If you’re dreaming of a fun, festive treat that’s as delicious as it is adorable, you’re going to want to try my Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe. These little pies are the perfect balance of flaky puff pastry and warm, spiced pumpkin filling, and they’re just begging to be devoured (or shown off) at your next Halloween party. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making them every fall!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Festive: These hand pies feature cute Jack O’ Lantern faces that bring Halloween spirit to your dessert table.
- Easy to Make: Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe simple enough for bakers of any skill level.
- Comforting Flavor: The warm pumpkin pie spice blend combined with real pumpkin puree will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: My kids love helping cut out the pumpkins and faces—it’s a great way to get the whole family involved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies is all about combining simple ingredients to pull off that cozy fall flavor with a flaky, golden crust. Using real pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin pie filling gives you control over sweetness and spices, and the combination of brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice hits all the right notes.
- Puff pastry sheets: Choose frozen puff pastry that thaws easily but stays cold for the flakiest layers.
- Pumpkin puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin—not pumpkin pie filling—to customize sweetness and spice.
- Egg + egg yolk: Eggs bind the filling and create a beautiful golden glaze on top.
- Brown sugar: Adds warmth and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top for a lovely crunch and sparkle.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A fragrant mix that’s key for that classic pumpkin taste.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the filling.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Half and half: Keeps the filling smooth and creamy.
Variations
What I love most about the Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can make these pies your own with different spices, fillings, or even dough. Feel free to get creative!
- Spice it up: I once added a pinch of ground cloves and nutmeg to the pumpkin pie spice mix for an extra cozy bite—so good!
- Sweet swap: If you prefer a sweeter filling, try adding a splash of maple syrup or honey along with the brown sugar.
- Dairy-free option: Swap half and half for coconut cream to keep the filling creamy without dairy.
- Alternative crust: Puff pastry is ideal, but a sturdy pie crust dough works too if you want a more homemade feel.
How to Make Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prep your puff pastry and pumpkin filling
First things first: if you’re using frozen puff pastry, let it thaw just enough to become pliable but still cold—about 30 to 40 minutes usually does the trick. This makes it easier to roll without tearing. Meanwhile, mix your pumpkin filling by combining pumpkin puree, egg, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, salt, and half and half. Whisk it well until it’s smooth and ready to fill your hand pies.
Step 2: Roll out, cut, and create your pumpkin shapes
Roll each puff pastry sheet to about 13 inches long—just right to cut three rows of pumpkins. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 24 shapes total. Separate 12 for the bottom of your pies and 12 for the Jack O’ Lantern tops. For the tops, carefully carve Jack O’ Lantern faces with a sharp knife, then gently roll over them with a rolling pin to make them just a hair larger than the bottom pieces. This layering trick is what gives these pies their charming look.
Step 3: Assemble your hand pies with care
Place 12 bottom pumpkin shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets. Spoon about a tablespoon of pumpkin filling into the center of each. Lightly wet the edges with water, then carefully top with the carved Jack O’ Lantern pumpkins. Pinch the edges gently to seal, making sure the filling doesn’t spill out during baking. These might take a little patience, but trust me—it’s worth it!
Step 4: Glaze, sugar, and bake!
Whisk the egg yolk with water for your egg wash, then brush it generously over the tops for that glossy, golden finish. Mix the granulated sugar and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, then sprinkle it over the pies for a lovely crunch and extra flavor. Pop them into your preheated 400°F oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until they’re puffed up and beautifully golden.
Pro Tips for Making Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: I learned the hard way that if the dough warms too much, it becomes sticky and difficult to handle—chill often while working.
- Use a Sharp Knife for Faces: A small, sharp paring knife helps carve Jack O’ Lantern details cleanly without tearing the dough.
- Don’t Overfill: A tablespoon of filling is perfect—too much makes sealing tricky and can cause leaking.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: I suggest starting to check at 13 minutes because ovens vary; you want golden, not burnt.
