Name: Mini Pumpkin Pies: Irresistibly Cute Holiday Treats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Cream Cheese (Combines with butter for a flaky, rich crust.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Provides structure, ensuring a tender result.); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Use cold for the flakiest texture.); 1 tablespoon Sugar (Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.); 2 large Eggs (Binds the filling together. No substitutions recommended.); 15 oz Pumpkin Puree (Provides the signature flavor and moisture; avoid pie filling.); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Adds sweetness and moisture; can swap with white sugar if needed.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor; no substitutes needed.); 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Adds warm, familiar spice notes; swap for pumpkin pie spice if desired.); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger (Brings additional warmth; omit if preferred.); 1/4 teaspoon Ground Allspice (Deepens flavor; nutmeg can be used instead.); 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (Boosts the warm spice profile; optional to omit.); 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves (Adds a delightful hint of warmth; optional.); 1 tablespoon Brandy/Cognac/Bourbon (Provides subtle richness; feel free to skip.); 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (Enhances richness; no replacements necessary.); 3/4 cup Milk (Creates a creamy filling; use non-dairy milk for lactose-free option.)

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As the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg dances through the air, I can’t help but think of what makes the holiday season truly special. Enter these delightful Mini Pumpkin Pies—bit-sized wonders that capture the essence of traditional pumpkin pie while adding a whimsical twist to your dessert table. With a flaky cream cheese pastry enveloping a gently spiced pumpkin filling, these treats are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a breeze to prepare. Perfect for festive gatherings, they’re a charming alternative to heavier desserts, ensuring everyone can indulge without feeling guilty. So, why not brighten your holiday gatherings with these charming morsels? Ready to dive into this recipe and whip up some smiles?

Why are Mini Pumpkin Pies a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavor: These mini pumpkin pies offer the warm, spiced flavor of traditional pumpkin pie but in a fun, bite-sized form that everyone will love.

Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Perfect for Sharing: Their small size makes them ideal for holiday parties, allowing guests to indulge without overdoing it.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to get creative! Try adding chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel for a twist on the classic.

Guilt-Free Indulgence: Each tartlet is around 68 calories, so you can enjoy these festive treats without the guilt—perfect for holiday cheer!

Don’t forget to check out my Smores Hand Pies for another delightful dessert option!

Mini Pumpkin Pies Ingredients

• Easily gather everything you need for these delightful treats!

For the Cream Cheese Pastry

Cream Cheese – Combines with butter for a flaky, rich crust.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure, ensuring a tender result.
Unsalted Butter – Use cold for the flakiest texture.
Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

For the Pumpkin Filling

Large Eggs (2) – Binds the filling together. No substitutions recommended.
Pumpkin Puree (15 oz) – Provides the signature flavor and moisture; avoid pie filling.
Brown Sugar (½ cup + 2½ tablespoons) – Adds sweetness and moisture; can swap with white sugar if needed.
Salt (½ teaspoon) – Enhances flavor; no substitutes needed.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) – Adds warm, familiar spice notes; swap for pumpkin pie spice if desired.
Ground Ginger (½ teaspoon) – Brings additional warmth; omit if preferred.
Ground Allspice (¼ teaspoon) – Deepens flavor; nutmeg can be used instead.
Ground Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon) – Boosts the warm spice profile; optional to omit.
Ground Cloves (⅛ teaspoon) – Adds a delightful hint of warmth; optional.
Brandy/Cognac/Bourbon (1 tablespoon, optional) – Provides subtle richness; feel free to skip.
Melted Butter (2 tablespoons) – Enhances richness; no replacements necessary.
Milk (¾ cup + 2 tablespoons, warmed) – Creates a creamy filling; use non-dairy milk for lactose-free option.

With this collection of ingredients, you’re one step closer to whipping up your own batch of mini pumpkin pies that friends and family will adore!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mini Pumpkin Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your mini pumpkin pies will have a beautifully baked crust right from the start. Get your mini muffin tin ready by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray, so the tarts release easily later on.

Step 2: Whisk the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the two large eggs until they are frothy, which should take about 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial as it will help bind the filling together. Once airy, add in the pumpkin puree and keep whisking until the mixture is smooth, creating a luscious base for your miniature pies.

Step 3: Mix the Filling Ingredients
Stir in the brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, melted butter, and warmed milk to the bowl. Mix everything until well combined, ensuring that the flavors meld together beautifully. You now have a deliciously spiced filling for your mini pumpkin pies that’s rich and creamy, ready to fill the pastry shells.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Pastry
Roll out the cream cheese pastry dough on a floured surface until it reaches about ⅛ inch thick. Then, using a mini biscuit cutter, cut out rounds of dough that will fit perfectly into your greased mini muffin tin. This flaky crust will provide the ideal base for your mini pumpkin pies.

Step 5: Fit the Pastry into the Muffin Tin
Gently fit each round of pastry into the cups of the prepared muffin tin, pressing it softly into the bottom and up the sides. Make sure the dough covers the entire cup, as this will cradle the filling. Once complete, you’ll have a charming set of pastry shells ready to be filled.

Step 6: Fill the Tart Shells
Spoon 1¼ to 1½ teaspoons of your prepared pumpkin filling into each pastry shell. Be careful not to overfill, as you want the filling to stay within the edges of the crust. The filling should sit just below the top of the pastry, allowing room for any expansion as they bake.

Step 7: Bake the Mini Pumpkin Pies
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the mini pumpkin pies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the pastry should turn a light golden brown, and the filling will look set and slightly puffy. This ensures that each pie has that delightful baked effect everyone loves.

