Easy & Flaky Pumpkin Pie Turnovers: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert with Spiced Glaze
Pumpkin pie turnovers are the quintessential autumn treat, delivering all the comforting flavors of fall in a convenient, handheld pastry. Imagine golden, flaky puff pastry generously filled with a warmly spiced pumpkin mixture, then drizzled with an aromatic pumpkin glaze. These delightful hand pies are not only incredibly easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, from a cozy breakfast with coffee to a delightful dessert after dinner. With just a few common pantry staples and a sheet of store-bought puff pastry dough, you can whip up these buttery, irresistible turnovers in mere minutes.
There’s something truly magical about the scents and flavors that usher in the fall season. For many, including myself, autumn is the absolute favorite time to indulge in baking. The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the anticipation of holidays naturally draw us into the kitchen. These pumpkin pie turnovers perfectly capture that spirit. They’re such a versatile treat that you even get a delicious excuse to enjoy them in the morning alongside your steaming cup of coffee. Imagine starting your day with a warm, flaky pastry, its rich pumpkin filling a sweet and spicy embrace, all while a delicate, spiced glaze melts into the golden crust. It’s a moment of pure bliss that truly awakens the fall senses.
These aren’t just any pastries; they are a celebration of autumn’s bounty. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: the crisp, airy layers of puff pastry giving way to a smooth, luscious pumpkin filling, bursting with the classic warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. The final touch of a spiced glaze, drizzled over them while they are still warm, adds an extra layer of sweetness and aromatic spice that elevates these humble hand pies to an extraordinary level. They are comfort food at its finest, a perfect balance of texture and taste that embodies everything we love about fall.
Elevating Your Pumpkin Filling with the Perfect Spice Blend
The secret to truly spectacular pumpkin pie turnovers lies within the filling, and for that, I always recommend starting with plain canned pumpkin puree. This simple choice gives you complete control over the flavor profile, allowing you to tailor the sweetness and, more importantly, the spice to your exact preferences. Rather than relying on pre-mixed pumpkin pie fillings that might lack a certain depth or balance, using puree empowers you to create a filling that truly sings with autumnal notes. My homemade pumpkin pie spice blend is a game-changer here, taking these turnovers up several notches. It ensures a robust and authentic flavor that you simply can’t achieve with generic blends. Crafting your own spice blend means you get fresher, more potent aromatics, resulting in a filling that’s rich, complex, and utterly irresistible. This personalized touch makes all the difference, transforming a simple ingredient into something truly special.
The Magic of Pumpkin Puff Pastry Desserts
If you’re already a fan of glazed puff pastries filled with fruits like cherry or other berries, then you undoubtedly understand the sheer delight and convenience these flaky dough pies offer. The beauty of puff pastry lies in its ability to transform into a golden, airy, and buttery crust with minimal effort. What makes the pumpkin filling particularly outstanding is its unique blend of sweet and subtly savory notes. Unlike purely fruit-based fillings, pumpkin offers a grounding, earthy richness that perfectly complements the sweetness and spice. It’s a sophisticated flavor profile that stands out from the crowd.
While you certainly get that comforting sweetness, those wonderful layers of pumpkin seasoning—from the warm cinnamon to the zesty ginger—create a more intriguing and complex flavor experience. It’s much like how the leaves on the trees turn into a spectacular display of colors during autumn; a pumpkin turnover presents a full spectrum of flavors. You get the initial hit of sweetness, followed by the comforting warmth of spices, a subtle earthy depth, and an overall savory undertone that makes each bite incredibly satisfying. They are, in essence, a delicious embodiment of everything “fall” – sweet, spicy, savory, earthy, and just plain tasty! The delicate, crisp layers of the puff pastry provide the perfect textural counterpoint to the smooth, creamy filling, making these turnovers an absolute dream to eat.
Let’s Make Some Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Turnovers!
Ready to bring the delightful essence of fall into your kitchen? These pumpkin pie turnovers are surprisingly simple to assemble, making them a perfect project for bakers of all skill levels. The magic begins with gathering your ingredients, ensuring everything is prepped and ready to go for a smooth baking process. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to create these flaky, flavor-packed treats:
For the delicious turnovers themselves, you’ll need: fresh pumpkin puree, a sheet of thawed puff pastry, one egg (separated for yolk and white), granulated sugar for sweetness, a touch of cream for richness, and your favorite pumpkin pie spice blend. For the luscious glaze that finishes these pastries, you’ll require: powdered sugar, more pumpkin pie spice to enhance the flavor and color, softened butter, and a splash of milk to achieve the perfect consistency. Having these ingredients ready will set you up for success in creating a truly memorable fall dessert.
