S’mores Cinnamon Rolls – Gooey Campfire Bliss in Every Bite

There’s something magical about waking up to the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls — sweet dough, warm cinnamon, and buttery sugar filling. But imagine taking that comfort one step further: adding melty chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and the nostalgic crunch of graham crackers. That’s exactly what S’mores Cinnamon Rolls bring to your table — a decadent fusion of cozy bakery flavor and campfire fun.

The first time I made these, it was a rainy Sunday morning when everyone in the house was craving something special. The kids asked for s’mores, but the weather wasn’t on our side. So I decided to bring the campfire indoors — and what better way than wrapping those iconic s’mores flavors into pillowy cinnamon rolls? The result was everything we hoped for: buttery, sticky, chocolate-swirled perfection, with every bite oozing warmth and nostalgia.

Whether you make these for a weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or a surprise dessert, they’ll steal the spotlight. They taste like a summer night and a cozy winter morning all at once — golden, gooey, and impossible to resist.

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Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup crushed graham crackers
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Topping:

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• ¼ cup crushed graham crackers
• ½ cup melted milk chocolate (or chocolate sauce for drizzling)

For the Frosting (Optional but irresistible):

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough:
   In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook), combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add a little more flour.
3. First rise:
   Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the filling:
   In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste.
5. Roll and fill:
   Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers and mini chocolate chips.
6. Roll it up:
   Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
7. Second rise:
   Cover the pan and let rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake:
   Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and the centers are cooked through.
9. Add the s’mores topping:
   Remove from oven and immediately top with mini marshmallows. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes until the marshmallows start to melt and turn golden.
10. Finish and drizzle:
    Remove from oven again, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, drizzle melted chocolate, and let cool slightly before frosting (if using).
11. Frost (optional):
    Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread or drizzle over slightly warm rolls for an extra-creamy finish.

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Tips & Tricks

• Warm but not hot milk: Too hot will kill your yeast; it should feel like a warm bath.
• Slice with floss: Dental floss makes perfect clean cuts without squishing the dough.
• Make ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let sit 30 minutes at room temp before baking.
• Campfire flavor boost: Toast the marshmallows with a kitchen torch for that signature smoky edge.
• Chocolate options: Use milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference.

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Variations

• Nutella S’mores Rolls: Replace the cinnamon filling with Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate twist.
• Peanut Butter S’mores Rolls: Spread a layer of peanut butter before adding the filling.
• Mini S’mores Rolls: Make smaller rolls for bite-sized treats at brunch or parties.
• Overnight Bake: Chill dough after rolling and cutting; bake fresh in the morning.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm from the oven with a mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk. They’re perfect for cozy brunches, family breakfasts, or a surprise dessert at a holiday gathering.

For an extra indulgent touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream while still slightly warm — the melting ice cream and gooey marshmallow center are pure bliss.

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Storage Information

Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving. For longer storage, freeze baked (unfrosted) rolls for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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FAQ

Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough or crescent dough works great for a shortcut version.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface — it’s therapeutic and worth it!

How do I keep my marshmallows gooey?
Add them right at the end of baking or toast with a kitchen torch to avoid over-melting.

Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes — use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk. Skip the cream cheese frosting or use vegan cream cheese.

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History / Fun Facts

S’mores — short for “some more” — were first recorded in a 1927 Girl Scout handbook, but the combination of toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers has long been part of American campfire tradition.

These S’mores Cinnamon Rolls take those classic flavors and wrap them up in a nostalgic bakery experience. The cinnamon adds warmth, the dough offers soft texture, and the gooey chocolate-marshmallow topping transforms breakfast into dessert heaven.

It’s a treat that bridges generations — a reminder of nights spent under the stars and mornings filled with the scent of baking and laughter.