Flaky Pumpkin Pie Turnovers with Spiced Glaze: Your Ultimate Fall Hand Pie Recipe

Embrace the cozy essence of autumn with these delightful Pumpkin Pie Turnovers. Imagine a flaky, golden puff pastry generously filled with a warmly spiced pumpkin mixture, then crowned with a sweet, aromatic pumpkin spice glaze. These easy-to-make hand pies capture all the beloved flavors of traditional pumpkin pie in a convenient, portable form. Perfect for breakfast with your morning coffee, a comforting afternoon treat, or a simple yet impressive dessert, they bring the magic of fall baking right to your fingertips. With just a few pantry staples and readily available puff pastry, you can create these buttery, spiced wonders in minutes.

Why These Pumpkin Pie Turnovers Will Become Your Fall Favorite

Fall is a season brimming with aromatic spices, comforting warmth, and the joy of baking. These pumpkin pie turnovers embody everything wonderful about this time of year. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: the crisp, buttery layers of puff pastry giving way to a smooth, sweet, and perfectly spiced pumpkin filling. Drizzled with an extra layer of pumpkin spice glaze while still warm, they create an experience that truly awakens the senses. Forget complicated pie crusts and lengthy baking times; these turnovers offer an accessible way to enjoy that beloved pumpkin pie flavor with minimal effort.

The beauty of these hand pies lies in their simplicity and versatility. They’re quick enough for a spontaneous baking session and elegant enough to share at a gathering. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or looking for a special treat to brighten your day, these flaky, irresistible pastries are an absolute must-try. They are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of autumn’s bounty, promising comfort and joy with every bite.

Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin Pie Filling: Spice It Up Your Way

The heart of any pumpkin pie turnover is its rich, flavorful filling. While pre-made pumpkin pie filling can be convenient, starting with plain pumpkin puree allows you to fully customize the spice profile to your exact preference. This is where the magic truly happens! Using canned pumpkin puree gives you complete control over the sweetness and, most importantly, the spices. My homemade pumpkin pie spice blend, for instance, elevates the flavor dramatically, ensuring a robust and authentic taste that’s far superior to many store-bought options.

By selecting pure pumpkin puree, you’re not relying on someone else’s idea of what pumpkin pie should taste like. You can adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to create a filling that perfectly suits your palate. This customization ensures that your turnovers deliver that ideal balance of sweet and spicy notes, making them truly special. For those who enjoy an extra layer of depth, a pinch of allspice or a touch of cardamom can transform your filling even further. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these turnovers uniquely yours!

The Convenience and Delight of Puff Pastry Desserts

If you’re already familiar with the wonders of puff pastry in glazed cherry or berry turnovers, then you’ll undoubtedly appreciate how incredibly delicious and convenient it makes these pumpkin hand pies. Puff pastry is a true culinary marvel, transforming humble ingredients into elegant, airy treats with minimal effort. Its numerous layers create an incredibly flaky and buttery crust that serves as the perfect vessel for our rich pumpkin filling.

What sets pumpkin turnovers apart is the unique savory undertone that pumpkin naturally possesses, even when sweetened. This adds a compelling depth of flavor beyond just sweetness. Just as autumn leaves burst into a spectrum of vibrant colors, a pumpkin turnover offers a full palate of flavors: sweet, spicy, earthy, and subtly savory. This complex yet harmonious blend makes each bite incredibly satisfying and far more interesting than a purely sweet pastry. The natural richness of pumpkin pairs beautifully with the crispness of the pastry, creating a dessert that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

Let’s Make Some Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Turnovers!

Ready to create these seasonal delights? Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards enjoying warm, flaky pumpkin turnovers fresh from your oven. The process is straightforward, even for novice bakers, promising delicious results every time. Here’s what you’ll need for both the luscious filling and the sweet, spiced glaze.

For the turnovers: pumpkin puree, puff pastry, egg (divided for yolk and egg wash), granulated sugar, cream, and pumpkin pie spice.

For the glaze: powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, softened butter, and milk.

Recipe Card: Pumpkin Pie Turnovers

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Pumpkin Pie Turnovers

Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
20 mins

Total Time
30 mins

Cuisine: American

Keywords: hand pies, easy, flaky, Puff Pastry, puff pastry pumpkin desserts, pumpkin, pumpkin pie turnovers, pumpkin puff pastry recipes, pumpkin spice glaze, quick

Servings: 6 turnovers

Calories: 244kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

KitchenAid Hand Mixer
13×18 Half Sheet Pan

Ingredients

For the Turnovers:

½ cup pumpkin puree
1 egg yolk
¼ cup granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 Tablespoon cream
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cold)
1 egg white + 1 teaspoon water for egg wash

For the Glaze:

