Why You’ll Love S’mores Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you love the irresistible combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. These rolls are soft and tender with a rich, gooey filling that melts into every layer. The cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess to balance the chocolate.
They’re ideal for special mornings, family gatherings, or anytime you want to turn an ordinary day into something memorable. The dough is simple to work with, and the results look impressive straight out of the oven.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough
½ tablespoon instant yeast
½ cup warm milk
3 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup butter, well softened
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons softened butter
¼ cup finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup mini milk chocolate chips
⅓ cup mini marshmallows
For the frosting
¼ cup butter, softened
1 ounce cream cheese
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 to 4 tablespoons milk
Directions
-
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
-
Add the sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Mix until well combined.
-
Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
-
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
-
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1–1½ hours.
-
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
-
Roll the risen dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface.
-
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter, followed by the graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows.
-
Roll the dough up tightly from the long side and pinch the seam to seal.
-
Slice into 8–9 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
-
Cover and let rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
-
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
-
While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting by beating the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
-
Spread the frosting over the warm rolls before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8–9 rolls
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Bake time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
For extra chocolate flavor, mix in dark chocolate chips along with the milk chocolate.
Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch.
Top the baked rolls with extra marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking for a lightly toasted effect.
Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer a lighter topping.
Try using chocolate hazelnut spread beneath the cinnamon-sugar layer for an even richer twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds until warm. For larger portions, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
These rolls can also be frozen without frosting for up to 1 month. Thaw completely and warm before adding fresh frosting.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, active dry yeast works well. Just make sure to dissolve it fully in the warm milk and allow it to become foamy before adding other ingredients.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel light and airy when gently pressed.
Can I prepare the rolls the night before?
Yes, after shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.
Why are my rolls dry?
Too much flour or overbaking can cause dryness. Measure flour carefully and remove the rolls once they are lightly golden.
Can I use large marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows work best because they distribute evenly. Large marshmallows can be chopped if needed.
Do I have to use cream cheese in the frosting?
No, you can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk if you prefer.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for yeast baking, though texture may vary.
What size pan should I use?
A 9-inch round or square baking pan works well for 8–9 rolls.
Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
Yes, freeze them after shaping. Thaw and allow them to rise before baking.
How can I get a stronger graham cracker flavor?
Add a few extra tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs or sprinkle some on top of the frosting for extra flavor.
Conclusion
S’mores Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With their soft, fluffy dough and layers of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs, they bring all the joy of a campfire treat into your kitchen. Whether you serve them for a weekend brunch or a special celebration, these rolls are sure to impress and satisfy every sweet craving.
S’mores Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
S’mores Cinnamon Rolls take the classic cinnamon roll and add an indulgent campfire-inspired twist: soft, fluffy yeast dough swirled with gooey marshmallows, mini milk chocolate chips, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, all finished with a creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon instant yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup butter, well softened (for dough)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons softened butter (for filling)
- ¼ cup finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup mini milk chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup micro marshmallows
- ¼ cup butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 ounce cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2–4 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast and let sit for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
- Whisk in sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Gradually stir in flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 2 hours).
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the risen dough into a rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and marshmallows.
- Roll the dough up tightly and cut into 8–9 pieces using thread or a sharp knife.
- Place rolls in a greased 10-inch baking pan. Cover and let rest while oven preheats.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
- Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Spread frosting over slightly warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Instant yeast works well, but active dry yeast can be used if proofed properly.
- For extra chocolate flavor, use a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips.
- Add extra marshmallows during the last 3–5 minutes of baking and broil briefly for a toasted topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Freeze unfrosted baked rolls for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating and frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
