McDonald's Is Bringing Back a Festive Holiday Dessert — But for a Limited Time Only

Some people can't wait for pumpkin spice lattes to return to coffee shops in the fall, but don't tell McDonald's fans that's the only game in town. They've likely been waiting for something else sweet that's seasonal and available only at McDonald's: the Holiday Pie.

The Holiday Pie is a handheld pastry with a flaky, buttery crust and a sugar glaze. It's covered in multicolored sprinkles and filled with a rich vanilla custard. Despite having the rectangular shape of McDonald's apple pie, it's pretty distinctive taste-wise — and has legions of devoted fans.

Good news — they're back already, just not everywhere. According to an Instagram post from food influencer Markie Devo, the pies have already been spotted at several locations in Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania.

A McDonald's spokesperson told Today.com that the pies are also available in "select local markets including (but not limited to) Seattle, Washington; Los Angeles, California; St. Louis, Missouri; New York City; Cleveland, Ohio; Memphis, Tennessee; and Dallas, Texas.

Be patient. Chance are good that the pie will roll out to the rest of the nation by the end of the week. Keep an eye on the McDonald's mobile app for when it drops in your area.

If it's anything like last year, we'd guess until January. The pie was replaced by a blueberry & cream version in 2023 on Jan. 9, which was when the holiday pie went back into hiding. If your local McDonald's runs out, however, it may come off the menu sooner. 

If you haven't been to McDonald's lately (and we mean in the last few decades), you might have missed its regular returns (not unlike the McRib, which resurfaces periodically). But it first became a seasonal treat in 1999. 

Surprisingly, not as many as you may thing. The pie has 260 calories, just a little more than the apple pie, which has 230. Not that you're probably thinking about calories when you dine at Mickey D's. But if you are, know that an Oreo McFlurry clocks in at 410, so that holiday pie is almost diet food in comparison. 

For more smart fast-food news, sign up for our free newsletters.