Crafting these pumpkin turnovers is a straightforward process, ensuring you get maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Follow these steps to create your own batch of fall-inspired pastries:
- **Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:** In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cream. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, well-blended filling. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape.
- **Prepare the Puff Pastry:** Gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface or parchment paper. Using a sharp knife or a pastry wheel, cut the sheet into 6 equal squares. Carefully transfer these squares to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the edges of each pastry square with the prepared egg wash (egg white mixed with a teaspoon of water). This will help create a strong seal and a beautiful golden crust.
- **Assemble the Turnovers:** Divide the pumpkin filling evenly among the 6 puff pastry squares, spooning a generous amount into the center of each. Be careful not to overfill, leaving a border around the edges. To form the turnover, gently fold one corner of the pastry square to the opposite corner, creating a triangle. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers, then use the back of a fork to crimp and seal them securely. This not only prevents the filling from leaking but also adds a lovely decorative touch.
- **Egg Wash & Bake:** Brush the tops of your assembled turnovers generously with the remaining egg wash. This egg wash is key to achieving that beautiful golden-brown, shiny finish. Then, follow the baking instructions provided in the full recipe below.
- **Prepare the Spiced Glaze:** While the turnovers are baking or cooling slightly, prepare the irresistible pumpkin spice glaze. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add milk, starting with a tablespoon at a time, and whisk until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. You want it smooth and pourable, but not too thin.
6. **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Bake your turnovers in a preheated oven until they are beautifully golden brown, puffed up, and incredibly flaky. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but keep an eye on them. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
7. **Glaze and Serve:** Once baked, allow the turnovers to cool slightly on a wire rack. While they are still warm to the touch (but not scorching hot), generously drizzle the spiced pumpkin glaze over each one. The warmth of the pastry will help the glaze set perfectly, creating a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of flavor. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!
For precise measurements, detailed baking times, and additional helpful notes, you will find a complete printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. It’s your comprehensive guide to creating these delectable pumpkin treats.
The Essential Touch: Adding the Spiced Pumpkin Glaze
For many, the absolute best part of any turnover or hand pie is that delightful bit of glazing on top! Are you like me, someone who eats around the pastry until you reach that perfect, final bite? You know the one—where there’s just the right amount of luscious filling perfectly balanced with a nice, thick area of that sweet, caramelized glaze on top of the flaky crust? It’s a moment of pure bliss, and this spiced pumpkin glaze is designed to deliver just that.
This glaze is incredibly simple to prepare, yet it makes an immense difference in both the flavor and visual appeal of your turnovers. By incorporating extra pumpkin spice into the mixture, you not only amplify the warm, comforting flavors but also achieve a gorgeous, subtle autumnal hue that truly makes the entire pastry feel and taste like fall. It’s a sensory experience, engaging both your eyes and your palate.
The glaze itself is crafted from just a few basic ingredients: confectioner’s sugar (also known as powdered sugar), softened butter for richness, a generous dash of pumpkin pie spice, and a bit of milk to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency. The key to a beautiful glaze is the application temperature. You’ll want to drip and spread the glaze onto the pastries once they have cooled just a bit, but not completely cold. The ideal temperature is when the turnovers are warm to the touch, making them pleasant to handle without being scorching hot. If the pastries are too hot, that wonderful glaze will simply melt and run right off, leaving you with little to enjoy. Conversely, if they’re too cool, the glaze won’t adhere nicely, resulting in a less appealing finish.
But applied to a perfectly warm pastry, still radiating heat from the oven and filled with that delicious pumpkin pie filling… that’s when the magic happens. The glaze melts just enough, creating those beautiful, glistening rivulets of sweet, spiced goodness that cascade down the sides, then freeze in motion as they cool. It’s a stunning visual and an even more satisfying taste, adding the ultimate finishing touch to these fall delights.
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Exploring Different Types of Pumpkin Pie Filling
When it comes to preparing your pumpkin filling, you actually have a couple of primary choices, each with its own advantages. The main distinction lies between plain canned pumpkin (pumpkin puree) and pre-spiced pumpkin pie filling. For those who love to customize and control every aspect of their baking, starting with plain pumpkin puree is highly recommended. This allows you to add your own blend of spices and adjust the sugar level precisely to your liking. It’s an opportunity to truly make the flavor your own, ensuring it’s exactly as aromatic and sweet as you desire.
