Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful treat for any Halloween celebration. Their charming pumpkin shape and delicious fillings make them an eye-catching dessert that your guests will love. Easy to prepare and fun to customize, these hand pies are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a festive Halloween treat at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cute Presentation: The pumpkin shape adds a festive touch to your dessert table.
• Delicious Fillings: With apple and blackberry options, there’s something for everyone.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Parties: These hand pies are easy to handle, making them great for gatherings.
• Versatile Recipe: Feel free to swap in other fruits or flavors to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, you’ll need some essential tools. Preparing in advance ensures a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Stainless steel sauté pan
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter (4 inches)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures even mixing of ingredients for a consistent dough texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness for the pie crust.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Creates perfectly shaped hand pies that are festive and fun.

Ingredients

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

• 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)
• 2 large honey crisp apples (peeled and diced small)
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
• 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

How to Make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Step 1: Make 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 the mixture resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. With the mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of liquid from the ice water mixture. Beat on low for 2 to 3 minutes until the dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl.
4. If too dry, add more ice water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured counter with a spatula.
2. Knead quickly into a ball, then divide in half and shape into discs.
3. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Prepare Apple Filling

1. Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until golden brown.
2. Add diced apples and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in bourbon and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar; cook for 5–7 minutes until syrupy.
5. Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Roast blackberries on the baking sheet for 30 minutes.
3. Transfer blackberries to a pot with sugar and vanilla; simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Allow filling to cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Prep Pie Dough

1. Remove dough from refrigerator; dust work surface with flour.
2. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin.
3. Use a pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out shapes; refrigerate cutouts for 20 minutes.
4. Cut jack-o-lantern faces on half of the pumpkin cutouts with a sharp knife.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375°F; line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl; set aside.
3. Lay down pumpkin cutouts without faces on baking tray; place about 1½ tablespoons of filling in center of each.
4. Brush edges around filling with egg wash; top with cutouts featuring faces aligned properly.
5. Seal edges using a fork; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
6. Bake hand pies for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown; cool on wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies as they bring smiles and deliciousness to your spooky celebrations!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies not only taste delicious but also add a festive touch to your Halloween gathering. Serve them warm for a delightful dessert that will impress your guests!

As a Festive Dessert

• Serve the hand pies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast. The warmth of the pie and the cold ice cream creates a delightful experience.

Accompanied by Spiced Cider

• Pair these hand pies with warm spiced apple cider. The flavors complement each other, enhancing the cozy fall vibes.

On a Halloween-themed Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a platter decorated with mini pumpkins and autumn leaves. This presentation makes them visually appealing and perfect for any Halloween party.

With Whipped Cream or Custard

• Offer whipped cream or custard on the side as a dipping option. This adds an extra layer of sweetness that enhances the flavors of the fillings.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Creating perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use very cold butter: Cold butter helps create a flaky crust, essential for that perfect hand pie texture.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough before rolling it out keeps it manageable and prevents it from shrinking during baking.
• Avoid overfilling: Too much filling can cause the pies to burst. Stick to about 1 1/2 tablespoons for each pie.
• Seal edges well: Use a fork to press down on the edges firmly. This ensures they stay closed during baking.
• Brush with egg wash: An egg wash gives your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies a beautiful golden color and shine when baked.
• Experiment with fillings: Don’t hesitate to try different fruit fillings or spices to make them unique!

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

For a well-rounded meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies.

1. Roasted Pumpkin Soup: A creamy soup made from roasted pumpkin, seasoned perfectly for an autumnal flavor boost.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes tossed in cinnamon sugar provide a sweet yet savory balance.
3. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts: The nuttiness of Brussels sprouts caramelized with balsamic vinegar offers a delightful contrast.
4. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette can lighten up your meal and add freshness.
5. Apple Slaw: Crunchy apple slaw adds texture and tartness, complementing the sweetness of the hand pies.
6. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, cheesy breadsticks are always a hit and pair well with sweet desserts like these hand pies.
7. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Not exactly a side dish, but serving this classic drink creates an inviting atmosphere and complements the flavors beautifully.
8. Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots bring out earthy flavors that tie in perfectly with fall themes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using warm butter: Always use very cold butter for the crust. Warm butter can lead to a soggy dough that won’t hold its shape.
• Skipping chilling time: Don’t rush the refrigeration step. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle.
• Overfilling the pies: Be careful not to add too much filling. Overfilling can cause the hand pies to burst while baking, making a mess.
• Not sealing edges properly: Make sure to seal the edges well with a fork. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your hand pies as they bake. Every oven is different, so check for a dark golden brown color to ensure they’re done.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat each pie for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies.

Can I use other fruits for filling?

Yes! You can substitute apples and blackberries with other fruits like pears or peaches.

How do I make my hand pies more festive?

Decorate your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies with icing or edible glitter after baking for extra flair.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make and refrigerate the dough up to 2 days in advance before rolling it out.

What’s the best way to serve these pies?

Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile. You can customize them with different fillings or decorations based on your preferences. They make an excellent addition to any Halloween celebration, sure to bring joy and warmth to all who enjoy them!