4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2-4 Tablespoons milk (adjust to desired consistency)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cream. Beat until thoroughly mixed and smooth. This is your delicious pumpkin filling.
Carefully roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface or directly on the parchment paper. Cut it into 6 equal squares. Arrange these squares on your parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk the egg white with 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash, then lightly brush the edges of each pastry square.
Divide the pumpkin filling evenly among the puff pastry squares, spooning it into the center of each. Be careful not to overfill. Fold one corner of each square over to the opposite corner, creating a neat triangle. Press the edges together firmly using the tines of a fork to seal them completely. This creates that classic turnover shape and ensures the filling stays inside.
Brush the tops of the turnovers with the remaining egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely sheen. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed, golden brown, and wonderfully flaky. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
While the turnovers are baking or cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. You want it thick enough to coat but thin enough to drizzle.
Once the turnovers are out of the oven and have cooled for just a few minutes (they should still be warm to the touch, but not piping hot), generously drizzle the pumpkin spice glaze over them.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

The Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Glaze: A Sweet Finishing Touch

While the flaky crust and spiced filling are fantastic on their own, the pumpkin pie glaze is truly the crowning glory of these hand pies! For many, myself included, the glaze is the highlight. There’s a special joy in savouring the turnover, saving that perfect bite with a generous portion of caramelized glaze atop the crisp pastry. It’s that final touch that transforms a delicious pastry into an unforgettable fall treat.

This spiced glaze is incredibly simple to make, yet it adds immense visual appeal and flavor. Infusing it with a touch of pumpkin pie spice not only enhances the aroma but also imparts a beautiful, subtle autumnal hue. It’s this seemingly small detail that makes the entire pastry taste and feel like a true celebration of fall.

The glaze itself is a straightforward blend of confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, a hint of pumpkin pie spice, and a splash of milk. The key to a perfect glaze is in its application. You want to drizzle and spread it when the pastries have cooled slightly but are still warm to the touch. If they’re too hot, the glaze will run off too quickly, leaving you with less of that delightful, thick coating. If they’re too cool, the glaze won’t adhere as nicely or create those beautiful, artistic drips. When applied to a perfectly warm, fresh-baked pumpkin turnover, the glaze cascades gently, setting into glistening rivulets that are both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.

Tips for Success and Storage

To ensure your pumpkin pie turnovers are always perfect, here are a few extra tips:

Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Work quickly with puff pastry as it performs best when chilled. If it gets too warm, pop it back into the fridge for a few minutes.
Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the turnovers to burst during baking. A modest spoonful is usually enough.
Seal Thoroughly: Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly. This prevents the filling from leaking out.
Even Baking: Ensure your oven is fully preheated and consider rotating your baking sheet halfway through to achieve even browning.
Cooling Time: Allow the turnovers to cool on a wire rack to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.

Storage Instructions

Leftover pumpkin pie turnovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, gently warm them in the oven or microwave before serving to revive their flaky texture and warm, spiced aroma. If you plan to freeze them, do so *before* glazing. Once baked and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw, warm, and then apply the glaze.

Love Them? Pin Them!

Don’t forget to save this incredible recipe for Pumpkin Pie Turnovers with Pumpkin Spice Glaze made with puff pastry! Pin it to your favorite fall baking or dessert boards on Pinterest so you can easily find it for your next autumn treat!

Understanding Different Types of Pumpkin Pie Filling

When it comes to pumpkin filling, you generally have two main choices, each with its own advantages. The first is plain canned pumpkin puree, which requires you to add your own spices and sugar. This option is fantastic because it gives you maximum control over the flavor profile and sweetness level. Pumpkin is a naturally sweet and nutritious squash, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Choosing unsweetened puree allows you to tailor the sugar content, ensuring the spices shine through as much as the sweetness, which is my preferred method. This way, you can achieve a truly balanced and deeply flavored filling.

Alternatively, you can opt for canned pumpkin pie filling, which comes pre-seasoned and often pre-sweetened. These are incredibly convenient if you’re short on time. However, they tend to be significantly sweeter and might lack the intense spice blend that truly makes a pumpkin dessert sing. If using pre-made filling, I still recommend giving it a boost with an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to enhance its overall character. For those adventurous souls who want to go completely homemade, you can even make your own pumpkin puree in a pressure cooker in a matter of minutes, ensuring the freshest possible flavor!

Explore More Great Pumpkin Pastry Desserts

As fall approaches, pumpkins become a ubiquitous symbol of the season, stacked high in markets and inspiring countless delicious recipes. Their versatility extends far beyond pie, offering endless possibilities for sweet treats. Beyond their delightful flavor, pumpkins are also incredibly nutritious, rich in vitamins, minerals, and high in fiber, making them a healthy addition to your diet (and even safe for dogs when given unsweetened!).

While these turnovers are undeniably a fall highlight, pumpkin filling is readily available year-round, meaning you don’t have to limit your pumpkin baking to just a few months. Here are some more fantastic ideas for rolling out the pumpkin and creating delightful desserts, perfect for any time you’re craving those cozy fall flavors:

Pumpkin Spice Swirls (leftover pie crust cookies)
Apple Pumpkin Strudel
Pumpkin Croissants
Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (Cinderella Cake)
Glazed Pumpkin Donuts (pictured above)
Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze

My tummy is growling just thinking about these! Let’s make some Pumpkin Pie Turnovers and fill our homes with the wonderful scents of fall!