Pumpkin Hand Pies: 12 Maple-Glazed Fall Treats You’ll Crave

Name: Pumpkin Hand Pies: 12 Maple-Glazed Fall Treats You’ll Crave
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-Butter Pie Dough (homemade or store-bought); 1 large egg + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash); 1 ¼ cups pumpkin puree; 1 large egg; 6 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark); 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar; 3 tbsp pure maple syrup; 1 tbsp milk; ½ tsp maple or vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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🍂 Introduction: Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice—In Your Hand

When autumn rolls in, so does the craving for all things cozy, spiced, and sweet. But what if you could capture the essence of pumpkin pie without the fuss of slicing and serving? Enter Pumpkin Hand Pies—the portable, pocket-sized desserts that deliver the full fall flavor experience in every bite.

These flaky, golden-brown pastries are filled with a creamy spiced pumpkin filling and finished with a shiny maple glaze that sets to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, packing lunchbox treats, or simply want a cozy baking project for the weekend, these Pumpkin Hand Pies hit the seasonal sweet spot.

Unlike traditional pumpkin pie, these hand pies require no special serving plates or utensils. Just bake, glaze, and enjoy—warm or at room temp. And with make-ahead tips and freezer-friendly instructions included, this recipe is as practical as it is indulgent.

If you’re ready to turn a can of pumpkin into the ultimate fall dessert, stick around. We’ll show you exactly how to make Pumpkin Hand Pies that are flaky on the outside, silky in the center, and glazed with maple magic.

What Are Pumpkin Hand Pies and Why You’ll Fall in Love

Imagine everything you adore about traditional pumpkin pie—but in a golden, flaky crust you can hold in one hand. Pumpkin Hand Pies are the ultimate mash-up of nostalgia and convenience, offering all the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin filling in a perfectly portioned, on-the-go pastry.

At their core, pumpkin hand pies are mini turnovers made with buttery pie dough, a creamy pumpkin pie filling, and often topped with a sweet glaze. But unlike a slice of pie that requires chilling, slicing, and plating, these handheld delights are made for casual snacking, holiday gifting, bake sales, or adding flair to your Thanksgiving dessert table.

You’ll also love how customizable they are. Change the shape, adjust the spice level, swap in maple glaze or skip it altogether—Pumpkin Hand Pies are as flexible as they are festive. And with their golden, crimped edges and rustic charm, they’re just as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pie-maker, this recipe offers an approachable way to bring a beloved fall flavor to life—no forks required.

Ingredients That Bring Your Pumpkin Hand Pies to Life

To make irresistible Pumpkin Hand Pies, it all starts with quality ingredients. Each component—from the flaky crust to the spiced pumpkin filling and maple glaze—plays a key role in delivering bold fall flavor with every bite.

🥧 Crust Ingredients

All-Butter Pie Dough – Offers unbeatable flakiness and buttery richness. You can make your own or opt for a store-bought version for a time-saving shortcut.
Egg Wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk) – Brushed on top for a golden, bakery-style finish.

🎃 Pumpkin Filling

Pumpkin Puree (1 ¼ cups) – Stick with canned pumpkin for consistency and flavor (Libby’s brand is ideal). If using fresh puree, blot excess moisture before using.
1 Large Egg – Helps bind the filling and creates a creamy texture.
Brown Sugar (6 tbsp) – Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the spice.
All-Purpose Flour (1 tbsp) – Thickens the filling slightly to avoid soggy bottoms.
Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 tsp) – A fragrant mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances all the warm flavors.
Pinch of Salt – Balances sweetness and sharpens the spices.

🍁 Maple Glaze

Confectioners’ Sugar (1 cup) – Forms the base of the glaze.
Maple Syrup (3 tbsp) – Adds warm, earthy sweetness with fall vibes.
Milk (1 tbsp) – Helps achieve a pourable consistency.
Maple or Vanilla Extract (½ tsp) – Intensifies the flavor.
Pinch of Salt – Prevents the glaze from being overly sweet.

