Copycat McDonald's Holiday Pies

Ingredients

The Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry powder)  

• 1/4 cup yellow cake mix (dry powder)

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

The Crust & Wash:

• 2 boxes (4 crusts total) refrigerated pie crusts (or puff pastry for a flakier bite)

• 1 large egg

• 1 tbsp water

The Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–4 tbsp milk

• Rainbow or holiday sprinkles

1. Whip the Filling:

Requires dry pudding mix, not pre-made cups.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until light and completely smooth. Add the dry pudding mix, dry cake mix, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is thick and well combined, then set aside.

2. Prep the Dough:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll your pie crusts and trim the rounded edges off to make large squares. Cut each square in half so you have large rectangles.

3. Fill and Seal:

Leave a 1/4-inch border to prevent leaks.

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the thick custard filling into the center of half of your rectangles. Place a second rectangle of dough on top of each. Use the tines of a fork to crimp and tightly seal the edges all the way around. Use a sharp knife to cut three small slits in the top of each pie so steam can escape.

4. Egg Wash and Bake:

Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl. Brush this egg wash over the top of each pie — this is what gives them that beautiful golden-brown fast-food finish. Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden.

5. Glaze and Decorate:

Let pies cool slightly first.

While the pies cool on a wire rack, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until you have a thick glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm pies and immediately top with sprinkles so they stick to the wet glaze.

Serve them while they're still warm for the absolute best texture!