These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect dessert to delight your guests at any Halloween gathering. With their festive pumpkin shape and delectable fillings, they bring a touch of whimsy to your table. They’re not just for Halloween, either; these hand pies can be enjoyed at fall gatherings, birthday parties, or as a fun family treat. Plus, they’re easy to make and offer a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun for All Ages: These hand pies are not only delicious but also a great activity for kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Fillings: Use different fruits or spices based on your preference to create unique flavor combinations.
- Perfectly Portable: Ideal for parties, picnics, or lunchboxes—these pies are easy to take anywhere!
- Customizable Decoration: Get creative with the jack-o-lantern faces for a personal touch that adds to the Halloween spirit.
- Crispy and Flaky Crust: The buttery crust complements the sweet fillings beautifully, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Before jumping into making these delightful hand pies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Rolling pin
- Pumpkin cookie cutter (4 inches)
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes mixing the dough easy and ensures a well-combined crust without overworking it.
- Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness in the dough, essential for uniform cooking.
- Pumpkin cookie cutter: Creates perfectly shaped hand pies that add to the festive presentation.
Ingredients
These cute little hand pies are the perfect little dessert for your Halloween party!
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 sticks (8oz unsalted butter, diced and very cold)
- 6-9 tablespoons ice water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup raw or turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
For the Apple Filling
- 2 large honey crisp apples (peeled and diced small)
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fruit juice (substituting bourbon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
For the Blackberry Filling
- 18 oz fresh blackberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for 15 seconds.
- Add the cold butter all at once and beat on low until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- With the mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water mixture. Beat on low for 2-3 minutes until dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl.
- Tip out onto a lightly floured surface; knead into a rough ball. Divide in half and wrap tightly in plastic wrap; flatten into discs.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until golden brown.
- Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add fruit juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss together.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until liquid reduces to syrupy consistency; cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F; line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place blackberries on baking sheet; roast for 30 minutes.
- Transfer blackberries to a pot with sugar and vanilla; simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Roll Out Dough & Cut Shapes
- Remove dough from refrigerator; dust work surface with flour.
- Roll dough out to 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin.
- Cut shapes using pumpkin cookie cutter; place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble Hand Pies
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F; line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl.
- Place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray; add filling in center (about 1½ tablespoons).
- Brush edges around filling with egg wash; place cutout with face on top aligning edges.
- Seal edges using a fork; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
- Bake for 25 minutes until dark golden brown; cool on wire rack before serving.
Enjoy these festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies as you celebrate Halloween!
How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile. They make a delightful addition to any Halloween gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your spooky dessert presentation.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla or Pumpkin Spice: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast, while pumpkin spice enhances the seasonal flavor.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Assorted Treats: Arrange the hand pies alongside other Halloween-themed treats like ghost cookies and chocolate-covered pretzels for a festive spread.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Top the pies with cinnamon or vanilla-flavored whipped cream for added sweetness and flavor.
Accompany with Hot Cider
- Spiced Hot Cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider makes for a cozy drink pairing that complements the flavors of the hand pies perfectly.
How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
To ensure your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keeping butter and water cold helps create a flaky crust, essential for achieving that perfect texture.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined; overworking can lead to tough pies.
- Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating the cutouts before baking helps them maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to mix different fruits or spices in your fillings for unique flavors.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pies towards the end of baking; they should be golden brown but not burnt.
Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
Pairing side dishes with your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies enhances the overall experience. Here are some great options:
- Crispy Kale Chips: Lightly seasoned kale chips add a crunchy, healthy contrast to the sweet hand pies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can complement the sweetness and balance out the flavors.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer a savory element that contrasts well with dessert.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and variety, making it a perfect companion.
- Pumpkin Soup: This warm, comforting soup echoes the fall theme and offers a savory touch before dessert.
- Vegetable Crudités: Fresh vegetables served with a dip provide a crunchy, healthy option alongside sweet pies.
- Savory Scones: Cheddar or herb scones introduce an unexpected savory bite that pairs well with sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a fun experience, but there are a few common errors that can affect the final result.
- Bold Dough: Forgetting to chill the dough can lead to tough crusts. Ensure you refrigerate the dough for at least one hour.
- Bold Overfilling: Adding too much filling can cause spills during baking. Stick to 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling for each pie.
- Bold Inadequate Sealing: Not sealing the edges properly may result in leaks. Use a fork to press down firmly around the edges.
- Bold Temperature Mishaps: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect browning. Always preheat your oven and check with an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Bold Skipping the Egg Wash: Neglecting the egg wash will prevent that golden finish. Brush the tops before baking for a beautiful crust.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
- Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes for best texture.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, but this may make crust less crisp.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat in a skillet, flipping occasionally for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies.
Can I use other fruits in my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?
You can definitely substitute various fruits like pears or peaches! Just ensure they are diced small enough.
What is the best way to cut out pumpkin shapes?
Using a cookie cutter works best. Make sure it’s sharp enough to easily cut through the dough without tearing it.
How can I customize my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?
You can add spices like nutmeg or swap fillings entirely! Consider using chocolate or nuts for different flavors.
How do I know when my hand pies are done baking?
They should be dark golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking time.
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze them before baking, then just bake fresh when needed!
Final Thoughts
Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile and delicious. They make perfect additions to any Halloween gathering or fall celebration. Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings or spices to suit your taste!
Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
Delight your guests with these whimsical Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, perfect for any Halloween gathering or fall celebration. These adorable pastries feature a flaky crust filled with delicious apple and blackberry fillings, making them a fun treat for kids and adults alike. Easy to make and customizable in flavor, these festive desserts bring joy to your table while adding a touch of seasonal spirit. Whether served at parties or as a cozy family dessert, these hand pies are sure to be a hit!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 hand pies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 oz unsalted butter, diced and very cold
- 6–9 tablespoons ice water
- 2 large honey crisp apples, peeled and diced small
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fruit juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 18 oz fresh blackberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup raw or turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for 15 seconds.
- Add the cold butter all at once and beat on low until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- With the mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water mixture. Beat on low for 2-3 minutes until dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl.
- Tip out onto a lightly floured surface; knead into a rough ball. Divide in half and wrap tightly in plastic wrap; flatten into discs.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.
- Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until golden brown.
- Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add fruit juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss together.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until liquid reduces to syrupy consistency; cool to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F; line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place blackberries on baking sheet; roast for 30 minutes.
- Transfer blackberries to a pot with sugar and vanilla; simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Remove dough from refrigerator; dust work surface with flour.
- Roll dough out to 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin.
- Cut shapes using pumpkin cookie cutter; place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F; line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl.
- Place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray; add filling in center (about 1½ tablespoons).
- Brush edges around filling with egg wash; place cutout with face on top aligning edges.
- Seal edges using a fork; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
- Bake for 25 minutes until dark golden brown; cool on wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie (75g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Experiment with different fruit fillings like pears or peaches for variety. Consider adding spices such as nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor kick.
