S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe

If you adore the cozy, nostalgic flavors of campfire treats but want to enjoy them anytime, this S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls swirled with rich chocolate, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and finished with a fluffy, beautifully toasted meringue topping that’s just the right touch of sweetness and texture. Seriously, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for sharing with friends or just sneaking a few for yourself!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe plays a key role in delivering that balance of sweet, fluffy, and crunchy textures. I always recommend using the freshest ingredients you can find—especially the butter and eggs, since they really impact the dough and meringue quality.

• Milk (lukewarm): Activates the yeast gently while adding moisture for a tender dough.
• Instant Yeast: Reliable rising power helps dough become airy without complicated proofing.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling, and helps stabilize the meringue.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings richness to the dough and filling; be sure to use unsalted for control over seasoning.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; key to that soft yet sturdy roll texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives deep, intense chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into gooey pockets inside the roll—so good!
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Makes the filling silky smooth and luscious.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds classic s’mores crunch and a hint of honeyed flavor.
• Egg Whites: Whipped into meringue, creating that perfect light, toasted topping.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the meringue for stiff peaks and hold.
• Vanilla Extract: Magic flavor booster that ties the filling and meringue together.

Tweak to Your Taste

This recipe is such a fun canvas to play with! I personally love adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cocoa filling for a little warmth, but you can easily swap out ingredients or add extras to make this your own.

• Nutty Twist: Stir in chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans into the filling for extra crunch—I love how that contrasts with the melty chocolate.
• Dairy-Free Variation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a non-dairy butter alternative to make this dairy-free without losing richness.
• Extra Gooey: Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate filling before rolling—it’s like biting into a mini campfire surprise.
• Flavored Meringue: Add a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla to the meringue for a lovely twist.

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

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Mix the Dough

I start by warming the milk and water to about 100°F (that cozy lukewarm temperature) because this wakes up the yeast without killing it. Dump the yeast right in with the sugar and liquids in your stand mixer bowl, then add the flour, butter, and salt last. Mixing it at a low speed until everything comes together is the sweet spot—you want no dry patches but don’t over-mix yet.

Step 2: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Switch to your dough hook and knead for 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll notice the dough transforms from shaggy to smooth and elastic—that’s when it’s ready. The first time I made these, I stopped too early and ended up with dense rolls, so don’t rush this part! After kneading, cover with a clean towel and let it rest for 15 minutes to rise slightly; you want it just puffed, not doubled.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chocolatey Filling

On low to medium heat, I carefully whisk cocoa powder, cream, chocolate chips, sugar, butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and shiny. Then I take it off the heat and let it cool just a bit before stirring in the graham cracker crumbs. I learned the hard way that if it’s too hot when I add the crumbs, things get clumpy, so patience is key here!

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Slice Your Dough

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a 10” x 16” rectangle. I always brush it with melted butter first—that little step makes rolling easier and keeps the filling from seeping. Spread your cooled chocolate filling evenly, sprinkle more graham cracker crumbs on top, then roll it up tightly like a cinnamon roll. Slice carefully into 8 to 10 even pieces for perfect servings.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Heavenly

Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking pan. I preheat my oven to 350°F and bake for 25-28 minutes. You want golden-brown rolls that smell like chocolate heaven. Cooling the rolls for about 10 minutes before the meringue keeps them fluffy underneath and prevents the topping from melting into the dough.

Step 6: Make That Gorgeous Toasted Meringue

Using a double boiler, gently warm the egg whites and sugar while whisking until the sugar dissolves (this step is crucial for smooth meringue). Transfer to your stand mixer and whip until stiff peaks form, adding cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla on the fly. The meringue should be glossy and hold its shape beautifully.

Step 7: Spread and Toast the Meringue

Spread the meringue evenly over the warm rolls—generous dollops make it extra pretty—and then torch or broil quickly until those peaks turn golden brown. I prefer a kitchen torch because I can control the color perfectly without overcooking. Serve immediately or at room temperature for maximum yum.

How to Serve S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a few extra graham cracker crumbs on the meringue just before serving for texture and that classic s’mores vibe. Sometimes I add a dusting of cocoa powder or dribble a little melted chocolate for a fancy finish—trust me, everyone notices the extra effort!

Side Dishes

Since these rolls are rich and sweet, I like pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of hot coffee or cocoa. For a brunch spread, fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad add a nice brightness to balance the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the S’mores Rolls on a rustic wooden board with piles of mini marshmallows and small bowls of chocolate sauce for dipping. Wrapping individual rolls in parchment paper tied with twine makes a cute edible gift or party favor. Nothing beats that warm, rustic look with meringue peaks catching the light.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long! The meringue can soften, so if you want to refresh, a quick toast under a broiler helps crisp it back up.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked, sliced rolls by arranging them on a tray until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw and bake fresh—this keeps the dough’s texture perfect. Freezing after baking with meringue is less successful, as the topping loses its texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes to warm through without drying. If the meringue has softened, pop the rolls under a kitchen torch or briefly under the broiler to restore that toasted finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This S’mores Rolls with Toasted Meringue Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to desserts when I want something a bit special but still comforting and fun. I love how the sweet, chocolatey roll meets that light, billowy meringue—it’s like campfire nostalgia meets bakery magic all in one bite. Give this a try on your next cozy day, and I promise it’ll be a hit with family, friends, or just yourself (because hey, you deserve it!).

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