Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe
Introduction
These delightful Pumpkin Hand Pies are perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy, sweet treat. With a flaky all-butter crust and a spiced pumpkin filling, they bring seasonal flavors in a convenient handheld form. Topped with a luscious maple glaze, they’re sure to impress.

Ingredients
- All-Butter Pie Dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- 1 and 1/4 cups (282g) pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 6 tablespoons (72g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract or vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the pie dough by following your chosen recipe through the chilling phase. The dough must chill for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days before use.
- Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/8–1/4-inch thickness. Using a 5-inch diameter bowl or a paper guide, cut out circles. Place them on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. Repeat with the second dough disc. You should have 12–16 circles.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg, brown sugar, flour, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and combined.
- Step 5: Spoon 1.5–2 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Fold the other half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Seal edges by pressing with fingers, then crimp with a fork.
- Step 6: Place hand pies on baking sheets, brush tops with egg wash (egg beaten with milk), and cut 2–3 slits on top to vent steam. If the pies feel warm, refrigerate for 15 minutes to 1 hour before baking.
- Step 7: Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Step 8: To make icing, whisk confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, milk, maple or vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. When pies are cool enough, dip tops into icing or drizzle if the crust is flaky. Allow icing to set for about 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For easier handling, keep dough and cut circles chilled before assembling the pies.
- Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree; avoid pumpkin pie filling for best texture.
- Try adding chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have maple extract, vanilla extract works perfectly in the glaze.
Storage
Store leftover hand pies covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven to maintain crispness. The glaze may soften when refrigerated but will still be delicious.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought all-butter pie dough works well and saves time. Just be sure it is thoroughly chilled before you roll it out.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Chilling the assembled hand pies before baking helps the crust hold its shape. Also, leave a small border around the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
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Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours (including chilling and cooling)
- Yield: 12–16 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Hand Pies are flaky, buttery pastries filled with a smooth pumpkin spice filling and topped with a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy, hand-held treat, these pies combine a rich pumpkin mixture with a tender all-butter crust for a delicious seasonal dessert.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- All-Butter Pie Dough or Homemade Pie Dough (enough for 2 discs)
Filling
- 1 and 1/4 cups (282g) pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 6 Tablespoons (72g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon milk
Icing
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- 3 Tablespoons (45ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract or vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the crust ahead: Prepare either pie crust recipe through step 5. The dough must chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 5 days) in the refrigerator before using to ensure it’s firm and easier to work with.
- Roll out the pie dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/8–1/4-inch thickness. Use a 5-inch bowl upside down as a guide and cut circles out of the dough. Place all circles on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to keep cold.
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for baking.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, brown sugar, flour, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined, forming about 1.5 cups of filling.
- Assemble the hand pies: Spoon 1.5–2 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each chilled dough circle, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Fold over to create a half-moon shape, seal edges with fingers, then crimp with a fork. Place pies on prepared baking sheets, brush tops with egg wash, and cut 2–3 slits on top to vent steam. If not cold to touch, refrigerate 15 minutes to 1 hour before baking to preserve shape.
- Bake: Bake hand pies for 22–25 minutes until golden brown, rotating baking sheets halfway through for even cooking. Allow pies to cool on the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the icing: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, milk, maple or vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. When pies are cool enough, dip tops into icing or drizzle if flakiness causes sticking. Let icing set for about 1 hour before serving or enjoy immediately.
- Storage: Cover leftovers and store at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure dough is well chilled before handling and cutting for easier shaping and better texture.
- If the pies leak some pumpkin liquid after assembly, gently blot with a paper towel before baking to prevent sogginess.
- The colder the hand pies go into the oven, the better they keep their shape and flaky texture.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if desired.
- For a slightly different flavor, vanilla extract can be used in place of maple extract in the icing.
- These hand pies are best enjoyed within a few days due to the moisture in the filling but can be refrigerated for extended freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus at least 2 hours chilling time)
- Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pumpkin hand pies, pumpkin pies, fall dessert, hand-held pies, pumpkin spice, easy fall recipes, homemade pumpkin pies, flaky pie crust, maple icing

