These Easy Pumpkin Patties are the ultimate no-bake fall treat! With their vibrant orange hue, sugary coating, and adorable pretzel stems, they’re the perfect way to celebrate pumpkin season without needing any actual pumpkin! Whether you’re looking for a fun Halloween candy, a Thanksgiving dessert, or a unique homemade treat, these little pumpkin-shaped sweets will be a crowd favorite. Best of all, these patties are incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of pantry ingredients. Kids will love shaping and decorating them, making this a perfect family-friendly recipe. Serve them at autumn gatherings, pack them as gifts, or enjoy them as a fun seasonal indulgence. They’re as cute as they are delicious!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 4 cups powdered sugar, divided
- 1 tsp extract or candy flavoring (e.g., orange, vanilla)
- Orange food coloring (gel or paste preferred)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 18 pretzels, broken in half (for stems)
- 10 green candies (e.g., Starburst, Laffy Taffy)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mix butter and corn syrup until well combined.
- Add 2 cups of powdered sugar, food coloring, and extract, then beat until smooth. Adjust flavoring as desired.
- Stir in another cup of powdered sugar.
- Transfer mixture onto a cutting board dusted with the remaining cup of powdered sugar.
- Knead the dough until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Shape into 1-inch balls, then roll each in granulated sugar.
- Flatten slightly with a fork to create pumpkin ridges.
- Insert a half-pretzel into the top as a stem, using another pretzel for support.
- Shape small pieces of green candy into leaves and attach them to the pretzel stems.
- Let the patties dry uncovered for 24 hours.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Shaping Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 1089 kcal (per batch) | Servings: Makes 3 dozen
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. No-Bake Simplicity
One of the best things about these Pumpkin Patties is that they don’t require any baking. Unlike traditional fall desserts like pumpkin pies, muffins, or cookies, these candies come together in minutes without needing an oven. This makes them a great choice for beginner bakers, busy parents, or anyone who wants a quick and easy seasonal treat.
2. Fun and Kid-Friendly
Making these pumpkin-shaped candies is just as fun as eating them! Kids will love rolling the dough into little balls, pressing them down with a fork to create the pumpkin ridges, and adding the pretzel stems and candy leaves. It’s a fantastic hands-on activity for families looking to make festive treats together. Plus, since there’s no hot stovetop or oven involved, even younger children can participate with minimal supervision.
3. Customizable Flavors and Colors
While the original recipe uses orange food coloring and a classic candy flavoring like vanilla or orange, you can easily experiment with different variations. Try using mint, almond, or maple extract for a unique twist, or switch up the food coloring to make them match other seasonal themes. You can even dip them in chocolate for a more decadent treat!
4. Perfect for Fall Celebrations
These Pumpkin Patties are a great addition to any autumn-themed gathering. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner, or a festive fall get-together, these little candies will add a touch of seasonal charm to your dessert table. They also make fantastic edible gifts just package them up in a cute fall-themed box or bag, and they’re ready to be shared with friends and family.
5. Long-Lasting and Easy to Store
Unlike some baked goods that go stale quickly, these candies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. This makes them a great make-ahead treat for holiday events or party planning. If you’re preparing them for a big occasion, you can easily make a batch in advance without worrying about them losing their freshness.
Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Patties
To ensure that your Pumpkin Patties turn out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Use Gel or Paste Food Coloring: Liquid food coloring can make the mixture too soft, so it’s best to use gel or paste-based coloring for a vibrant orange hue without altering the texture.
- Choose the Right Candy for the Leaves: Starburst or Laffy Taffy work great for shaping small leaves, but you can also use green fondant or even a small piece of green gumdrop.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Since these candies are rolled in sugar, they can be quite sweet. If you prefer a less sugary treat, you can roll them in finely crushed graham crackers instead.
- Experiment with Flavors: If you want to add a hint of spice to your candies, try mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to give them an extra layer of fall flavor.
- Let Them Set Properly: The candies need to dry at room temperature for a full 24 hours to set properly. This helps the pretzel stems stay in place and makes them easier to handle.
Creative Ways to Use Pumpkin Patties
Beyond simply enjoying these candies as a sweet treat, there are many fun ways to incorporate them into your fall celebrations:
1. Party Favors
Individually wrap each Pumpkin Patty in a clear plastic bag and tie it with a festive ribbon. These make perfect party favors for Halloween parties, fall weddings, or Thanksgiving gatherings.
2. Edible Centerpieces
Arrange the patties on a decorative platter alongside mini pumpkins, pinecones, and autumn leaves for a beautiful seasonal centerpiece. They’ll add a festive touch to your holiday table and double as a tasty treat for guests.
3. Cake and Cupcake Toppers
Use these Pumpkin Patties as edible decorations for cakes and cupcakes. Place one on top of each frosted cupcake for a cute and delicious garnish that will impress guests.
4. Homemade Gift Boxes
Create a homemade fall-themed candy box by pairing these Pumpkin Patties with other seasonal treats like caramel apples, chocolate truffles, or spiced nuts. This makes for a thoughtful and unique gift for teachers, neighbors, or friends.
5. Thanksgiving Dessert Board
Add these patties to a Thanksgiving dessert board alongside cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels, and other sweet treats. This makes for a fun, interactive dessert option for family and guests.
Conclusion:
These Easy Pumpkin Patties are the perfect no-bake treat to celebrate the magic of fall. Whether you’re looking for a fun recipe to make with kids, a festive dessert for your holiday gatherings, or a unique edible gift, these adorable pumpkin-shaped candies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. They’re simple to make, customizable, and bursting with seasonal charm.