Gooey Golden S’mores Rolls

These gooey golden s’mores rolls are a delightful dessert that combines the nostalgic flavors of classic campfire s’mores with soft, fluffy homemade rolls. Each bite features rich chocolate, sweet marshmallow-style topping, and a hint of graham cracker crunch wrapped in tender dough. The result is a warm, comforting treat perfect for family gatherings, dessert tables, or whenever you crave something sweet and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich chocolate mixture that melts beautifully as they bake.
• They combine multiple textures: tender dough, creamy chocolate filling, and a light toasted topping.
• The recipe captures the classic flavors of s’mores in a fun baked dessert.
• Perfect for serving at brunch, dessert, or special occasions.
• They can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh for warm, gooey results.
• The recipe yields a generous batch, making it great for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough

1 cup lukewarm milk
1/4 cup lukewarm water
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt

For the chocolate filling

1/8 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

For the topping

2 large egg whites, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and water. Sprinkle the yeast and 1/4 cup sugar over the liquid and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and add the softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cocoa powder, heavy cream, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Spread the chocolate filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
9. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
11. While the rolls bake, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gently mix in the vanilla extract.
12. Remove the rolls from the oven and spread the topping over them, creating soft peaks.
13. Return the rolls to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes until the topping becomes lightly toasted.
14. Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving so the filling sets while remaining gooey.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep time: 1 hour
Second rise: 30 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes total
Total time: about 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Chocolate overload
Add extra chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished rolls for an even richer dessert.

Nutty crunch
Mix chopped almonds or walnuts into the filling for a pleasant crunchy texture.

Caramel swirl
Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before rolling the dough for a deeper, buttery sweetness.

Graham crust topping
Sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs over the topping before the final bake for a stronger s’mores flavor.

Mini rolls
Cut the dough into smaller pieces to make bite-sized rolls perfect for parties.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

To reheat, place a roll in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds until warm and soft. You can also reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 minutes to restore their freshly baked texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and shaping the rolls.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes. Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm liquid with sugar and allow it to foam before mixing with the flour.

How do I know the dough is ready after kneading?

The dough should be smooth, soft, and elastic. When gently pressed, it should spring back slightly.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes. Bake the rolls first, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Can I make this recipe without graham cracker crumbs?

You can substitute crushed digestive biscuits or any lightly sweet biscuit for a similar flavor.

Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

This usually happens if the yeast is expired or the liquid was too hot or too cold.

Can I add marshmallows inside the filling?

Yes, adding mini marshmallows inside the filling can enhance the classic s’mores flavor.

What type of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the best balance of sweetness and richness.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

You can replace milk with a plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives.

Are these rolls best served warm or cold?

They are best served slightly warm when the chocolate filling is soft and gooey.

Conclusion

Gooey golden s’mores rolls bring together the comforting flavors of chocolate, graham crackers, and fluffy baked dough in one irresistible dessert. They are soft, rich, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you serve them warm for a cozy treat or prepare them for a gathering, these rolls are sure to become a favorite recipe that everyone will request again and again.

Print