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Pumpkin Hand Pies with pumpkin cream cheese filling

Published: Aug 11, 2025 · Modified: Sep 23, 2025 by Abi Guna · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

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Pumpkin hand pies are mini pies made with pumpkin cream cheese filling. They’re easy to make and less intimidating than a pumpkin pie. The flavor and aroma of these hand pies is similar to traditional pumpkin pies.

Close-up of flaky pumpkin hand pies with a spiced pumpkin filling, served on a white marble with cinnamon sticks in the background.

Autumn is the season of pumpkins, so why not make lots of hand pies? The best thing about this recipe is that you can make a big batch and freeze it. You can make this simple yet delicious recipe breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. Plus, your kitchen will smell like autumn!

If you love these cozy Pumpkin Hand Pies, you might also enjoy some of my other fall-inspired bakes. Try my flaky Apple Pie Turnovers for a fruity twist, or my Halloween Brownies , pumpkin mug cake or my Pumpkin pecan waffles for a breakfast that pairs beautifully with any autumn meal. Looking for no bake treat, then try my halloween rice krispie treats or savory appetizer Pumpkin Cheese Ball! For another handheld treat, my Blackberry Oatmeal Cookies bring a burst of berry flavor in every bite.

Jump to:
  • WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS PUMPKIN HAND PIES
  • INGREDIENTS FOR PUMPKIN HAND PIES RECIPE
  • INSTRUCTIONS (For Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe )
  • VARIATIONS FOR PUMPKIN HAND PIES RECIPE
  • Equipment
  • SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PUMPKIN HAND PIES
  • STORAGE AND REHEATING TIPS
  • TOP TIPS FOR PUMPKIN HAND PIES RECIPE
  • FAQ
  • Related
  • Pairing
  • Pumpkin Hand Pies with pumpkin cream cheese filling
Freshly baked pumpkin hand pies shaped like pumpkins, with crimped edges and a glossy, golden finish.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS PUMPKIN HAND PIES

  • Freezer Friendly: This pumpkin hand pies recipe is freezer friendly. You can prepare the pies, shape them, and freeze for later. Thaw in the fridge and bake them. They’ll be as good as freshly made.
  • Easy to Make: Making and finishing a traditional pumpkin pie can be a bit of a task. This hand pies recipe fixes that. The mini pies are very easy to make. They’re made with simple ingredients and only require 30-35 minutes in total.
  • Grab-and-Go: These mini pumpkin hand pies are easy to eat. You don’t need a plate and a fork to eat. Just grab one and eat it out of your hand. Isn’t that convenient? They can be your next favourite comfort food!
  • Pumpkin Shaped: These hand pies are shaped like pumpkins. Kids will love them even if they’re not a big fan of pumpkin. Use a pumpkin shaped cookie cutter for best results.
  • Economical and Flavorful: Without any extra ingredients, these pumpkin hand pies have the best flavor. They’re sweet, cinnamony, creamy and cheesy. So many flavors in one bite.

INGREDIENTS FOR PUMPKIN HAND PIES RECIPE

Ingredients being laid out for making pumpkin hand pies with cream cheese filling.
  • Pie Dough: Use store bought pie dough for flaky and crispy hand pies.
  • Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives a rich and complex flavor to the pumpkin purée filling.
  • Brown Sugar: The molasses in the brown sugar goes well with the pumpkin and enhances its flavor.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Use pumpkin pie spice for a balanced flavor. It will also make your hand pies smell good.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon powder will be used as topping. It gives a nutty and woody flavor to the pies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Only use half a teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor.
  • Egg: Mix egg with water to make egg wash for brushing the hand pies.
  • White Sugar: White sugar will be used for making cinnamon mix for topping.

See recipe card for quantities.

INSTRUCTIONS (For Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe )

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl pumpkin cream cheese mixture ingredients being added.

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. 

In a bowl pumpkin cream cheese mixture ingredients being mixed..

Add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Mix until creamy and well combined.

Roll the pie dough and cut it into pumpkin shape.

Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter (or a sharp knife), cut out an even number of pumpkin shapes.

Pumpkin cream cheese filling being filled out.

Place half of the cutouts on the baking sheet. Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of the pumpkin-cream cheese filling into the center of each, leaving a border around the edges.

Pumpkin mini hand pies are being arranged for baking.

Place the remaining pumpkin cutouts on top, pressing the edges with a fork to seal. Use a knife to lightly score lines on the top for pumpkin ridges.

Pumpkin hand pies are ready to bake in the baking tray.

Whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of the pies. In a small bowl mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar on top.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly puffed. Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Hint:If you don’t have a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, trace one onto paper or cardboard and use it as a guide to cut the shape like I did here.

VARIATIONS FOR PUMPKIN HAND PIES RECIPE

  • Gluten Free Pumpkin Hand Pies: If you want to make this hand pies recipe gluten free, you can use store bought gluten-free pie crust.
  • Maple Glaze Pumpkin Hand Pies: For a little twist, you can switch from cinnamon topping to maple topping. Instead of making cinnamon and sugar mix, you can make a maple glaze and drizzle it on top of your pies.
  • Pecan Pumpkin Hand Pies: Roast pecan nuts in a preheated oven at 350o F for 10 minutes. Chop them finely and add to your pumpkin pie filling.
Mini pumpkin-shaped hand pies with a golden crust, holding in a hand.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter (or template)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Pastry brush (for egg wash)
  • Fork (for sealing edges)
  • Cooling rack

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PUMPKIN HAND PIES

Serve as Breakfast: These mini hand pies can be served as breakfast. You can also serve them with scrambled eggs and bacon.

With Coffee: Serve this recipe with a hot pumpkin spiced latte or a salted caramel latte or Vanilla Bean latte.

With Hot Chocolate: This hand pies recipe will go really well with hot chocolate. Try it on an autumn morning and your kids will love it.

With Ice Cream: Just like halloween brownies and ice cream, you can serve these mini pies with a scoop of your favourite ice cream.

With Fall Platter: For a cozy autumn gathering, create a dessert platter alongside Apple Turnovers and Blackberry Oatmeal Cookies

Freshly baked pumpkin hand pies shaped like pumpkins, with crimped edges and a glossy, golden finish in a marble plate.

STORAGE AND REHEATING TIPS

Storage Tips: Since there’s cream cheese in the pumpkin hand pies recipe, they should be refrigerated. They will last for 3-4 days in the fridge and for up to 2 months in the freezer. You can freeze both baked and raw pies.

Reheating Tips: Reheat the baked pies in the toaster for a few minutes and they will be fresh and crisp. Thaw them in the fridge if they’re frozen, and then put them in the toaster oven.

TOP TIPS FOR PUMPKIN HAND PIES RECIPE

  • Don’t over roll the dough or else the filling will be too much.
  • Only use one to two teaspoons of filling for a balanced filling to crust ratio.
  • Use canned pumpkin puree. It has less water content and is dense.
  • If you make your own pumpkin puree, cook it till the water dries up.
  • If your filling is watery, your pumpkin hand pies will be mushy.

FAQ

Why is it called a hand pie?

It’s called a hand pie because it can be eaten out of hand. The filling is sealed inside the pie crust and the size of the pie is small.

What is the best dough for hand pies?

Pâte Brisée is the best option for pumpkin hand pies. It is a French version of classic pie dough. These pies don’t get mushy because they repel liquid in the filling.

Do I need to cut slits in the hand pies?

Yes, you must slit the pie from the top so that the air can come out. If you don’t make slits, the pie will explode in the oven.

Can I make my own pie crust?

You can make your own pie crust or use store bought crust. Both will work well for this hand pies recipe.

Mini pumpkin-shaped hand pies with a golden crust filled with pumpkin cream cheese filling and cinnamon sugar behind.

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Baked puff pastry hearts with flaky, layered edges.
    Puff Pastry Hearts with Raspberries (Valentine’s Day)
  • Salmon Scampi Pasta (Garlic Butter & Lemon)
  • Plated air fryer chicken parmesan in a white oval plate with gold rim.
    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe (20 Minutes)
  • Chocolate covered strawberries arranged on a white platter.
    Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries (3 Ingredients)

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this easy mini pumpkin hand pie recipe:

  • Overhead shot of flaky puff pastry filled with Nutella, dusted with powdered sugar on a marble tray.
    Nutella Puff Pastry (Easy 4-Ingredient Dessert)
  • Festive bowl of Christmas Crunch mix surrounded by ornaments and candy canes — ideal for holiday parties and gift ideas.
    Christmas Crunch Recipe (Easy Holiday Snack Mix)
  • Close-up of Strawberry Santas made with fresh strawberries, cream cheese frosting, and mini chocolate chip eyes — cute and festive Christmas dessert.
    Strawberry Santas (Easy No-Bake Christmas Dessert)
  • No-bake Biscoff truffles on a white bowl, coated in dark chocolate and drizzled with melted chocolate for a festive look. One truffle being cut opened.
    Biscoff Truffles Recipe (Easy No Bake Cookie Truffles)

If you tried this  Pumpkin mini hand pies recipe or any other recipe from my blog, I’d love to hear your thoughts! ⭐ Please leave a STAR rating and share your experience in the COMMENTS below. Your support means so much and helps me continue creating delicious recipes. Thank you for being part of this journey!