🔄 Optional Ingredient Swaps

Use store-bought pie crust for convenience.
Sub vanilla extract if you don’t have maple extract.
For a vegan version, use non-dairy milk and egg substitutes.

Pumpkin Hand Pies ingredients—pumpkin puree, brown sugar, spices, egg — **Don’t miss out—share and pin this recipe on Pinterest today!**

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pumpkin Hand Pies Perfectly

Baking Pumpkin Hand Pies from scratch might sound like a fall weekend project—but with these clear, foolproof steps, you’ll be folding, filling, and glazing like a pro in no time. Follow along for buttery crusts, spiced pumpkin centers, and a maple finish that makes these pies unforgettable.

🧈 Step 1: Make and Chill the Dough

Prepare your all-butter pie dough (or use store-bought if you prefer). Chill the dough for at least 2 hours—cold dough = flaky crust!

🔁 Make-ahead tip: You can prep and refrigerate the dough up to 5 days in advance or freeze it for up to 3 months.

🍽 Step 2: Roll, Cut & Chill Again

On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/8″–1/4″ thickness.
Use a 5-inch bowl or cutter to make circles. Re-roll scraps to maximize yield.
Chill all dough circles for 15 minutes before filling.

🎃 Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg, brown sugar, flour, spice, vanilla, and salt until smooth and thick. This filling is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced—classic Pumpkin Hand Pies flavor in every bite.

🥟 Step 4: Fill & Seal the Pies

Spoon 1.5–2 tbsp of filling on one side of each dough circle.
Fold over to form a half-moon. Seal with your fingers, then crimp with a fork.
Brush the tops with egg wash and cut 2–3 slits for venting.

🔥 Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake pies for 22–25 minutes, rotating trays halfway through.
They’re done when golden brown around the edges and top.

🍁 Step 6: Glaze with Maple Magic

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, milk, extract, and salt.
Dip cooled pies or drizzle glaze on top. Let set for 1 hour—or dig in sooner if you can’t resist!

Pro Tips & Creative Twists for Your Pumpkin Hand Pies

Perfecting Pumpkin Hand Pies isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s also about knowing the little secrets that make a big difference. These tips and variations will elevate your hand pies from good to absolutely crave-worthy.

🔧 Pro Tips for Flawless Pumpkin Hand Pies

Keep the dough cold. Warm dough becomes sticky and hard to seal. Chill dough circles before filling and again before baking.
Don’t overfill. It’s tempting, but stick to 1.5–2 tablespoons of pumpkin filling. Overfilling leads to leaks.
Crimp tightly. Press the edges well and seal with a fork to keep the filling inside.
Use a sharp knife for slits. Clean, precise steam vents help prevent bursting.
Blot fresh pumpkin puree. If using homemade puree, blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture and avoid soggy crusts.
Rotate baking sheets. Halfway through baking, switch trays top to bottom and front to back for even browning.
Let the glaze set. For a cleaner look (and less mess), give the maple glaze 1 hour to firm up before serving or packing.

🌈 Creative Pumpkin Hand Pie Variations

🧁 1. Mini Pumpkin Pies

Use a 3.5-inch cutter for bite-sized pies. Perfect for parties or lunchbox treats!

🍎 2. Apple Pumpkin Combo

Mix in a few spoonfuls of finely chopped apple to the filling for extra fall flair.

🌱 3. Vegan Pumpkin Hand Pies

Use dairy-free pie dough, a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water), and plant-based milk in the glaze.

🍫 4. Chocolate Drizzle Topping

Skip the maple glaze and drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist.

🍬 5. Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

Brush unbaked pies with egg wash, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and skip the glaze for a bakery-style finish.

FAQs About Pumpkin Hand Pies

Whether you’re baking Pumpkin Hand Pies for the first time or looking to perfect your process, these frequently asked questions will guide you through common concerns and creative customizations.

❓1. Can I use store-bought pie dough?

Absolutely! While homemade dough adds a rich, flaky texture, store-bought versions save time and still taste great. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and chilled before rolling.

