Hey friends — I’m Hannah Whitecare, chef, storyteller, and your resident fan of gooey, chocolatey campfire magic. Today I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite sweet traditions: Reese’s Campfire Cones. These handheld delights take a waffle cone and stuff it with marshmallows, chunks of chocolate, mini peanut butter cups, and a sprinkle of Reese’s Pieces, then wrap everything in aluminum foil and toast to bubbly, melty perfection over an open flame. They’re nostalgic, messy, and ridiculously easy — the kind of dessert that makes grown adults grin like kids around the fire.
If you like mixing campfire classics with a playful twist, you might also enjoy trying a riff on s’mores that I love: my campfire s’mores cannoli. Both recipes celebrate that same caramelized, roasted-marshmallow vibe but in their own fun ways.
In this post I’ll walk you through everything — from pantry picks to hands-on toasting tips, plating ideas, and variations for dietary needs. I’ll also share the little chef hacks I use at Martine’s to get perfectly melted chocolate and marshmallows without turning cones into molten lava bombs. Whether you’re planning a backyard bonfire, a camping trip, or just a cozy night on the balcony, these Reese’s Campfire Cones are a crowd-pleaser that require minimal fuss and deliver maximum joy. Let’s get into the ingredients, the how-to, and some pro tips so your cones come out picture-perfect and dangerously delicious.
Personal Story
I still remember the first time I watched my grandmother make something like this — she called it "hobo cones" and filled them with whatever dessert treasures she had on hand. One humid New Orleans evening, we lined up on the back porch, swung our feet, and roasted cones over a tiny hibachi. My grandmother winked as she tucked a mini peanut butter cup into the center and smashed a few marshmallows on top. The marshmallows browned in seconds, the chocolate yielded like silk, and she handed me a steaming foil-wrapped cone with that look only she could give — equal parts mischief and love.
That cone tasted like summers and stories and the kind of comfort that stays with you. I recreated that memory at Martine’s one summer for an outdoor pop-up, substituting in Reese’s candy to up the peanut-butter-to-chocolate ratio. Guests licked their fingers, traded cones, and begged for the recipe. That night, between jazz spilling down the street and the warm glow of lanterns, I decided this one had to be in my personal repertoire forever.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to build your Reese’s Campfire Cones. Quantities are per 4 cones; scale as needed.
- Waffle cones (4): Use sturdy waffle cones — they hold up better to heat and weight than thin sugar cones. If you only find thin cones, double-wrap the bottom in aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
- Mini marshmallows (about 1 cup): Small marshmallows melt faster and fill the nooks of the cone; if you only have large ones, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Chocolate chunks or chips (½ cup): Semi-sweet or milk chocolate both work great. Use a mix of chips and chopped chocolate for faster, creamier melt.
- Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups (8, two per cone): These are the creamy peanut-butter heart of the cone. If you can, slightly press them to flatten for fuller coverage in the cone.
- Reese’s Pieces (¼ cup): For crunch, color, and a sweeter peanut-butter note—sprinkle a few inside or on top before toasting.
- Graham cracker crumbs or crushed waffle cone (optional, ¼ cup): Adds a toasty, slightly crunchy layer like a s’more. Great if you want a more nostalgic profile.
- Unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted (1–2 tbsp): Brushed on the cone exterior before wrapping for a golden, slightly roasted finish.
- Aluminum foil (enough to wrap each cone securely): Heavy-duty foil works best to protect cones from direct flames while letting them get toasty.
- Optional sea salt flakes (a pinch): A tiny sprinkle on top balances the sweetness — delightful if you love salty-sweet.
- Optional add-ins: mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a dab of jam if you’re feeling playful.
Chef insight: assemble everything in an “assembly line” — cones, marshmallows, chocolate, peanut butter cups, Reese’s Pieces — so you can fill quickly and avoid sticky hands slowing you down. Substitutions: for nut-free, skip the peanut cups and use chocolate-covered caramel bites and extra Reese’s Pieces (if allergy-safe) or sunbutter cups for sunflower-seed butter fans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
I like to treat this like a small production: quick, tidy, and joyful. You’ll get warm, molten cones in about 10–15 minutes from start to finish.
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Prep your station
- Lay a sheet of parchment or a big cutting board on the table. Arrange cones, marshmallows, chocolate, peanut butter cups, Reese’s Pieces, and optional crumbs in bowls.
- Tip: Use a small scoop or measuring cup for marshmallows so each cone gets an even amount.
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Stuff the cones
- Hold a waffle cone upright. Drop a tablespoon of chocolate chips or a few chopped pieces into the base to form a chocolate bed.
- Add a layer of mini marshmallows, gently tamping them down so they nestle into the cone without overflowing.
- Nestle two mini Reese’s peanut butter cups in the middle, pressing slightly to embed them among the marshmallows and chocolate.
- Top with another handful of marshmallows and a sprinkle of Reese’s Pieces. Finish with a little graham or cone crumb for texture if using.
