Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the quintessential treat for your Halloween festivities! Their charming pumpkin shapes and delicious fillings make them a standout dessert that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering or looking for an autumn-inspired snack, these hand pies are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these festive treats.
• Customizable Fillings: Fill with your favorite fruits or spices for a personalized touch that suits your taste.
• Perfect for Parties: Their fun shape and delicious flavors make them a hit at any Halloween celebration.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the dough and fillings in advance, saving you time on the big day.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the little ones involved in decorating their own Jack-O-Lantern faces!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating these fantastic hand pies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This makes mixing the dough quick and efficient, ensuring a perfect texture without much effort.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to achieve those adorable pumpkin shapes.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Creates perfectly shaped hand pies that capture the Halloween spirit beautifully.

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 (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: Prepare the Crust

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

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula.
2. Quickly knead into a rough ball. Divide in half; shape each into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and flatten into discs.
3. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

1. Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until just golden brown.
2. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes before adding fruit juice. Cook another minute.
3. Stir in vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss to combine.
4. Cook until syrupy consistency is reached (5-7 minutes). Allow cooling to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

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

Step 5: Roll Out Pie Dough

1. Remove chilled dough from refrigerator; lightly dust work surface with flour.
2. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness using a rolling pin.
3. Use a pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out as many pieces as possible; place on lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
4. Cut jack-o-lantern faces into half of these cutouts using a sharp knife.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), lining another baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a bowl; place plain pumpkin cutouts on baking tray.
3. Put about 1½ tablespoons filling in center of each cutout; brush edges with egg wash.
4. Top with cutouts that have faces, aligning edges carefully.
5. Seal edges with fork; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown; cool on wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies this Halloween!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. They can be served in various creative ways that enhance their Halloween theme and appeal.

Festive Platter

• Arrange hand pies on a large platter decorated with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins for a striking presentation.

Accompaniments

• Pair your hand pies with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the fruity filling beautifully.

Halloween-Themed Drinks

• Serve with fun, themed drinks like spiced apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes to enhance the festive spirit.

Kid-Friendly Presentation

• For children’s gatherings, offer colorful plates and napkins featuring Halloween characters to make the experience more engaging.

Dessert Buffet

• Include these hand pies in a dessert buffet alongside other spooky treats such as ghost-shaped cookies and mummy cupcakes for variety.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To achieve the perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your pies are as delicious as they are adorable.

• Use chilled ingredients: Keeping your butter and water cold helps create a flaky crust that holds up well during baking.

• Don’t skip chilling: Allowing the dough to chill before rolling makes it easier to handle and results in a better texture.

• Cut precise shapes: Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean edges when cutting your pumpkin shapes, ensuring they look neat and professional.

• Seal edges properly: Press down firmly with a fork around the edges to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.

• Experiment with fillings: While apple and blackberry are delicious, feel free to mix in other fruits or jams that complement these flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that balance their sweetness. Here are some excellent options:

1. Crispy Kale Chips: These add a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with the sweet pies. Simply toss kale leaves in olive oil and bake until crispy.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness enhances the flavor of the hand pies while providing a satisfying side dish. Season with salt and pepper before roasting.

3. Apple Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, sliced apples, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpart to your hand pies.

4. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup makes an inviting pairing, especially during fall gatherings. Blend cooked pumpkin with spices for a cozy starter.

5. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses such as brie or cheddar that balance the sweetness of the hand pies perfectly. Add some crackers for an easy snack option.

6. Spicy Carrot Sticks: Toss carrot sticks in chili powder or cayenne for a spicy kick that contrasts well with the sweet flavors of your dessert.

7. Fruit Skewers: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits on skewers not only looks appetizing but also provides a fresh palate cleanser between bites of pie.

8. Popcorn Mix: Offer a fun popcorn mix seasoned with cinnamon sugar or savory spices as an easy finger food that adds an element of playfulness to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes and how to fix them.

• Skipping the chilling process: Not refrigerating the dough may lead to tough crusts. Always chill the dough for at least an hour to ensure a flaky texture.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause spills during baking. Stick to the recommended amount of 1 1/2 tablespoons per pie.
• Neglecting egg wash: Forgetting to brush with egg wash will result in a dull finish. Apply it before baking for a golden, shiny appearance.
• Cutting out faces too early: If you cut jack-o-lantern faces before chilling, they may lose shape. Wait until after chilling to create your designs.
• Using unevenly sized cutouts: Inconsistent sizes can lead to uneven baking. Make sure all pie cutouts are uniform for even cooking.
• Not preheating the oven properly: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to undercooked pies. Ensure your oven reaches the correct temperature before placing the pies inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep in a cool part of your fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Freeze individually wrapped pies for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warmed through, but this may make crust less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a lid for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, here are some common inquiries answered.

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

Absolutely! You can use any fruit filling such as peaches or mixed berries based on your preference.

How do I achieve the best crust for my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Make sure your butter is very cold and avoid overworking the dough. Chilling it helps achieve flakiness.

What should I do if my dough is too dry?

If your dough crumbles when mixing, add ice water one teaspoon at a time until it holds together without being sticky.

How long do Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies last?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months when properly sealed.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and freeze unbaked pies. Bake them fresh when you’re ready!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not just delightful treats; they also offer versatility in flavors and fillings. With simple customization options, these hand pies can suit any taste preference and make a festive addition to your Halloween celebrations. Don’t hesitate—try making these charming desserts today!