Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cream cheese-pudding filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using, and allow it to come to room temperature for easier spreading.

Why did my pie filling leak out during baking?

This typically happens when the edges aren't sealed properly or there's too much filling. Make sure to press firmly with a fork along all edges and avoid overfilling. If needed, use a bit of water along the edges before sealing to help them stick better.

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Definitely! Homemade pie crust works wonderfully in this recipe. Roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness and follow the same instructions for cutting and filling. You might find the homemade version even flakier!

My glaze is too thick/thin. How do I fix it?

For glaze that's too thick, add milk just a few drops at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it thickens up. The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still be fluid enough to drizzle.

McDonald's Holiday Pie Recipe

Name: McDonald's Holiday Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (9-inch) uncooked pie crusts; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding; 1/4 cup yellow or white cake mix, dry; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 to 4 tablespoons milk; Christmas sprinkles, optional

This delightful McDonald’s Holiday Pie copycat brings all the nostalgic festive flavors right to your kitchen! With a creamy vanilla pudding-cream cheese filling encased in flaky pie crust and topped with sweet glaze and festive sprinkles, it’s the perfect holiday treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether baked in the oven or air fryer, these hand pies deliver that special seasonal magic in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nostalgic Treat: Recreate those limited-time McDonald’s holiday pies any time of year right in your own kitchen!
Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose between traditional oven baking or quick air frying depending on what works best for you.
Customizable: Add your favorite sprinkles to match any holiday or celebration throughout the year.
Crowd-Pleaser: These hand pies are perfect for holiday gatherings, family desserts, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pie Crusts: Pre-made uncooked pie crusts save tremendous time while still delivering that flaky, golden exterior. The foundation of our hand pies!
Cream Cheese: Creates the rich, creamy base of the filling that makes these pies so indulgent and satisfying.
Instant Vanilla Pudding: Provides that signature McDonald’s custard-like texture and vanilla flavor that makes these pies instantly recognizable.
Cake Mix: The secret ingredient! Just a touch of dry cake mix adds complexity and that distinctive bakery flavor you can’t quite put your finger on.
Milk: Helps achieve the perfect pudding consistency – use whole milk for the richest result.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds that warm, aromatic note that makes these pies feel like the holidays.
Egg Wash: Optional but recommended for achieving that beautiful golden-brown exterior that makes these pies look professional.
Powdered Sugar: The base for our simple glaze that adds the perfect sweet finish.
Sprinkles: The festive touch that transforms these from regular hand pies to holiday magic!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make these holiday pies your own? Try these creative twists:

Berry Bliss: Add a tablespoon of strawberry or raspberry jam to the filling for a fruity surprise.
Chocolate Lover’s: Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed pies.
Spiced Version: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the filling for a warming holiday flavor.
Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest to the filling and a touch of lemon juice to the glaze for a bright, citrusy variation.

How to Make McDonald’s Holiday Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Station

If using an oven, preheat to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients so they’re ready to go.

Step 2: Create the Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, cake mix, milk, and vanilla until smooth and well combined. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. Then combine the pudding mixture with the whipped cream cheese, mixing until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Form the Pies

Unroll each pie crust and trim the rounded edges to create large squares. Cut each square in half to form rectangles. Spoon the creamy filling into the center of each rectangle, being careful not to overfill.

Step 4: Seal and Prepare

Fold the dough over to create a pocket and seal the edges firmly by pressing with a fork along each side. If using the egg wash, beat together egg and water, then brush this mixture over the tops of the pies for that perfect golden finish.

Step 5: Bake or Air Fry

For oven baking, transfer the pies to your prepared baking sheet and bake for 13-15 minutes until beautifully golden brown. If using an air fryer, spray the basket with cooking spray, place 2 pies at a time inside, and cook at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

While the pies are cooling slightly, mix together powdered sugar and milk to create your glaze. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more if needed to reach a thick but drizzleable consistency. Drizzle over the warm pies and immediately add sprinkles so they stick to the glaze.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened for a smooth filling without lumps.
Don’t Overfill: Leave about a half-inch border around the edges to ensure proper sealing.
Sealing Technique: Press firmly with the fork when sealing the edges, and don’t skip the egg wash if you want that beautiful golden color.
Cooling Time: Let the pies cool for at least 5 minutes before glazing – too hot and the glaze will simply run off.
Customize Thickness: For a thicker glaze that stays put, use less milk; for a thinner drizzle, add a bit more.

How to Serve

These holiday pies are versatile treats that can be enjoyed in several ways:

Sweet Endings

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.

Holiday Gatherings

Arrange on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies and treats for a dessert table that will impress guests.

Breakfast Treat

Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a special morning indulgence during the holiday season.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.

Freezing

These pies freeze beautifully! Freeze unglazed pies in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. Store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated pies in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes. Add fresh glaze after reheating for the best presentation and taste.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cream cheese-pudding filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using, and allow it to come to room temperature for easier spreading.
Why did my pie filling leak out during baking?

This typically happens when the edges aren’t sealed properly or there’s too much filling. Make sure to press firmly with a fork along all edges and avoid overfilling. If needed, use a bit of water along the edges before sealing to help them stick better.
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Definitely! Homemade pie crust works wonderfully in this recipe. Roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness and follow the same instructions for cutting and filling. You might find the homemade version even flakier!
My glaze is too thick/thin. How do I fix it?

For glaze that’s too thick, add milk just a few drops at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it thickens up. The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still be fluid enough to drizzle.

Final Thoughts

These McDonald’s Holiday Pies bring a touch of nostalgic fast-food magic to your home kitchen, with the bonus of being freshly made with ingredients you control. Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or starting new traditions, these hand pies deliver pure joy in every bite. The combination of creamy filling and flaky crust, topped with sweet glaze and festive sprinkles, makes them irresistible for any celebration. Give them a try this holiday season – I promise they’ll become a new favorite!