Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls bring together everything people love about classic s’mores in a form that feels homemade, comforting, and perfect for the oven. Instead of building s’mores around a campfire, this recipe transforms those familiar flavors into soft, rolled pastries filled with melted chocolate and marshmallows, then baked until golden and irresistibly gooey.
This dessert works beautifully for many occasions. It can be served as a cozy family dessert, a kid-friendly weekend bake, or even a party-ready sweet dish that looks impressive without being complicated. Because it is oven-baked, it is accessible year-round, regardless of weather or outdoor space. With simple pantry ingredients and clear steps, Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls are approachable for beginner bakers while still satisfying experienced home cooks who want something nostalgic yet polished.
In this detailed guide, you will learn everything you need to know about making Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls from scratch, including ingredient choices, preparation techniques, baking tips, variations, and serving ideas. By the end, you will feel confident creating this dessert and adapting it to suit your taste and occasion.
What Makes Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls Special
S’mores are traditionally associated with campfires, skewers, and outdoor gatherings. While that experience is charming, it is not always practical. Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls capture the same comforting flavors in a more controlled and reliable way.
The rolled dough creates soft layers that hold the filling securely, allowing the chocolate to melt evenly and the marshmallows to become creamy rather than burnt. Baking the rolls together in a dish also encourages them to stay moist, with slightly crisp edges and tender centers.
Another reason these rolls stand out is their versatility. They can be made sweeter or richer, dressed up with toppings, or simplified for everyday enjoyment. They also reheat well, making them suitable for preparing ahead of time.
Understanding the Key Ingredients
Dough Base
The dough is the foundation of Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls. It should be soft, flexible, and easy to roll without tearing. A simple dough made from all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk, and oil or butter works well. This type of dough does not require yeast, which keeps the process quick and accessible.
Milk adds tenderness, while oil or butter contributes richness. Baking powder provides a gentle rise, ensuring the rolls are fluffy rather than dense. Resting the dough briefly after mixing allows the gluten to relax, making rolling much easier.
Chocolate Filling
Chocolate is one of the defining flavors of s’mores, so quality matters. Use alcohol-free chocolate, either in bar form or as chunks. Chocolate bars create pockets of melted chocolate, while chocolate chips distribute more evenly.
Dark chocolate offers a deeper, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of marshmallows, while milk chocolate creates a classic, sweet flavor profile. You can also mix both for a balanced result.
Marshmallows
Marshmallows provide the signature gooey texture. It is important to use gelatin-free marshmallows. When baked inside the rolls, marshmallows soften and melt, blending with the chocolate to create a creamy filling.
Chopping marshmallows into smaller pieces helps them distribute evenly and prevents large pockets from leaking too much during baking.
Butter or Spread
A thin layer of softened butter spread over the dough helps the filling adhere and enhances flavor. It also contributes to a tender interior and lightly crisp exterior once baked.
Optional Toppings
Powdered sugar, crushed biscuits, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can be added after baking. These elements are optional but can elevate presentation and add texture.
Preparing Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls
Mixing the Dough
Start by combining dry ingredients in a bowl. This ensures even distribution of baking powder and salt. Add milk and oil gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
Knead gently for a few minutes until smooth. Over-kneading is unnecessary and can make the dough tough. Cover and let the dough rest briefly to relax the gluten.
Rolling the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Roll the dough into a rectangle of even thickness. An even roll ensures uniform baking and consistent texture in every roll.
Avoid rolling too thin, as this can cause tearing and filling leakage. A thickness of about ¼ inch works well.
Adding the Filling
Spread softened butter evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle chocolate pieces and chopped marshmallows evenly. This step determines how gooey and balanced the rolls will be, so aim for even coverage.
Shaping the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly from the long side, keeping tension even. A tight roll helps maintain structure and prevents gaps. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into equal pieces.
Baking the Rolls
Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Leave a small space between them to allow for expansion. Bake in a preheated oven at the recommended temperature until the rolls are golden and the filling is melted.
