Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and absolutely delicious treat to dazzle at your Halloween party or just enjoy a cozy fall dessert, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe is seriously fan-freaking-tastic — flaky puff pastry hugging a sweet pumpkin filling, all dressed up with cute carved faces that bring Halloween to life. I first made these when I wanted something different from the usual pumpkin pie, and let me tell you, my family went crazy for them. Keep reading because I’m going to share every little trick to help you nail these Halloween hand pies!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe is selected to create that perfect blend of flaky crust and creamy pumpkin filling. When shopping, keep an eye out for good-quality puff pastry and pure pumpkin puree—not the pumpkin pie filling—which can be too sweet.

• Puff pastry sheets: Make sure they’re chilled but workable; thaw them slightly so they don’t crack when you roll them out.
• Pumpkin puree: Use canned pure pumpkin, not pie filling, to control sugar and spice levels.
• Egg: Whole eggs help bind the filling, while egg yolk is perfect for that golden glossy crust.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and caramel notes to the pumpkin filling.
• Granulated sugar: Used both in the filling and sprinkled on top for sweet crunch.
• Pumpkin pie spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger is the secret to that cozy, autumnal flavor.
• Vanilla extract: It elevates the pumpkin filling with a lovely, rounded sweetness.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance all those flavors.
• Half and half: Adds a touch of creaminess to the filling for a luscious texture.

Variations

I love how versatile this Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe is—you can really make it your own. Whether you want to make it dairy-free, add a little spice kick, or even switch up the filling, there’s room for creativity!

• Dairy-Free Variation: I swapped the half and half for coconut milk once and it gave the filling a subtle tropical twist that’s delightful.
• Spicy Pumpkin: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or add fresh ginger to the pumpkin mixture—I tried this last Halloween and it was surprisingly addictive.
• Savory Twist: For a unique take, reduce the sugar and add some sharp cheddar inside—perfect for a fall appetizer.
• Mini Pies: Cut smaller pumpkins for bite-sized hand pies that are perfect for kids’ parties or potlucks.

How to Make Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry and Oven

First things first—if your puff pastry is frozen, take it out to thaw just enough so it’s soft enough to roll but still cold; this usually takes about 30-40 minutes. You want it pliable but not sticky. Meanwhile, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F. The hotter oven really helps the puff pastry puff up nicely and bake to a golden perfection.

Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Filling and Spice Sugar

While your puff pastry is thawing, mix the pumpkin filling. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, one whole egg, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, salt, and half and half until smooth and well combined. Set that aside. Then, stir the granulated sugar with a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for sprinkling later—this extra step adds a nice touch of sweet-spice crunch to the tops of your pies.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut Your Pumpkins

Roll out each puff pastry sheet to about 13 inches long so you can get three rows of pumpkins. Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter (this is where the fun starts!), cut out 24 pumpkin shapes. Lay 12 on parchment-lined baking sheets; these will be your pie bottoms. For the other 12, carefully cut little Jack O’ Lantern faces with a small, sharp knife—eyes, nose, mouth—the more creative, the better! Roll these face pieces lightly a couple times with your rolling pin to slightly enlarge them so they fit neatly over the bottom pumpkins.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Spoon about a tablespoon of the pumpkin filling into the center of each bottom pumpkin. Use your fingertip to lightly wet the edges of the bottom crust with water—this helps seal the top piece down. Carefully place the Jack O’ Lantern faces on top, lining them up nicely. Press the edges gently but firmly to seal the pies—don’t overdo it or the filling might leak out during baking.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake

Beat the egg yolk with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash, then gently brush it over the tops of each pie. This gives them a beautiful golden shine. Immediately sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice sugar mixture over the pies for that final sweet-spicy crunch. Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until puffed and golden. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are crisp and the faces look perfectly defined and adorable!

How to Serve Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce over these pies when serving to add a little extra sweetness and make them look even more inviting. If you’re feeling festive, a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top elevates them to a cozy fall dessert everyone will appreciate.

Side Dishes

These pies are great on their own, but if you’re serving at a party or a cozy autumn gathering, pair them with a hot apple cider or a simple green salad with roasted nuts to balance the sweetness. For kids, a side of vanilla ice cream is always a winner.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite things is setting these up on a Halloween-themed platter surrounded by little pumpkin candles and orange fairy lights. You can also serve them in a rustic wooden box lined with kraft paper for that autumn market vibe. If you want to impress during a kids’ party, hand each child their own tiny paper bag with a Jack O’ Lantern sticker for easy takeaway.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing—they tend to get a little soggy if packed warm. When reheated properly, they still taste wonderfully fresh.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead (life saver during busy holiday weeks), I assemble the pies but don’t bake them. I freeze the unbaked pies on a baking tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When I’m ready, I bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. The puff pastry puffs up beautifully even from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the pies in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps back up beautifully. Microwave reheating can make them soggy, so I definitely recommend the oven method to keep that flaky texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines everything I love about fall: festive fun, cozy flavors, and easy finger food that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just indulging your pumpkin cravings, these hand pies never fail to bring smiles around the table. Give this recipe a try—I promise you’ll be as obsessed as I am!

Print