Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the ideal dessert for your Halloween celebration! With their charming pumpkin shapes and delicious fillings, they bring a festive touch to any gathering. Not only are they easy to make, but they also allow for creativity in both flavor and presentation. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun treat at home, these hand pies will surely delight everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can create these delightful treats.
• Customizable Fillings: You can switch up the fillings based on seasonal fruits or personal preferences, making them versatile.
• Perfect for Parties: Their fun appearance makes them an attractive addition to any Halloween dessert table.
• Great for Kids: Involving children in the decorating process can make baking fun and educational!
• Deliciously Festive: The combination of flavors from apples and blackberries captures the essence of fall.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin crafting your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, gather your tools and set up your workspace. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing the dough easier and ensures even consistency, which is crucial for flaky crusts.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness in the pie dough, essential for uniform baking.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Creates perfectly shaped hand pies that add to the festive charm of your treats.

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

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula. Quickly knead into a rough ball. Divide it in half and shape each half into a ball. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and flatten into discs. Refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight.

Step 3: Make Apple Filling

Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until lightly golden brown. Add diced apples and cook for 2 minutes. Add bourbon and cook for another minute. Toss in vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar; cook until reduced to syrupy consistency (5–7 minutes). Allow to cool.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; preheat oven to 400°F. Place blackberries on sheet; roast for 30 minutes. Transfer blackberries to a stainless steel pot with sugar and vanilla; simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened. Cool before using.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Remove dough from refrigerator; lightly dust work surface with flour. Roll out to about 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin. Cut out pumpkin shapes with cookie cutter; place on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

Preheat oven to 375°F; line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl. Place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray; add filling (about 1½ tablespoons) in center of each cutout. Brush edges with egg wash; top with cutouts featuring faces, aligning edges carefully. Press edges together with a fork to seal them securely.

Step 7: Bake

Brush tops of hand pies with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired. Repeat assembly process until all pies are made. Bake for about 25 minutes or until dark golden brown. Cool on wire rack before serving.

These delicious Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies will surely be a hit at any Halloween gathering! Enjoy making them as much as eating them!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only delicious but also a fun addition to your Halloween festivities. Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions to make these treats even more special.

For a Spooky Dessert Table

• Arrange the hand pies on a decorative platter surrounded by fake spider webs and plastic spiders for a creepy effect.
• Use small pumpkin-shaped plates to serve individual hand pies for an extra festive touch.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
• Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie for added sweetness.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Top each hand pie with freshly whipped cream to enhance the dessert experience.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream for an autumnal flavor.

As Part of a Halloween Snack Board

• Include your hand pies alongside other Halloween-themed snacks like chocolate-covered pretzels and ghost-shaped cookies.
• Arrange colorful fruits like blackberries and oranges to add freshness and color.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be easy, but perfecting them requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pies turn out just right.

• Chill the Dough: Keeping the dough cold helps create flakier crusts. Make sure to refrigerate it thoroughly before rolling out.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh apples and blackberries to enhance flavors. This will make your fillings taste vibrant and delicious.
• Don’t Overstuff: Be mindful not to overfill the hand pies. A little filling goes a long way; too much can cause them to burst during baking.
• Seal Properly: Seal the edges well with a fork. This prevents any leaks while baking, which keeps the filling intact.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on them while they bake. Remove from the oven when golden brown for that perfect texture.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. This makes them easier to handle and enhances their flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can elevate your Halloween meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – Crunchy and flavorful, these make an excellent fall-inspired snack alongside your hand pies.
2. Caramel Apple Salad – A sweet, creamy salad that contrasts nicely with the flaky pastry of the hand pies, making it a refreshing side option.
3. Autumn Harvest Salad – Combine mixed greens with roasted squash, cranberries, and pecans for an earthy side that complements sweet flavors.
4. Spiced Hot Apple Cider – Warm beverages pair wonderfully with desserts, enhancing their flavors while providing cozy vibes.
5. Cheese Platter – Offer a selection of cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar that balance well with the sweet fillings in your hand pies.
6. Chocolate Fondue – Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruit or even pieces of the hand pie into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
7. Pumpkin Soup – A savory soup provides contrast to sweet desserts, making it an ideal pairing for those who love seasonal flavors.
8. Roasted Vegetable Medley – Seasonal vegetables roasted with herbs add depth to your meal and balance out sweetness from dessert items.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring the butter temperature – Using warm butter can make the dough tough. Always use very cold butter for a flaky crust.
• Not chilling the dough – Skipping the refrigeration step can lead to dough that shrinks during baking. Chill your dough for at least an hour to maintain shape.
• Overfilling the pies – Adding too much filling can cause leaks while baking. Stick to the recommended amount of 1 1/2 tablespoons for each pie.
• Cutting too few facial features – If you don’t cut enough holes in the top crust, steam will build up and could burst the pies. Make sure to create several openings to allow steam to escape.
• Baking at an incorrect temperature – Baking at too low a temperature can result in soggy pies. Ensure your oven is properly preheated to achieve a golden finish.
• Skipping the egg wash – Omitting an egg wash means missing out on that beautiful golden color. Always brush the tops with egg wash before baking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Freeze unbaked hand pies for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, checking frequently until warm.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping until heated through. This method helps keep the crust crispy.

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 experiment with different fruits like pears or peaches. Just adjust sugar levels according to sweetness.

How do I ensure my hand pies are flaky?

Using cold butter and not overworking the dough are key factors in achieving flakiness. Chilling the dough also helps.

What if I don’t have bourbon?

You can substitute bourbon with apple cider or omit it entirely. The filling will still be delicious!

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Ensure your filling isn’t too wet and bake at the right temperature. A pre-baked crust can also help.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze them unbaked, then just pop them into the oven when you’re ready!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also deliciously customizable! Feel free to switch up fillings or shapes based on your preferences. They are perfect for Halloween gatherings or any festive occasion, bringing warmth and joy with every bite! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy making your own delightful hand pies.