Campfire Cones: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Campfire Treats

Campfire cones: the quintessential dessert that transforms a simple camping trip into a magical memory! Imagine this: the crackling fire, the starry sky, and the sweet aroma of melting chocolate and toasted marshmallows wafting through the air. Forget s’mores for a moment, because these delightful treats are about to become your new favorite fireside indulgence.

While the exact origins of campfire cones are shrouded in a bit of mystery, their popularity likely stems from the ingenious desire to create a mess-free, portable, and utterly delicious dessert while enjoying the great outdoors. Think of them as a deconstructed s’more, elevated to a whole new level of fun and flavor. They’ve become a beloved tradition for families and friends, passed down through generations of campers and backyard enthusiasts alike.

What makes these treats so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The crunchy waffle cone provides a satisfying base, while the gooey melted chocolate and fluffy marshmallows create a symphony of sweetness. Plus, the customizable nature of campfire cones means you can add your own personal touch with ingredients like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even pieces of your favorite candy bar. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them a convenient and crowd-pleasing option for any outdoor gathering. So, gather ’round the fire, and let’s get ready to create some unforgettable memories with these delightful campfire cones!

Ingredients:

• 1 box (12 count) waffle cones
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet, your choice!)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds – optional, but adds a great crunch!)
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional, for a tropical twist)
• ¼ cup sprinkles (because why not?)
• ¼ cup butterscotch chips (adds a lovely caramel flavor)
• Aluminum foil

Preparing the Campfire Cones:

Alright, let’s get started! These campfire cones are super easy and fun to make, and they’re always a hit. The best part? You can customize them with whatever goodies you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

1. Get Your Cones Ready: First things first, grab your waffle cones. Inspect them to make sure they aren’t cracked or broken. A little imperfection is okay, but you want them to be mostly intact to hold all the delicious fillings.
2. Layer in the Marshmallows: Now, start layering in the mini marshmallows. I like to put a good handful at the bottom of each cone. This will help create a gooey, melty base when we heat them up. Don’t pack them in too tightly, though; you want some room for the other ingredients to settle in.
3. Add the Chocolate Chips: Next up, the chocolate! Sprinkle a generous amount of chocolate chips over the marshmallows. You can use any kind you like – milk chocolate for a classic sweetness, dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or semi-sweet for a good balance. I sometimes even mix different types of chocolate chips for extra complexity.
4. Nuts and Coconut (Optional): If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to add them. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the chocolate chips. They add a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallows. The same goes for the shredded coconut. If you’re a fan, sprinkle it in for a tropical vibe.
5. Sprinkles and Butterscotch Chips (Optional): For a little extra fun and flavor, add a sprinkle of sprinkles and butterscotch chips. The sprinkles add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness, while the butterscotch chips contribute a lovely caramel flavor that goes perfectly with the chocolate and marshmallows.
6. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers of marshmallows, chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, sprinkles, and butterscotch chips until the cone is almost full. Leave a little space at the top so the fillings don’t overflow when they melt.
7. Wrap in Foil: Now comes the important part: wrapping the cones in aluminum foil. Cut squares of foil large enough to completely wrap each cone. Wrap the foil tightly around the cone, crimping the edges to seal it. This will help keep the fillings from leaking out and will also protect the cone from burning.

Cooking the Campfire Cones:

There are a few different ways you can cook these campfire cones, depending on where you are and what you have available. Here are the most common methods:

Over a Campfire:

1. Prepare the Coals: If you’re using a campfire, make sure you have a good bed of hot coals. You don’t want flames licking the cones directly, as this can cause them to burn.
2. Place on Coals (Indirect Heat): Place the wrapped cones on the edge of the coals, away from direct flames. You want them to cook slowly and evenly.
3. Turn Frequently: Use tongs to turn the cones every few minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
4. Cook Time: Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and gooey and the chocolate is melted. The exact cooking time will depend on the heat of your coals.
5. Carefully Remove: Carefully remove the cones from the coals using tongs. Be careful, as they will be very hot!
6. Let Cool Slightly: Let the cones cool slightly before unwrapping them. This will prevent you from burning your fingers.

In the Oven:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the wrapped cones on a baking sheet.
3. Bake: Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and gooey and the chocolate is melted.
4. Carefully Remove: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
5. Let Cool Slightly: Let the cones cool slightly before unwrapping them.

On the Grill:

1. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Place on Grill (Indirect Heat): Place the wrapped cones on the grill grates, away from direct flames.
3. Turn Frequently: Use tongs to turn the cones every few minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
4. Cook Time: Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and gooey and the chocolate is melted.
5. Carefully Remove: Carefully remove the cones from the grill using tongs. Be careful, as they will be very hot!
6. Let Cool Slightly: Let the cones cool slightly before unwrapping them.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Unwrap Carefully: Once the cones have cooled slightly, carefully unwrap them. Be careful, as the fillings will be hot and gooey!
2. Enjoy Immediately: Enjoy your campfire cones immediately! The melted marshmallows and chocolate are best when they’re warm and gooey.
3. Be Prepared for Mess: These cones can be a little messy, so have some napkins handy. That’s part of the fun, though!
4. Customize Further: If you want to get really fancy, you can drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top of the cones after they’re unwrapped. You can also add a scoop of ice cream for an extra-special treat.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Different Fillings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings. You can use peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, crushed cookies, chopped candy bars, or anything else you can think of.
• Add Fruit: Add some chopped fruit, like strawberries or bananas, for a healthier twist.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan marshmallows and chocolate chips to make these cones vegan-friendly.
• Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the cones ahead of time and wrap them in foil. Then, just cook them when you’re ready to eat them.
• Storage: Leftover cones (if there are any!) can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just be aware that the cones may become a little soggy.

I hope you enjoy making and eating these campfire cones as much as I do! They’re the perfect treat for camping trips, backyard barbecues, or any time you want a fun and easy dessert.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Campfire Cones are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. The combination of gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and your favorite fillings, all nestled inside a crispy waffle cone, is simply irresistible. Trust me, the first bite will transport you back to carefree summer nights, even if you’re enjoying them indoors.

Why are these a must-try? Because they’re incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to faces of all ages. Forget complicated desserts that require hours in the kitchen. These cones are ready in minutes, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings, kids’ parties, or just a fun weeknight treat. Plus, the novelty factor is huge! Who can resist a dessert that’s both delicious and interactive?

But the best part about these Campfire Cones is their versatility. While I’ve shared my go-to combination, the possibilities are truly endless. Feeling adventurous? Try adding chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty kick. For the fruit lovers out there, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or diced peaches would be a delightful addition. And if you’re a fan of peanut butter, a swirl of peanut butter chips or a drizzle of melted peanut butter will take these cones to the next level.

Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

• Classic Campfire: Marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs.
• Nutty Delight: Marshmallows, chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Fruity Fiesta: Marshmallows, white chocolate chips, diced strawberries, and blueberries.
• Peanut Butter Bliss: Marshmallows, peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.
• S’mores Supreme: Marshmallows, dark chocolate chunks, and a generous sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own signature Campfire Cone combination! Get creative with your fillings and let your taste buds guide you. You can even set up a “Campfire Cone Bar” at your next party and let your guests customize their own cones. It’s a guaranteed hit!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of these delicious cones for yourself. I know you’ll love them as much as I do. Once you’ve given them a try, I’d love to hear about your experience! What fillings did you use? What variations did you create? Did your family and friends enjoy them? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your Campfire Cone adventures. Happy cone-making!

Remember, the most important ingredient is fun! So gather your loved ones, get creative with your fillings, and enjoy the process of creating these delicious and memorable treats. You won’t regret it!

Print