How to Serve Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep garnishes simple so the pies’ charm shines through. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce really complements the pumpkin spice filling. Sometimes, I jazz things up with a dollop of whipped cream on the side—it’s the perfect cozy finish.
Side Dishes
These hand pies make a great snack or dessert alongside a hot cup of apple cider or spiced chai tea. If you want to get fancy, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a fresh autumn salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For Halloween gatherings, I arrange the pies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini pumpkins and fall leaves—super festive! You can also stand them upright like little Jack O’ Lanterns on a serving platter or tie festive ribbons around each one for grab-and-go party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover hand pies keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually warm them up gently before serving so you still get that flaky texture and melty filling like fresh from the oven.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, these pies freeze great before baking. I freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just bake straight from frozen—add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes and they come out as fresh and flaky as when you first made them. I avoid microwaving because it makes the crust soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
I don’t recommend canned pie filling because it’s already sweetened and spiced, which can throw off the balance of flavors and sweetness in the hand pies. Using plain pumpkin puree gives you full control over the taste and texture.
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Do I have to use puff pastry sheets or can I use pie dough?
Puff pastry is ideal here because of its flaky layers and delicate texture, which make these hand pies feel extra special. But if you prefer, a sturdy pie dough can also work; just expect a denser crust.
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How can I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
Be sure to brush the edges of the bottom pastry with water before sealing and press the edges firmly but gently to create a good seal. Also, avoid overfilling each pie, keeping the pumpkin mixture to about a tablespoon per pie.
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Can I make these Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pies ahead and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for a few hours or freeze them for longer storage. Bake them fresh when you’re ready for that golden, flaky perfection.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe turns out every time—there’s just something so satisfying about sinking your teeth into that flaky crust with the warmly spiced pumpkin filling underneath a cute carved face. When I first tried making these, I was a bit intimidated with carving the dough, but the process quickly became my favorite seasonal kitchen ritual. If you want a fun, festive, and downright delicious treat that also doubles as a conversation starter, this recipe is it. I can’t wait for you to make it and hear how your family and friends go crazy for these pies—happy baking!
Print
Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies are charming, flaky treats perfect for Halloween. Made with puff pastry and a spiced pumpkin filling, they are easy to assemble and bake to a golden finish with adorable Jack O’ Lantern faces that add festive fun. Ideal for a kid-friendly dessert that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 4 sheets puff pastry
Filling
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon half and half
Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water (divided)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: If the puff pastry is frozen, set it out to slightly thaw for up to 40 minutes. Keep it cold yet pliable enough for rolling out.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the hand pies.
- Prepare Spice Sugar Mix: Combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl and set aside for topping.
- Make Pumpkin Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, 1 whole egg, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, salt, and half and half until well combined. Set aside.
- Roll and Cut Pastry: Roll out each puff pastry sheet to about 13 inches long, enough to cut three rows of pumpkins. Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 24 pumpkin shapes total.
- Prepare Bottom and Top Layers: Place 12 pumpkin shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets as the bottoms. In the remaining 12 pumpkins, carefully cut out Jack O’ Lantern faces using a sharp knife, then gently roll them once or twice with a rolling pin to slightly enlarge these top layers.
- Fill and Assemble: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin filling into the center of each bottom pumpkin. Brush the edges lightly with water, then carefully place a Jack O’ Lantern top on each, aligning edges and gently pressing to seal.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water and brush the mixture over the tops of the assembled pies for a golden finish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the sugar and pumpkin pie spice mixture evenly over the tops of the pies.
- Bake: Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Notes
- These hand pies are perfect for a kid-friendly, festive Halloween dessert that is both cute and easy to make.
- Be sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and flavor.
- Keep the puff pastry cold but workable to achieve the flakiest crust.
- Use a sharp knife to cut out Jack O’ Lantern faces carefully to avoid tearing the pastry.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Pie
- Calories: 501 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 261 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
