Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect treat for your Halloween festivities! Whether you’re throwing a spooky party or just want to indulge in a seasonal dessert, these hand pies are sure to impress. With a flaky crust and sweet fillings of apples and blackberries, they not only look festive but also taste amazing. Plus, they are easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone at your gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun for Halloween: These hand pies add a playful touch to your Halloween celebration with their adorable pumpkin shapes.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries creates a mouthwatering filling everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: Each pie is an individual serving, making them great for sharing at parties or events.
• Versatile Filling Options: Feel free to mix up the fillings based on your preferences or what you have on hand!

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will help ensure your baking experience goes smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing the pie dough easier and ensures a consistent texture throughout.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, which is crucial for the perfect crust.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: This tool gives your pies their fun shape, adding to the festive Halloween spirit.

Ingredients

These cute little hand pies are the perfect little dessert for your Halloween party!

For the 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 (to replace 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: Prepare the Crust

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for about 15 seconds. Add cold butter all at once and mix until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized butter pieces. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of ice water while mixing on low for 2–3 minutes until dough clumps around the paddle. If too dry, add more ice water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface using a spatula. Knead quickly into a rough ball. Divide in half, shape into balls, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

In a stainless steel sauté pan over medium heat, melt butter until barely golden brown. Add diced apples and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in fruit juice (as bourbon substitute), then cook another minute. Add vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss to combine. Cook until reduced to syrupy consistency (about 5–7 minutes). Allow cooling to room temperature.

Step 4: Make Blackberry Filling

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) while lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread blackberries on the baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes. Transfer blackberries to a pot with granulated sugar and vanilla extract; simmer over medium heat until thickened (about 10 minutes). Cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Roll Out Pie Dough

Remove pie dough from refrigerator. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour and roll out each disc to 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 4-inch pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out pieces; place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

Preheat the oven again to 375°F (190°C). On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lightly beat an egg in a bowl. Place pumpkin cutouts without faces on the tray. Spoon approximately 1½ tablespoons of either apple or blackberry filling in center of each piece. Brush edges around filling with beaten egg; place cutouts with faces on top aligning edges carefully. Press edges together using a fork to seal in filling. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until dark golden brown. Allow cooling on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy these festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies at your next Halloween celebration!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only festive but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to impress your guests during Halloween celebrations.

Individual Treat Bags

• Create small treat bags filled with hand pies for each guest. This adds a personal touch and makes for a fun take-home treat.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a decorative platter with some Halloween-themed decorations, like mini pumpkins or spider webs, to enhance the visual appeal.

Accompaniments Station

• Set up a station with dips like caramel sauce or whipped cream for guests to enjoy alongside their hand pies. This adds an interactive element to your dessert table.

Themed Beverage Pairing

• Pair with seasonal beverages like apple cider or a non-alcoholic pumpkin spice latte to complement the flavors of the hand pies.

Dessert Table Display

• Showcase your hand pies prominently on a dessert table filled with other themed treats. Consider adding labels for each item to intrigue guests.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To ensure your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies turn out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping butter and water very cold helps create a flaky crust, essential for that perfect texture.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill before rolling it out prevents it from becoming too soft, making it easier to work with.
• Avoid overfilling: Use just enough filling to prevent spills while baking. This keeps the edges sealed and ensures even cooking.
• Seal properly: Pressing the edges of the hand pies firmly with a fork helps prevent them from opening during baking.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on the oven; every oven is different. Your hand pies should be golden brown when done.
• Let them cool: Allow the pies to cool on a rack before serving; this helps the filling set and enhances flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pair your festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies with these side dishes for a complete Halloween feast.

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
   These sweet potato fries add a crunchy texture and delicious sweetness that complements the flavors of the hand pies.

2. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup can serve as a comforting side, enhancing the autumnal theme of your meal.

3. Mixed Green Salad
   A fresh salad with seasonal greens and tangy vinaigrette provides balance and lightness alongside rich hand pies.

4. Roasted Veggies
   Mix seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower tossed in olive oil for a savory side that contrasts nicely with sweet fillings.

5. Apple Slaw
   A refreshing apple slaw adds crunch and brightness to your plate, complementing both apple and blackberry fillings in the hand pies.

6. Cheese Plate
   Offer an assortment of cheeses alongside crackers or breadsticks for those who enjoy savory bites before indulging in dessert.

7. Halloween Veggie Platter
   Create spooky shapes using vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers, served with hummus or ranch dressing for dipping, making it fun for kids and adults alike.

8. Spiced Nuts
   A mix of spiced nuts provides a crunchy snack option that pairs well with both sweet and savory elements of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be fun, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Using warm butter: Cold butter is essential for flaky crusts. Make sure your butter is very cold before mixing it into the flour.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the refrigeration step can lead to a tough crust. Always refrigerate the dough for at least one hour for the best texture.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause spills during baking. Stick to the recommended amount of filling to ensure a perfect seal.
• Inconsistent rolling of dough: Uneven thickness can lead to uneven baking. Roll your dough evenly to about 1/8 inch thick for consistent results.
• Skipping egg wash: An egg wash gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color. Don’t forget to brush the tops before baking!
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can result in soggy crusts. Always preheat your oven for optimal baking conditions.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store hand pies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Place uncooked hand pies on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen pies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, check, and repeat as necessary.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat covered with a lid, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies that you might find helpful.

Can I customize the filling for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Yes! You can use any fruit filling you prefer, such as pears or peaches, or even chocolate for a sweet twist.

How do I make my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies vegan?

To make these hand pies vegan, substitute butter with plant-based butter and use a flaxseed egg instead of an egg wash.

What if I don’t have a pumpkin cookie cutter?

No problem! You can use any round cutter and create jack-o-lantern faces using a knife.

How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?

Chill your dough before rolling it out and bake at high heat for crispy crusts.

Can I prepare Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

What occasions are perfect for serving these hand pies?

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are great for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or any festive occasion where you want a fun dessert!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile desserts that everyone will love. Feel free to experiment with different fillings based on seasonal fruits or personal preferences. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply indulging yourself, these hand pies are sure to delight!