Pumpkin is a remarkable squash, not only for its distinct flavor but also for its impressive nutritional value. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making it a wholesome addition to any diet. Furthermore, pumpkin is naturally sweet. Because of this inherent sweetness, adding too much extra sugar can sometimes make the filling almost cloyingly sweet. (Yes, I know, some might argue there’s no such thing as “too sweet”!) However, I personally prefer the nuanced flavors of the spices to shine through as much as the sweetness. That’s why I lean towards using less sweetened, or unsweetened, pure pumpkin puree. This way, I have complete control over the added sugar, striking that perfect balance between spicy warmth and gentle sweetness.
If you’re feeling ambitious and want to take your pumpkin puree to the next level, you can even make your own fresh pumpkin puree from scratch. A pressure cooker makes this process surprisingly quick, delivering fresh puree in minutes!
On the other hand, you can opt for canned pumpkin pie filling, which already comes seasoned and spiced. These tend to be sweeter, with sugar and spices pre-mixed. While incredibly convenient, especially when you’re short on time, they might not offer the same depth or intensity of spice as a homemade blend. For this reason, even when using pre-made filling, I often recommend “spicing things up” a bit by adding a touch more pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of cinnamon and ginger. It helps to elevate the flavor and ensure that rich autumnal warmth comes through in your turnovers. Ultimately, both options work well; it just depends on your preference for control versus convenience.
Discover More Delicious Pumpkin Pastry & Dessert Recipes
As autumn arrives, pumpkins seem to be everywhere, stacked high at markets and decorating doorsteps well into November. It’s almost impossible not to be inspired to create some sweet, comforting pumpkin treats! The versatility of pumpkin in baking is truly boundless, and with a little imagination, there are countless wonderful recipes to explore that take full advantage of this seasonal favorite.
Beyond its delightful flavor and festive appeal, pumpkins are also incredibly nutritious. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and a very high fiber content, making them one of the healthiest squash varieties available. (And as a fun fact, pure, unsweetened pumpkin puree is also great for dogs as a healthy dietary supplement!)
So, if you’re eager to continue your pumpkin-inspired baking journey, here are some fantastic suggestions to help you roll out more delicious desserts with fall in mind. And remember, while these are perfect for autumn, you don’t have to limit yourself. Believe it or not, canned pumpkin puree and pie filling are readily available in most grocery stores all year long, so you can enjoy these treats whenever the craving strikes!
- **Pumpkin Spice Swirls** (A clever way to use leftover pie crust for a quick, spiced cookie treat.)
- **Apple Pumpkin Strudel** (A delightful fusion of two classic fall flavors wrapped in a crispy pastry.)
- **Pumpkin Croissants** (Flaky croissants filled with a creamy pumpkin center, perfect for breakfast or brunch.)
- **Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting** (Also known as Cinderella Cake, this moist cake is a showstopper.)
- **Glazed Pumpkin Donuts** (Light, fluffy baked donuts, pictured above, finished with a sweet glaze.)
- **Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies** (A decadent combination of rich brownie, creamy cheesecake, and spiced pumpkin.)
- **Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze** (A perfect companion to your morning coffee, full of warmth and flavor.)
My tummy is growling just thinking about these! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the delightful world of fall baking and make some truly incredible Pumpkin Pie Turnovers! 
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Print Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Turnovers
Equipment
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 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
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
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In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cream. Use a whisk or a KitchenAid Hand Mixer to beat these ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed and smooth. Set aside.
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On a lightly floured surface or directly on parchment paper, carefully roll out the puff pastry sheet. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, divide the sheet into 6 equal squares. Arrange these squares evenly on your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the edges of each puff pastry square with this egg wash.
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Divide the prepared pumpkin filling equally among the pastry squares, spooning it into the center of each, making sure to leave a clear border around the edges. To form a triangle, gently fold one corner of each pastry square over to meet the opposite corner. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers, then use the tines of a fork to crimp and seal them securely. This helps prevent the filling from escaping during baking and creates a beautiful rustic look.
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Brush the tops of all the turnovers with the remaining egg wash. This will give them a gorgeous golden-brown shine. Bake for 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the pastries are puffed, flaky, and beautifully golden brown. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
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While the turnovers are baking or cooling slightly, prepare the spiced pumpkin glaze. In a separate bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add milk, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more a little at a time, whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to cling to the pastry but still pourable.
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Once the turnovers are out of the oven and have cooled for a few minutes (they should be warm, not hot), generously drizzle the prepared pumpkin spice glaze over the tops of each one. Serve them warm and enjoy the perfect taste of fall!