❓2. What’s the best pumpkin to use—canned or fresh?

Canned pumpkin puree (like Libby’s) is ideal for consistency and moisture control. If using fresh pumpkin puree, blot it with paper towels to remove excess liquid.

❓3. Why are my hand pies leaking?

Leaks usually happen when there’s too much filling or the edges aren’t sealed tightly. Be sure to crimp the edges well and avoid overfilling.

❓4. Can I freeze Pumpkin Hand Pies?

Yes! Freeze unglazed hand pies after baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight, warm slightly, then glaze before serving. You can also freeze unbaked pies—just add a few minutes to the baking time.

❓5. How far in advance can I make them?

You can make the dough up to 5 days ahead. Fully baked pies last up to 1 day at room temp or 5 days in the fridge. Glaze just before serving for best texture.

❓6. What can I use instead of maple extract?

Vanilla extract works well as a substitute. It won’t have the maple flavor, but it still complements the pumpkin filling beautifully.

❓7. Can I make different shapes?

Yes! Use cookie cutters to create pumpkins, hearts, or leaves. Avoid sizes smaller than 3.5 inches, or the pies won’t hold enough filling.

❓8. Can I air-fry these hand pies?

Yes, but reduce the temperature to 350°F and cook in batches for 10–12 minutes, checking for golden crusts.

❓9. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the crust.

❓10. Can I skip the glaze?

Definitely. The pies still taste amazing without it, especially if you brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle cinnamon sugar before baking.

How to Store, Reheat & Prep Pumpkin Hand Pies Ahead of Time

Baking a batch of Pumpkin Hand Pies doesn’t mean they need to be devoured in one sitting—though we wouldn’t blame you if they were! These portable fall treats are surprisingly freezer-friendly, easy to reheat, and perfect for prepping ahead of time.

🧊 How to Store Pumpkin Hand Pies

At Room Temperature: Keep unglazed hand pies in an airtight container for up to 1 day. They’re best enjoyed fresh or the day after baking.
In the Fridge: Store glazed or unglazed pies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or gently reheat before serving for best flavor and texture.

❄️ Freezing Instructions

Baked Pies: Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing for the best finish.
Unbaked Pies: Assemble and freeze the hand pies (without egg wash). Bake directly from frozen—just add 5–7 minutes to the bake time. This trick is perfect for prepping ahead of holidays.

🔥 How to Reheat Pumpkin Hand Pies

Oven: Warm pies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to restore crispiness.
Toaster Oven: A quick and convenient option that preserves flakiness.
Microwave: Not ideal, but acceptable for softening chilled pies. Crust may become tender, not crisp.

⏳ Make-Ahead Tips

Pie Dough: Prepare up to 5 days ahead and store in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Filling: Mix the pumpkin filling up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Assembled Pies: Assemble the hand pies the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh the next day. This gives you bakery-style flavor with minimal day-of effort.

With these simple storage and prep tips, your Pumpkin Hand Pies will be as convenient as they are delicious—whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven or pulling from the freezer for a quick fall treat.

Conclusion & Yumspiration

There’s something magical about the first bite of a freshly baked Pumpkin Hand Pie—the buttery, flaky crust, the warm spiced pumpkin filling, and that maple glaze that tastes like autumn in a drizzle. Whether you’re baking for a fall potluck, prepping treats for Thanksgiving, or just want to cozy up with a homemade dessert, these hand pies deliver comfort in every bite.

What makes them even more irresistible? They’re make-ahead friendly, freezer-safe, and endlessly customizable. From the shape of the crust to creative fillings and glazes, these hand pies are a blank canvas for fall baking fun.

So grab your rolling pin, preheat the oven, and bring a little fall flavor into your kitchen today. When you do, don’t forget to come back and share how they turned out! Did you add a twist? Use a pumpkin-shaped cutter? Skip the glaze and go cinnamon-sugar instead?

Have you tried this Pumpkin Hand Pie?

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