- Chef hack: Leave the top of the cone slightly open — it’ll puff and brown prettily instead of exploding out.
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Wrap for the fire
- Lightly brush the outside of each cone with melted butter or coconut oil. This helps the waffle brown and taste buttery, plus it keeps the foil from sticking.
- Wrap each cone tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, sealing the top well. If you leave a small vent at the top, the marshmallows will caramelize more — but be careful of drips.
- Tip: Wrap twice if you’re worried about embers or if your fire is intense.
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Toast over the fire
- Hold cones over glowing embers, not roaring flames, or place them on a grill rack above the heat. Rotate every 30–45 seconds. You want gentle, even heat so the chocolate melts without burning the cone.
- Heat time depends on the fire: expect 3–6 minutes. Check one cone by unwrapping carefully — if marshmallows are gooey and chocolate is melted, you’re done.
- Safety note: Use tongs or a long skewer/heatproof glove to manage foil-wrapped cones.
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Finish and serve
- Once melted, remove the foil and let cones cool for 30–60 seconds — they’ll be hot inside. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if you like.
- For a smoky top finish, briefly rewrap without foil and warm over the embers for 10–15 seconds to toast the marshmallow exterior, then unwrap and serve immediately.
- Pro tip: If you’re making these without a campfire, pop wrapped cones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 6–8 minutes — watch closely.
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Clean, share, repeat
- Have napkins and a plate ready; these are meant to be devoured with joy and a little mess. Offer forks for those who prefer to scoop gooey goodness into bowls.
Little chef commentary: Don’t overfill. The most reliable texture comes from a balance: enough marshmallow to get that stretch, enough Reese’s to bring that peanut-butter hit, and chocolate to bind it all. I test-coned dozens at Martine’s and learned that less is more when it comes to maintaining cone integrity.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters even for campfire treats. Here are my favorite serving ideas to elevate your cone moment:
- Rustic picnic tray: Stand cones in a shallow wooden box lined with parchment, cones tilted slightly outward so guests can grab easily. Scatter extra Reese’s Pieces and a few crushed graham crumbs for guests to sprinkle on top.
- Family-style platter: Unwrap cones just before serving and place them on a warm plate. Add a small ramekin of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for dunking, and a bowl of toasted pecans for texture.
- Dessert bar: Offer toppings in labeled bowls — crushed pretzels, flaked coconut, sea salt, extra mini peanut butter cups, and espresso powder for grown-up flavor. Let people customize before or after toasting.
- Kid-friendly handling: Stick each cone into a halved apple or a sturdy paper cup to keep them upright and reduce spills. This also looks adorable for parties.
- Paired drinks: Serve with strong coffee for adults, cold milk for kids, or an after-dinner digestif (think a chocolatey liqueur) for the grown-up crowd. At Martine’s we paired cones with a chilled peanut-butter porter during a pop-up and it was wildly popular.
When plating, remember the cones will be hot — present them on heat-safe surfaces and warn guests. A small wooden sign that says “Hot & Gooey — Eat With Joy” is optional but highly recommended.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch it up? Here are creative spins and dietary swaps to keep your campfire cones fresh and inclusive.
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Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch
- Use dark chocolate chunks and add crushed chocolate-covered toffee or pretzel pieces for crunch. Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate after unwrapping for extra decadence.
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Nut-Free Caramel S’mores
- Replace peanut butter cups with caramel chews (cut into small pieces) and use allergy-safe chocolate. Add a sprinkle of toasted oats for chew and texture.
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Vegan / Dairy-Free Cones
- Use vegan waffle cones, dairy-free chocolate chips, and vegan peanut butter cups (or sunbutter cups for nut-free). Swap marshmallows for vegan marshmallows. Use coconut oil to brush the cone for that golden finish.
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Boozy Adult Version
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the chocolate pieces before stuffing, or brush a little booze on the inside of the cone before wrapping for a warm adult twist. (Note: alcohol flames off; this will just add flavor.)
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Fruity Peanut Butter Surprise
- Tuck in a quarter of a sliced banana or a few raspberries along with the Reese’s for a fruity contrast that cuts the sweetness and adds brightness.
Each variation changes the texture and flavor profile slightly — experiment with small batches to find your favorite.
Chef’s Notes
A few learned truths from years of testing confections at pop-ups and in my grandmother’s kitchen:
- Timing is everything. Too long over embers and the cone gets soggy; too short and the chocolate stays stubborn. I aim for just-softened marshmallows and glossy, pourable chocolate.
- Foil is your friend. Heavy-duty foil protects the cone from ash and direct flame, but don’t wrap too tight — the marshmallows need room to expand a bit.
- The peanut butter cup placement matters. Nestle the mini cups in the center and surround them with marshmallow and chocolate so they melt evenly instead of sliding out.
- Clean-up plan: Have a trash can and wipes nearby. Sticky hands are part of the ritual, but easy access to cleanup keeps the fun flowing.