Mini pumpkin-shaped hand pies with a golden crust, arranged on a marble plate.

Pumpkin Hand Pies with pumpkin cream cheese filling

Abi Guna
These easy to make flaky, golden pastry pockets filled with a spiced pumpkin cream cheese mixture, these pumpkin hand pies are simple and festive fall treat that’s perfect for parties, holiday tables, or cozy afternoons.
5 from 8 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Mini pumpkin hand pies

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pumpkin cookie cutter
  • Baking Sheet
  • Cooling rack
  • Pastry Brush
  • Fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sheets pie dough store-bought
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Mix until creamy and well combined. Set aside.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter (or a sharp knife), cut out an even number of pumpkin shapes.
  • Place half of the cutouts on the baking sheet. Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of the pumpkin-cream cheese filling into the center of each, leaving a border around the edges.
  • Lightly brush the edges with water. Place the remaining pumpkin cutouts on top, pressing the edges with a fork to seal. Use a knife to lightly score lines on the top for pumpkin ridges.
  • Whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of the pies. In a small bowl mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar on top.
  • Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly puffed.
  • Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • If you don’t have a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, create a template using paper or cardboard and cut around it with a knife.
  • Make sure the pumpkin cream cheese filling is well mixed and not too runny to prevent leakage during baking.
  • Chill the assembled pies in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking to help the pastry hold its shape.
  • You can prepare the filling and cut the pastry shapes a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking.
  • Freeze unbaked pies on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Keyword Baked, holiday baking, Holiday Desserts, pies, pumpkin

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Comments

  1. Misty Tannery says

    September 21, 2025 at 4:32 pm

    5 stars
    Oh that filling is so good!

    Reply
    • Abi Guna says

      September 23, 2025 at 11:52 am

      My favourite way to enjoy these hand pies! Thank you so much!

      Reply
  2. Leanne says

    September 02, 2025 at 9:16 pm

    5 stars
    I loved these pumpkin hand pies. Anything pumpkin and cream cheese you can't go wrong! I did end up freezing a few so that we could eat them later, but we actually went through them pretty quickly. I will be doubling the batch for next time.

    Reply
    • Abi Guna says

      September 03, 2025 at 6:41 pm

      I'm so happy to hear that, homemade mini pies are the BEST!

      Reply
  3. Karina says

    August 19, 2025 at 6:46 pm

    5 stars
    These were too cute not to bake. OMG, the flavors were spectacular. They were supposed to be for cappuccinos the next morning, but they didn't make it. I'll just have to make a double batch next time. 😉😋

    Reply
    • Abi Guna says

      August 22, 2025 at 2:13 pm

      I'm so glad to hear that, thank you so much!

      Reply
  4. Courtney says

    August 19, 2025 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    These were so cute and so fun to make! Love the ease of using store-bought puff pastry.

    Reply
    • Abi Guna says

      August 22, 2025 at 2:05 pm

      Can't agree more, comes in handy if you have storebought pie crust, perfect for those cozy evening!

      Reply
  5. Madhu says

    August 17, 2025 at 2:26 pm

    5 stars
    I’m thinking of trying these for Thanksgiving. Would you suggest puff pastry or regular pie crust for the best texture?

    Reply
    • Abi Guna says

      August 17, 2025 at 9:45 pm

      I personally prefer pie crust for hand pies. LEt me know your how they turned out:)

      Reply
  6. Eva says

    August 14, 2025 at 8:38 pm

    5 stars
    These are so cute!! I am definitely going to make this for our annual Halloween party!

    Reply
    • Abi Guna says

      August 17, 2025 at 7:38 am

      Definately give it a try and let me know how these pumpkin pies turn out.

      Reply
  7. Stephanie says

    August 13, 2025 at 11:55 am

    5 stars
    These are so cute, saving the recipe now to make them next month.

    Reply
    • Abi Guna says

      August 13, 2025 at 12:56 pm

      Thank you, let me know how they turn out:)

      Reply
  8. Abi Guna says

    August 11, 2025 at 9:45 pm

    5 stars
    The flaky pastry and creamy spiced pumpkin filling make them a standout fall dessert. They’re portable, freezer-friendly, and perfect for both holiday gatherings and potlucks!

    Reply

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