Halloween is a fun time to get creative in the kitchen. Pastries are a great way to celebrate because they can be shaped, decorated, and filled in so many ways.
Below are seven Halloween pastry ideas that are easy to follow but look impressive.
Each treat includes a description, ingredients list, and step-by-step instructions.
1. Jack-o’-Lantern Hand Pies
These small pies look just like mini pumpkin lanterns. They are crispy on the outside and sweet and gooey inside. You can use any jam or fruit filling you like. They also make your kitchen smell amazing as they bake.
Ingredients:
- Ready-made pie crust or puff pastry
- Apple jam, berry jam, or pumpkin puree
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Granulated sugar (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Roll the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough until it is smooth and even. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out pairs of shapes.
Step 2: Add Filling
Place one cut-out piece on a baking tray. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each shape. Do not overfill, or it may leak out.
Step 3: Top and Seal
Place the matching pumpkin top on each filled bottom. Use a fork to press and seal the edges firmly.
Step 4: Carve the Faces
Use a small knife to cut out tiny eyes and a mouth, just like a Jack-o’-Lantern face. This also lets steam escape while baking.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Mix the egg and water together. Brush the tops of the pies with egg wash. Sprinkle a little sugar if you like. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Puff Pastry Mummies
These treats look like little mummies wrapped in bandages. They’re flaky on the outside with a sweet center. The candy eyes give them a funny and spooky look.
Ingredients:
- Puff pastry sheets
- Strawberry jam, chocolate spread, or Nutella
- Candy eyes or mini chocolate chips
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions:
Step 1: Cut and Fill
Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into rectangles. Spread a thin layer of jam or chocolate in the center of each piece.
Step 2: Create Bandages
Cut extra strips of puff pastry about 1 cm wide. Wrap the strips around the filled rectangle, leaving a small gap near the top for the eyes.
Step 3: Brush with Egg Wash
Beat the egg and brush it over the pastry so it browns nicely in the oven.
Step 4: Bake
Place the mummies on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until puffed and golden.
Step 5: Add Eyes
Let them cool slightly, then stick candy eyes in the face area. If using chocolate chips, press lightly so they stay in place.
3. Pumpkin-Shaped Puff Pastry Treats
These are simple and elegant puff pastry snacks shaped like pumpkins. They are light, flaky, and fun to decorate. You can keep them plain or add a touch of cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients:
- Puff pastry sheet
- Cinnamon sugar (mix of cinnamon and sugar, optional)
- Small dough piece for stems
- Egg wash
Instructions:
Step 1: Cut Pumpkin Shapes
Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles. Use a knife to press lines on each circle to create the look of pumpkin ridges.
Step 2: Add Stems
Roll small dough pieces into little stems and place them on top of each circle.
Step 3: Optional Sugar Coating
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top if you want sweetness and flavor.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Brush each shape with egg wash and bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until puffed and golden.
Step 5: Serve
Let them cool and serve as-is or with dipping sauces like melted chocolate or caramel.
4. Mini Pumpkin Cakes (Whoopie Pies)
These little sandwich cakes are soft and full of pumpkin flavor. The creamy filling makes them rich and delicious. They are perfect for fall and very fun to eat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup oil or melted butter
- Frosting or marshmallow cream for filling
Instructions:
Step 1: Make Batter
In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, egg, oil, and spices. Stir until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, and soda. Mix until combined.
Step 2: Bake Small Rounds
Spoon small mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between them. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Step 3: Cool and Fill
Let the cakes cool fully. Spread frosting or marshmallow cream on one cake and place another on top to form a sandwich.
Step 4: Decorate (Optional)
You can draw small pumpkin faces on the top using icing.
5. Ghost Cupcakes
These cupcakes look like cute little ghosts. They’re simple but fun, and kids especially like them. You can use any cupcake flavor you prefer.
Ingredients:
- Cupcake batter (vanilla, chocolate, or boxed mix)
- White frosting (buttercream or whipped cream)
- Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes
Instructions:
Step 1: Bake Cupcakes
Prepare the cupcake batter and bake according to the recipe. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
Step 2: Pipe Ghosts
Fill a piping bag with white frosting. Pipe a tall swirl on top of each cupcake to create ghost shapes.
Step 3: Add Eyes
Place two mini chocolate chips or candy eyes in the frosting to make the ghost face.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Place in the fridge for a few minutes so the frosting sets and holds its shape.
6. Candy Corn Cookies
These cookies are bright and festive like candy corn. They have three layers of color, which make them stand out on any Halloween table.
Ingredients:
- Sugar cookie dough
- Orange food coloring
- Yellow food coloring
- Icing (optional for extra sweetness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Divide Dough
Split the dough into three equal parts. Leave one part plain (white), color one part orange, and one part yellow.
Step 2: Layer the Dough
Roll each colored dough into flat pieces and layer them on top of each other in this order: yellow on the bottom, orange in the middle, white on top. Press together gently.
Step 3: Cut Triangles
Cut the layered dough into small triangles that look like candy corn.
Step 4: Bake
Place on a tray and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Let cool before serving.
7. Mini Cookie Cheesecakes
These are fancy mini cheesecakes with a cookie crust. They’re creamy and sweet, perfect for a more elegant Halloween dessert.
Ingredients:
- Round sugar cookies
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Place one cookie at the bottom of each muffin cup in a muffin tin.
Step 2: Make Cheesecake Filling
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat again until creamy.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Pour the cheesecake mixture over each cookie. Fill nearly to the top. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Step 4: Cool
Let them cool fully in the pan, then remove and chill in the fridge before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use ready-made dough or batter to save time and energy.
- Let pastries cool before adding toppings or eyes so nothing slides off.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and less sticking.
- Keep candy eyes, chocolate chips, and colored icing on hand for quick decorations.
- Store baked goods in airtight containers if making them a day early.
- Get kids or family members involved to make it more fun!
Conclusion
Halloween pastries are exciting to make and eat. With simple tools and basic ingredients, you can create treats that look spooky, cute, and festive.
These seven ideas are perfect for parties, school treats, or family fun at home. Try one or try them all—and enjoy the sweet, spooky spirit of Halloween!