture.
- Make sure water and milk are lukewarm to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- Allow dough to rest to develop gluten and make rolling easier.
- The filling should cool slightly before spreading to prevent melting the dough.
- Slice rolls evenly for uniform baking.
- Watch the meringue closely while broiling to avoid burning.
- Serve warm for best gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: s'mores rolls, chocolate rolls, gooey dessert, meringue topped rolls, baked s'mores dessert
