Fall and winter camping means lots of snuggling up, bundling, and of course, campfires galore. Now, we all know that no campfire experience is complete without a good old-fashioned marshmallow, and a full-fledged s’more is even better.
That said, many view these tasty sandwiches as summertime food only. That’s fine, really, it just means more for us, but it also means those people might just miss out on the most wondrous dessert experience of their lives.
You see, there’s more than one way to eat a s’more. For instance, when you combine the holiday season with the best camping treat there is, you get a unique sweetness that fills your taste buds with joy.
Missing out on one of these holiday treats would be a shame, so we recommend setting your preconceived notions about s’mores aside and giving one of these amazing combinations a try.
1. Mint Chocolate Melt
If you are a mint chocolate fan, you’ll love this delicious combination of peppermint bark, chocolate, and of course, roasted marshmallow. This is an irresistible treat that is perfect when paired with rich hot cocoa and singalongs around the fire.
To make your own mint chocolate melt s’mores, simply replace the typical chocolate bar with a piece of peppermint bark and swap the traditional graham crackers for a chocolate version. Add a roasted marshmallow and you’ll be good to go.
You might be surprised just how amazing the end result really is, so be careful not to overindulge!
2. Pumpkin Pie Sandwich
Pumpkin pie is one of the most traditional holiday desserts out there. Unfortunately, making a pumpkin pie requires quite a bit of time and effort. If you aren’t feeling up to all that work, consider this easier, more camping-friendly version.
Start with a regular honey graham cracker. Spread a generous helping of pumpkin pie filling on the cracker and top with two rectangles from a milk chocolate Hershey bar.
Add a couple of nicely roasted pumpkin spice marshmallows and top the whole thing with a second graham cracker. Eat, enjoy, and prepare to be launched into the holiday spirit.
3. Cinnamon Toast Treats
Cinnamon toast is the ideal snack for cozy mornings. However, it also makes the perfect evening snack, and just like anything else, is even better enjoyed in s’more form. So go ahead, grab a cup of coffee and your roasting stick, and get ready for some cinnamon goodness like nothing you’ve ever had before.
To make your cinnamon s’more, grab a cinnamon graham cracker and add a couple of rectangles of milk chocolate just as you normally would. Add your perfectly toasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate, and sprinkle a few Hershey’s Cinnamon Baking Chips on top of that.
Squish it all together with a second cinnamon graham cracker and marvel at how something so simple could be so delicious.
4. Gingerbread Goodness
No holiday season is complete without a day spent decorating cookies. Gingerbread cookies are especially festive, and really have a way of helping a person get into the holiday mood. This s’more recipe allows campers the opportunity to decorate cookies and enjoy them in camping style.
Pietro De Grandi peter_mc_greats, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Start with two gingerbread man cookies. Decorate one cookie using icing, candies, and anything else you might like and set it aside. Grab your second cookie and place 2–3 chocolate rectangles across it.
Roast a marshmallow or two and add that on top of the chocolate. Finish the sandwich with the decorated cookie on top and enjoy!
5. Cranberry White Chocolate Squares
Cranberry sauce is a favorite holiday side dish for many. However, many people never think to add the stuff to their desserts. This is unfortunate because cranberry sauce is a phenomenal addition to a wide variety of sweet treats. For instance, a bit of cranberry sauce added to a s’more is amazing.
Here is how you can go about making a cranberry s’more: First, spread a bit of cranberry sauce onto a honey graham cracker. Place a square of white chocolate on top of the sauce and set the creation aside to roast a marshmallow.
Finish the treat by adding the marshmallow and a second graham cracker on top. Take a bite and slip into cranberry heaven.
6. Sugar Cookie S’mores
Remember earlier when we brought up cookie decorating as a holiday tradition? Well, not everyone opts for the gingerbread version of baked goods.
Many people choose to decorate sugar cookies instead, and while this may be a bit less traditional, we think sugar cookie definitely qualifies as a holiday flavor.
To bring some sugar cookie goodness to your holiday s’mores you’ll need to bake (or buy) some plain sugar cookies. Place a couple milk chocolate rectangles on top of one cookie. Toast 2–3 holiday colored marshmallows, and add them on top of the chocolate. Smash a second cookie on top and start snacking on your Christmas-colored treat.
These simple yet unique s’mores ideas are a surefire way to get your family into the holiday spirit even while camping. Be sure to grab the ingredients for one or two of these treats before you head out on your next big adventure, and enjoy the holiday cheer that fills your campsite as soon as the first sandwich is complete.
