If there’s one sweet treat that captures the magic of outdoor adventures, it’s this delightful Campfire Cones Recipe. Imagine gooey melted chocolate, melty marshmallows, and crunchy nuts all swirling together inside a crunchy waffle cone, warmed perfectly over crackling campfire flames. Whether you’re on a camping trip or just craving a cozy, nostalgic dessert, these cones deliver an easy, fun way to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring everyone around the fire closer together. Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with flavor and fun!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Campfire Cones Recipe is in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that come together to create a texture and flavor party in every bite. Each component adds its own charm, from the crispy waffle cone shell to the soft marshmallows and melty chocolate, with optional add-ins that elevate the experience.
- Waffle cones: These serve as the crunchy, portable base that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- Mini marshmallows: Perfect for melting into a luscious, gooey texture that makes every bite heavenly.
- Chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate): Essential for that rich, smooth chocolate flavor when melted.
- Peanut butter chips (optional): Adds a nutty creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- M&Ms or other small candy pieces (optional): For a burst of color and extra crunch to make the cones more festive.
- Chopped nuts (optional, e.g., peanuts, almonds, or walnuts): Introduce a satisfying crunch and earthy notes.
- Aluminum foil: Important for wrapping the cones securely to avoid any messy drips while heating.
- Sprinkles (optional): Because sometimes a little extra fun on top never hurts!
How to Make Campfire Cones Recipe
Step 1: Get the Fire Ready
Start by preheating your campfire or grill to a medium heat. This is crucial—too hot and the cones could burn before the inside has a chance to melt, too low and the melting will be slow and uneven. A steady medium heat creates that perfect warm hug for your sweet ingredients.
Step 2: Fill the Cones with Delicious Layers
Place your waffle cones upright and start layering in the fun stuff. Begin with a spoonful of mini marshmallows, then add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips if you’re using them, candy pieces, and chopped nuts. Fill the cones almost to the top to get that gooey, full-flavored experience with every bite. This layering is what makes this Campfire Cones Recipe so indulgent and irresistible.
Step 3: Add a Splash of Color
If you want to jazz up your cones and make them even more appealing, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on the very top. It’s a simple step that adds a festive touch and makes the dessert feel extra special, especially if you’re serving kids or looking to brighten up a campfire gathering.
Step 4: Wrap up Tight
Wrap each filled cone tightly in aluminum foil, making sure the edges are well sealed. This step locks in all the melty goodness so it doesn’t leak out when heated. It also protects the cones from direct flames, allowing the fillings to soften without burning the outside shell.
Step 5: Warm Until Gooey Perfection
Place your foil-wrapped cones on the grill or over the campfire grate and let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also hold the cones over the fire with tongs, gently turning them so they heat evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the chocolate and marshmallows have melted into a delicious, creamy treat inside the crunchy cone.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the cones from the heat and give them a moment to cool just enough to handle safely. Then unwrap and dig in immediately while everything is warm, soft, and ooey-gooey. This is the moment where every bite delivers a perfect balance of warm melted chocolate, toasted nuts, and fluffy marshmallow bliss—make sure to have napkins handy!
How to Serve Campfire Cones Recipe
Garnishes
While the cones shine on their own, a few extra touches can take your presentation to the next level. Try topping with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness and flair. Fresh berries nearby add a pop of color and a little tang to balance the richness, making the campfire treat look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair these warm, sweet cones with a cool side like vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a creamy contrast. Fresh fruit salad or crunchy celery sticks with peanut butter also provide a refreshing balance when serving a crowd. These combos keep the dessert experience exciting and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching setup, serve your Campfire Cones Recipe in a bundle wrapped with colorful ribbons or place them in a decorated basket lined with napkins. Another fun idea is to serve them alongside cups of hot cocoa on a rustic wooden tray, creating a cozy vibe perfect for chilly evenings under the stars. Presentation can be as simple or festive as you like!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Campfire Cones (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because these cones are best enjoyed warm and gooey, refrigeration can make the fillings firm up and the cones soggy, but it will keep them safe to eat for up to two days.
Freezing
Freezing the cones isn’t ideal because of the marshmallows and chocolate texture changes. However, you can freeze the assembled but unheated cones wrapped tightly in foil for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, reheat carefully over medium heat to recapture that molten, delicious goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the cones from the refrigerator and wrap again in foil. Warm them on a grill or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until everything softens and melts. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and ensure they’re heated evenly. Avoid microwaving because the cones can become chewy instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cones for this Campfire Cones Recipe?
Absolutely! While waffle cones are preferred for their sturdiness and flavor, you can experiment with sugar cones or even cake cones. Just make sure they’re thick enough to hold the fillings and can withstand heating without falling apart.
What if I don’t have a campfire or grill available?
No worries at all! You can easily make these cones in a conventional oven or over a stovetop burner with a pan. Just wrap them in foil and place them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) until the ingredients are melted, about 5-7 minutes.
Are there any nut-free options for this recipe?
Definitely. Simply skip the peanut butter chips and chopped nuts, and feel free to substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds if you want crunch without nuts. The cones will still be delightfully sweet and gooey.
Can I customize the fillings?
Yes! This Campfire Cones Recipe is all about having fun and personalizing. Try adding dried fruit, caramel bits, different types of chocolate, or even small cookie pieces. The possibilities are endless—just be mindful of stuff that melts well and can handle heat.
How do I prevent the cones from getting soggy?
Wrapping tightly in foil and heating gently at medium heat helps keep the cone crispy. Also, filling the cones nearly to the top creates less chance of liquid escaping and softening the cone. Enjoy immediately after heating for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Campfire Cones Recipe is such a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy to any gathering, transforming simple ingredients into a shareable, delicious experience that will light up faces and create memories. Whether around a campfire or in your backyard, these sweet cones are bursting with gooey goodness and happiness. I can’t wait for you to try them and see how easy and fun it is to make magic with just a few simple staples!
Print
Campfire Cones Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Campfire Cones are a fun and delicious outdoor treat perfect for camping or backyard gatherings. These waffle cones are filled with layers of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and optional candies or nuts, then wrapped in foil and warmed over a campfire or grill until gooey and melty. A delightful combination of sweet flavors and textures that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 waffle cones
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup M&Ms or other small candy pieces (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., peanuts, almonds, or walnuts)
- Sprinkles (optional, for added fun)
Additional Supplies
- Aluminum foil (for wrapping cones)
Instructions
- Preheat the campfire or grill: Prepare your campfire or grill by heating it to medium temperature to ensure even melting without burning.
- Fill the cones: Stand the waffle cones upright and alternate layers of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, candy pieces, and chopped nuts inside each cone, filling them nearly to the top.
- Add sprinkles (optional): Sprinkle the top of each filled cone with colorful sprinkles if desired, adding a fun visual and extra sweetness.
- Wrap the cones: Wrap each cone tightly in aluminum foil, sealing the edges well to avoid any melted ingredients spilling out during cooking.
- Cook the cones: Place the wrapped cones on the grill or campfire grate and cook for 5-7 minutes until marshmallows and chocolate are melted and gooey. Alternatively, hold cones over the fire with tongs, turning gently for even melting.
- Cool and serve: Carefully remove cones from heat and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Unwrap and serve immediately to enjoy the warm, melty treat.
Notes
- Be careful when handling hot foil packets to avoid burns.
- Customize fillings with your favorite candies or nuts to suit your taste.
- If you prefer a crispier cone, unwrap the foil after melting and place cones over indirect heat for a minute.
- This recipe is perfect for camping but can also be made using a barbecue grill or an oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil.