Step 8: Cool and Transfer
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the mini pumpkin pies cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the filling to firm up. After that, carefully transfer the pies to a wire rack to cool completely, making way for the perfect end to your festive treat preparation.

Mini Pumpkin Pies: Creative Twists Await

There’s always room for a bit of creativity in the kitchen, so feel free to make these mini pumpkin pies uniquely yours with these delightful variations!

Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version without sacrificing creaminess.
Spice It Up: Amp up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a surprising kick!
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips to the pumpkin filling for a deliciously sweet surprise with each bite.
Nut-Free: Swap out any nut components with seed butter to cater to nut-free diets; it maintains that rich texture!
Caramel Surprise: Drizzle caramel sauce into the center of each pie before baking for a luscious, gooey filling that will enchant your guests.
Extra Crunch: Top each mini pie with a sprinkle of crushed pecans or walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Crowd-Pleaser: Use a pumpkin spice blend instead of individual spices for a quick and easy way to pack in traditional holiday flavor.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and use vegan butter to make this dessert plant-based friendly.

These variations not only add unique flavors but also cater to diverse dietary needs! For more delightful treats, don’t forget to check out my Smores Hand Pies or whip up some Sweet Potato Hand Pies to keep the fun rolling. Enjoy your sweet journey!

Make Ahead Options

These Mini Pumpkin Pies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cream cheese pastry up to 3 days in advance, wrapping it tightly and storing it in the refrigerator. Additionally, the pumpkin filling can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before you fill the pastry shells. To maintain quality, make sure the filling is covered to prevent it from developing a skin. When you’re ready to serve, simply roll out the pastry, fill the shells, and bake. You’ll have these delightful desserts ready in no time, offering a fabulous homemade treat without the last-minute stress!

How to Store and Freeze Mini Pumpkin Pies

Room Temperature: Keep mini pumpkin pies in an airtight container at room temperature if consumed within the same day to maintain their delightful texture.

Fridge: For storage extending beyond a day, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor.

Freezer: If you’d like to keep these treats longer, freeze the baked mini pumpkin pies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To enjoy the mini pumpkin pies after freezing, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their flaky crust and warm filling.

What to Serve with Mini Pumpkin Pies

Elevate your holiday gathering with perfect accompaniments that enhance these delightful sweet bites.

Whipped Cream: Offering a light and creamy contrast, whipped cream adds a delightful finishing touch to every mini pumpkin pie. A dollop on top makes them feel extra special!
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the spiced pumpkin flavors, providing a refreshing balance. Picture this: a warm mini pie melting into a scoop of ice cream!
Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the sweetness of the pies, adding a pop of color and flavor. It brings a festive touch to your dessert table.
Hot Apple Cider: Cozy up with a spiced hot apple cider that mirrors the warm spices in the pies, creating a comforting and inviting atmosphere during your gatherings.
Peppermint Tea: This calming herbal tea offers a refreshing contrast, enhancing the spices without overpowering their delicate flavors. It’s perfect for those who prefer a warm drink with their dessert.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a richer twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the mini pumpkin pies. This indulgent addition offers a decadent experience that guests will love.
Nutty Granola: Serving a small bowl of nutty granola alongside provides a satisfying crunch, bringing texture to the table. Sprinkle some on top for an added surprise!
Pumpkin Spiced Latte: Fuel the festive spirit with a cozy pumpkin spiced latte that complements the flavors of the pies, making for an utterly delightful combination.
Cheese Platter: A spread of soft cheeses pairs surprisingly well, providing a savory contrast to the sweetness of the mini pumpkin pies. It’s a fantastic way to balance your dessert offerings.

Expert Tips for Mini Pumpkin Pies

Consistent Filling: Use a mini cookie scoop for even portions of filling, ensuring that each mini pumpkin pie bakes uniformly and looks appealing.
Dough Preparation: Make the cream cheese pastry dough a few days ahead and chill it. This not only saves time but also enhances the flakiness of your crust.
Filling Freshness: For the best texture, fill and bake the tartlets on the same day. This helps maintain the crust’s flakiness and prevents sogginess.
Garnishing Ideas: Enhance the festive charm by garnishing each mini pumpkin pie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. This adds visual appeal and extra flavor!
Temperature Check: Ensure the muffins bake until the pastry is lightly browned and the filling is set. Underbaking can lead to a soggy crust and an unappetizing filling.

By following these tips, you’ll create delicious mini pumpkin pies that everyone will rave about!

Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely use pure pumpkin puree—canned or homemade—is the way to go! Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that may alter your pie’s flavor and texture. Look for pumpkin puree in the baking aisle or make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin.

How should I store leftover mini pumpkin pies?
For same-day enjoyment, store your mini pumpkin pies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy that delightful taste!

Can mini pumpkin pies be frozen?
Yes! To freeze your mini pumpkin pies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Easy peasy!

What do I do if my crust becomes soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust next time, make sure to bake your mini pumpkin pies until the pastry is lightly golden and the filling is properly set. If you’re still concerned, try pre-baking the pastry shells for a few minutes before adding the filling, allowing them to firm up before baking.

Are these mini pumpkin pies suitable for someone with nut allergies?
Absolutely! To make your mini pumpkin pies nut-free, just avoid any nuts in the ingredients or variations. The recipe as it stands effectively caters to everyone, and you’re good to go without sacrificing flavor!

How can I add a twist to my mini pumpkin pies?
Feel free to get creative! For a delightful twist, try adding chocolate chips to the filling or a drizzle of caramel on top. Mixing in some chopped pecans or walnuts can also provide a nutty crunch, but remember to keep your guests’ allergies in mind!