- Evolution: Over the years I’ve swapped in different chocolates, learned the exact ember heat I prefer, and embraced the mess. The recipe has evolved from my grandmother’s improvisational hobo cones into this refined, crowd-pleasing Reese’s version.
Funny kitchen memory: Once at a festival I forgot to seal the cones and one oozed like a lava cake right onto a guest’s lap. We laughed, she kept eating, and I added “double-wrap” to my mental checklist forever after.
FAQs and Troubleshooting
Q: My cone fell apart while toasting. What went wrong?
A: Most likely the cone got too close to direct flame or it was overfilled, causing structural weakness. Use embers or a moderate grill heat, don’t jam the cone to the brim, and double-wrap the base in foil if you have thin cones.
Q: The marshmallows burned quickly while the chocolate stayed solid.
A: That happens when heat is too direct. Move cones higher above the embers, rotate frequently, and check sooner. You can also preheat chocolate chunks slightly (microwave for 8–10 seconds) before stuffing so they melt faster once toasted.
Q: How do I prevent the foil from sticking to the cone when unwrapped?
A: Lightly brush the outside of the cone with melted butter or oil before wrapping. If you’re worried about sticking inside the foil, use parchment to separate the cone and then wrap in foil for heat protection.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can assemble cones and refrigerate them for a few hours before toasting, but don’t wrap in foil until you’re ready to heat. Toasted cones are best eaten immediately — reheating in an oven for a couple minutes can revive them, but texture won’t be exactly the same.
Q: Any tips for campfire safety?
A: Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby, supervise kids, and use long tongs or heatproof gloves. Never hold the cone directly over huge flames — aim for glowing coals or a steady, moderate grill heat.
Nutritional Info (approximate per cone)
Nutritional values will vary with exact brands and quantities. These are estimates for one Reese’s Campfire Cone made with a standard waffle cone, ½ cup total chocolate, ½ cup mini marshmallows, 2 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, and a small sprinkle of Reese’s Pieces.
- Calories: ~420–520 kcal
- Total fat: 20–28 g (saturated fat ~9–12 g)
- Cholesterol: 0–5 mg (depends on chocolate)
- Sodium: 150–280 mg
- Total carbohydrates: 52–68 g (sugars ~36–48 g; includes marshmallow and candy)
- Fiber: 1–3 g
- Protein: 5–8 g (peanut butter cups contribute most)
Healthy-eating notes:
- These are a treat — rich and indulgent with a high sugar profile. If you want to lighten them, use mini peanut butter cups sparingly, swap in dark chocolate for a slightly lower sugar option, or use fewer marshmallows.
- For lower calorie versions, try half-portions in smaller sugar cones or share one cone between two people as a tasting experience.
- Allergy swaps: use sunflower seed butter cups for nut-free, and vegan marshmallows/chocolate for dairy-free options. Always check labels for cross-contamination if serving to guests with severe allergies.
Final Thoughts
These Reese’s Campfire Cones are pure, unpretentious fun — an easy, nostalgic dessert that sparks smiles and sticky fingers. They’re perfect for summer nights, camping trips, or any gathering where warmth, laughter, and simple pleasures are on the menu. I love how this recipe blends classic s’mores elements with the peanut-butter-chocolate comfort of Reese’s candy; it’s playful, shareable, and endlessly adaptable.
If you’re hosting, set up an assembly station and let guests build their own — it turns dessert into an interactive event. If you’re making them solo, savor that first molten bite and call someone you love to share the moment (or not — I won’t judge greedy joy). Cooking and sharing food is part craft, part ritual, and wholly about connection. These cones are a small, sticky celebration of that idea.
Thank you for letting me share this recipe and the memories tied to it. If you try them, send me a note about your favorite variation — I live for those little creative spins. Now grab your cones, light that fire (safely), and let’s melt some memories together.
Conclusion
If you want a quick reference or another take on similar campfire treats, check out this fun write-up on Reese’s Campfire Cones – Fake Ginger for additional inspiration and variations.
Print
Reese’s Campfire Cones
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully gooey and chocolatey cones filled with marshmallows, chocolate chunks, mini Reese’s cups, and topped with Reese’s Pieces, perfect for campfires and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 Waffle cones
- 1 cup Mini marshmallows
- ½ cup Chocolate chunks or chips
- 8 Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
- ¼ cup Reese’s Pieces
- ¼ cup Graham cracker crumbs or crushed waffle cone (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp Unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
- Aluminum foil (enough to wrap each cone securely)
- A pinch of sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your station by laying out ingredients and tools.
- Stuff the cones with chocolate, marshmallows, Reese’s cups, and top with more marshmallows and Reese’s Pieces.
- Wrap each cone tightly in aluminum foil.
- Toast over glowing embers for 3–6 minutes, rotating frequently.
- Finish and serve with a sprinkle of sea salt if desired.
Notes
These cones can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. For non-campfire cooking, wrap them in foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cone
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: campfire dessert, Reese’s cones, easy dessert, summer recipe, nostalgic treat