The aroma of chocolate and marshmallow is a good indicator that the rolls are nearly ready.
Baking Tips for Perfect Results
Monitor Baking Time
Overbaking can dry out the rolls, while underbaking may leave the dough raw in the center. Check for a golden top and set edges while the centers remain soft.
Use the Right Dish
A ceramic or metal baking dish works well. Glass dishes may require slightly longer baking times.
Let Them Rest Briefly
Allow the rolls to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the filling settle and makes serving easier while keeping the rolls warm and gooey.
Variations of Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls
Chocolate Lovers’ Version
Increase the chocolate filling by adding chocolate spread or extra chunks. This creates a richer, more indulgent roll.
Biscuit Crumb Filling
Add crushed biscuits or graham-style crumbs inside the filling for a texture closer to traditional s’mores.
Nutty Twist
Incorporate chopped nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts for added crunch and depth of flavor.
Mini S’mores Rolls
Cut the rolls into smaller pieces for bite-sized servings, perfect for parties or dessert platters.
Drizzled Finish
After baking, drizzle melted chocolate or a simple glaze over the rolls for a bakery-style finish.
Serving Suggestions
Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls are best served warm. The filling is soft and creamy, and the dough is at its most tender. Serve them straight from the baking dish for a casual, comforting presentation.
For a more polished serving, transfer the rolls to a platter and dust lightly with powdered sugar. Pair with fresh fruit to balance sweetness, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels indulgent and complete.
These rolls also pair well with tea, coffee, or warm milk, making them suitable for both dessert and afternoon treats.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Avoid overheating during reheating, as this can cause the marshmallow filling to harden.
Why Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls Are Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the biggest advantages of Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls is their flexibility. They are easy enough for a casual weekday dessert yet special enough for celebrations. Their familiar flavors appeal to both children and adults, making them a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Because they do not require specialized equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, they are accessible to most home kitchens. The recipe can also be adapted to dietary preferences by choosing appropriate chocolate and marshmallows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these rolls be made ahead of time
Yes, you can assemble the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate them for several hours before baking. Bring them to room temperature before placing them in the oven.
Can I freeze Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls
It is best to freeze them before baking. Once shaped, place them on a tray, freeze until firm, then store in a freezer-safe container. Bake from thawed when ready.
Are these rolls suitable for kids
Yes, they are soft, sweet, and easy to eat, making them very kid-friendly.
What if marshmallows melt too much
Using chopped marshmallows and not overfilling helps prevent excessive leakage. Baking at the correct temperature also keeps the filling controlled.
Final Thoughts
Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls are a comforting, nostalgic dessert that transforms classic s’mores into a soft, bakery-style treat. With their tender dough, melted chocolate, and creamy marshmallow filling, they deliver familiar flavors in a format that feels homemade and special.
Whether you are baking for family, guests, or simply for yourself, this recipe offers reliability, flexibility, and undeniable appeal. By following the detailed steps and tips in this guide, you can create Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls that are golden on the outside, gooey on the inside, and memorable every time you serve them.
Gooey Oven-Baked S’mores Rolls
These S’mores Rolls are a warm, gooey dessert inspired by classic American s’mores, made with soft rolled dough, melted chocolate, and fluffy marshmallows. Baked until golden and irresistible, this easy dessert is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy sweet craving at home.
Ingredients
For the Dough Base
For the Filling
Optional Topping
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and oil, then mix until a soft dough forms. Knead gently for 2–3 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Roll Out the Dough
- Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a rectangular shape, about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep the thickness even for uniform baking.
Add the Filling
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle chocolate pieces across the surface, followed by chopped halal marshmallows. Leave a small border around the edges.
Shape the Rolls
- Starting from the long side, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice into 6 equal rolls.
Bake
- Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and puffed, with melted chocolate bubbling inside.
Rest and Serve
- Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to rest for 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle biscuit crumbs if desired. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Note
Always use gelatin-free marshmallows.
Dark chocolate gives a richer taste, while milk chocolate makes it sweeter.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave.
You can add chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for variation.
