There’s something about a cone wrapped in foil, warmed by embers, that takes me right back to porch sittin’ with my mama—sweet smoke in the air and laughter that tastes like molasses. These Campfire Cones are simple as a Sunday hymn and twice as comforting. If you love cozy baking, you might also enjoy my cranberry orange scones for a morning that feels like a hug.
Why make this recipe
A Campfire Cone is the kind of small, joyful thing that brings folks together — no fuss, plenty of smiles, and endless ways to make it your own. They’re perfect for backyard evenings, family cookouts, or when the grandkids run to the fire pit with sticky little fingers and big eyes. Best of all, everyone can pick their own fillings, and the memories are why we cook.
How to make Campfire Cones
Making these is soul-easy: stuff, wrap, warm, and share. Start by choosing a variety of candies so each cone feels like a little surprise. If you’re packing up for a weekend trip, these cones travel well — consider preparing them at home and popping them in your cooler until you reach the campfire. They’re a simple pleasure, the sort that reminds you of childhood summers and neighborly kindness. For another cozy bake to tuck in your recipe box, see my cranberry orange scones.
Ingredients:
- 12 waffle cones
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows
- 12 ounces chocolate chips
- Optional candies and stuffing ideas: Andes mints, Rolos, mini M&Ms, mini Oreos, peanut butter chips, Nutella, cookie butter, peanut butter, sprinkles, gummy bears
Directions:
Fill each cone alternating with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and candy. Finish with your favorite candy on top. Wrap each cone carefully in aluminum foil. Bake on a sheet pan in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes, on the top rack of your grill for 5-7 minutes, or over your campfire grate for 2-3 minutes. Allow to cool a few minutes before enjoying. Try making them ahead of time and bringing to your campout or fire pit all ready to go. Have a campfire cone buffet for your next party. Mix and match all your favorite candies!
How to serve Campfire Cones
Serve them warm and unwrapped at the table or hand them out right at the fire pit. Provide napkins, a little bowl of extra sprinkles or crushed cookies, and a long spoon for scooping melty goodness. Folks love to open their cones together — it’s a tiny reveal that makes grown-ups grin and children squeal alike.
How to store Campfire Cones
If you’ve pre-assembled cones, tuck them in the fridge until you’re ready to wrap them in foil and warm. Once heated, eat them the same day for best texture; the cones can soften if stored after warming. Unwarmed, they’ll keep a couple days covered in the refrigerator; just bring them out and warm gently when you’re ready.
Tips to make Campfire Cones
- Don’t overfill: leave a little space at the top so the fillings can melt without overflowing and making a mess.
- Wrap snugly: double-wrapping with foil helps keep the heat even, especially over an open flame.
- Watch the fire: over direct coals, cones heat quickly — two to three minutes may be plenty.
- Mix textures: add a crunchy topper like crushed cookies or nuts after warming for contrast.
- Make a buffet: lay out bowls of fillings and let everyone assemble their own — it’s half the fun.
For an easy make-ahead treat, prepare cones at home and refrigerate; then warm them up at your site when the fire’s ready. And if you ever want another comforting recipe to pair with your evenings, try my cranberry orange scones for mornings that feel like a story.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Delight: add peanut butter chips and a smear of peanut butter for a Southern spin.
- Minty Melt: tuck an Andes mint in for a cool, creamy center.
- Cookie Crush: layer mini Oreos and a few chocolate chips for a cookies-and-cream dream.
- Fruity Twist: add dried fruit and white chocolate chips for a sweeter, chewier bite.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular ice cream cones instead of waffle cones?
A: Waffle cones are sturdier and hold up better to melting fillings, but if you have cake cones, watch them closely — they may soften quicker.
Q: Are Campfire Cones safe to warm over an open flame?
A: Yes, when wrapped tightly in foil and held over coals or on a grate. Keep a close eye, rotate as needed, and use tongs or a heat-safe glove.
Q: Can I prepare these for a large crowd?
A: Absolutely. Assemble them on a tray, wrap, and chill. At serving time, warm batches as needed so everyone gets a fresh, gooey cone.
Q: What’s the best way to prevent the cone from getting soggy?
A: Don’t overfill with liquidy spreads, and serve soon after warming. Adding crunchy toppings after heating helps keep the texture lively.
Q: How do I keep kids from burning their fingers?
A: Let cones cool a few minutes after removing from heat, and offer wooden spoons or skewers for safer scooping.
Conclusion
There’s something downright magical about gathering round a fire and sharing something sweet that you made with your own hands. For inspiration and a different take on campfire treats, check out this lovely version from Campfire Cones | The Girl Who Ate Everything, and for another crowd-pleasing method you might enjoy, see Campfire Cones – Stuff ’em, Wrap ’em, Grill ’em, EAT ’em!
Now go on—gather your kin, lay out the fillings, and let the night be full of sticky fingers, warm hearts, and stories that stretch long into the porch light. I’ll be right there with you in spirit, passing a plate and saying, “One more, sugar.”
Campfire Cones
Ingredients
Method
- Fill each cone alternating with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and your choice of optional candies.
- Finish each cone with your favorite candy on top.
- Wrap each cone carefully in aluminum foil.
- Bake on a sheet pan in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
- Alternatively, bake on the top rack of your grill for 5-7 minutes or over your campfire grate for 2-3 minutes.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before enjoying.