If you’ve ever wished you could sample the treats from the Hogwarts trolley, these Harry Potter Pumpkin Pasties might be the closest thing in real life. Imagine flaky cinnamon pastry, warm spiced pumpkin filling, and a sweet glaze all wrapped into one little pocket—perfect for fans of magic, autumn, or anything cozy.
Why These Pumpkin Pasties Are Special
These pumpkin pasties are inspired by the sweets sold on the Hogwarts Express in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. They combine a buttery, cinnamon-flavored shortcrust pastry with a rich pumpkin filling spiced with nutmeg and cloves. The glaze adds a glossy, sweet finish that makes every bite feel extra special. They’re perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or a cozy movie night watching the Harry Potter series.
How to Make Harry Potter Pumpkin Pasties
Here’s what you’ll need and how to make them:
Ingredients
For the Pastry Dough:
- 3 cups (≈ 360 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 20 tablespoons (≈ 300 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup (≈ 70 g) milk (or water)
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup packed (≈ 70 g) light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (~ 175 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 g) milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Pastry Dough:
In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse to combine. Add cold butter and pulse about 7 times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. With the processor running, slowly pour in the milk and process until a dough ball forms. - Chill the Dough:
Remove the dough from the processor, shape it into a rectangle, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. - Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin puree until smooth and well combined. - Roll Out the Dough:
Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll one half into a 12×12-inch square, about ⅛-inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 5¼ inches) to cut circles. Repeat with the second half of the dough, re-rolling scraps as needed. - Assemble the Pasties:
Place a small amount of pumpkin filling slightly off-center on each dough circle. Lightly moisten the edge of half the circle with water, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork or your fingers to seal. - Chill the Pasties:
Arrange the filled pasties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. - Bake the Pasties:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Bake the pasties in the middle of the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the tops are lightly browned. - Make the Glaze:
While the pasties cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or spoon the glaze over the warm (not hot) pasties and let it set before serving.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pasties
- Make sure the pastry dough stays cold throughout the process—this ensures a flaky texture.
- Don’t overfill the pasties; a little filling goes a long way and prevents leakage during baking.
- Re-roll your dough scraps carefully to avoid toughness.
- Let the glaze set completely before stacking or storing the pasties.
Storing and Freezing
- Store glazed pasties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze unglazed pasties (baked or unbaked) for up to 1 month. Thaw before baking or glazing.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- For a savory version, skip the sugar and spices in the filling and use roasted vegetables, cheese, or savory pumpkin with herbs.
- Add chopped pecans or a bit of maple syrup to the filling for extra autumn flavor.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Perfect for Halloween parties, themed birthdays, or Harry Potter movie marathons!