Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect treat for your Halloween festivities! Their charming pumpkin shape and delicious fillings make them a standout dessert that will impress guests of all ages. Easy to make and fun to eat, these hand pies are suitable for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. With a flaky crust and tasty apple and blackberry fillings, they capture the spirit of the season in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun to Make: Involve the kids or friends in crafting these adorable hand pies.
• Deliciously Versatile: Change up the fillings based on your favorite fruits or what’s in season.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these pies are great for parties or potlucks.
• Cute Presentation: Jack-o-lantern faces add a festive touch to your dessert table.
• Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making preparation easy.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these charming hand pies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing the dough effortless and ensures a consistent texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even dough thickness, critical for flaky crusts.
• Baking sheets: Provides ample space for baking multiple hand pies at once.

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

For the Egg Wash:

• 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 (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: 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 it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. With the mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water. Beat until dough clumps around the paddle. If too dry, add more water 1 teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Tip dough onto a floured counter with a spatula. Knead quickly into a rough ball.
2. Divide into two halves; shape each half into balls. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and flatten into discs.
3. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Prepare Apple Filling

1. Heat butter in a stainless-steel sauté pan until just golden brown.
2. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in fruit juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss to combine.
4. Cook until syrupy (about 5-7 minutes). Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F; line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place blackberries on baking sheet; roast for 30 minutes.
3. Transfer blackberries to a pot with sugar and vanilla; simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Roll Out 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. Cut out pumpkin shapes using a cookie cutter; refrigerate cutouts for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F; line baking sheet with parchment paper again.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a bowl; set aside.
3. Place uncut pumpkin shapes on tray; add filling (about 1½ tablespoons).
4. Brush edges with egg wash; top with pumpkin cutouts that have faces carved out.
5. Seal edges with a fork; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown. Cool on a rack before serving.

Enjoy your festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. They can be served in various ways to enhance your Halloween celebrations.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a creamy contrast to the warm, flaky pastry.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange several hand pies alongside other Halloween-themed treats like spooky cookies and candy corn to create an enticing dessert table.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Serve with dollops of freshly whipped cream, optionally flavored with cinnamon or nutmeg, to add an extra layer of indulgence.

Accompanied by Hot Apple Cider

• A warm cup of spiced apple cider complements the flavors of the apple filling perfectly, making it an ideal pairing for chilly autumn evenings.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the top before serving for an elegant touch that enhances their festive appearance.

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.

• Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate the dough before rolling it out. This helps maintain its structure and makes it easier to work with.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter and any liquids are very cold. This results in a flakier crust when baked.

• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the hand pies! Too much filling can cause them to burst during baking.

• Seal Well: Ensure you press the edges firmly using a fork. This prevents any filling from leaking out while they bake.

• Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on them as they bake. Oven temperatures can vary, so adjust accordingly to avoid burning.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Complement your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies with these delicious side dishes that add variety and flavor to your Halloween meal.

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
   These sweet potato fries provide a crunchy texture and natural sweetness that pairs well with the fruit-filled hand pies.

2. Roasted Vegetable Medley
   A mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, squash, and Brussels sprouts roasted until caramelized offers a savory balance.

3. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup enhances the fall theme and provides a comforting start to your meal.

4. Apple Salad
   Fresh greens tossed with sliced apples, nuts, and a light vinaigrette create a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pastries.

5. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
   These soft, cheesy breadsticks add heartiness to your spread and are great for dipping into soups or sauces.

6. Spiced Cranberry Sauce
   A small dish of spiced cranberry sauce can bring tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the hand pies.

7. Cauliflower Mash
   A creamy cauliflower mash serves as a low-carb alternative that feels indulgent without being too heavy alongside desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your pies turn out perfect every time.

• Overworking the dough: Kneading the dough too much can lead to tough hand pies. Mix until just combined for a tender crust.
• Ignoring cold ingredients: Using warm butter or water can affect the dough’s texture. Always keep your butter and water icy cold for a flaky crust.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough before rolling can result in shrinkage. Chill the dough as directed for best results.
• Filling too much: Overstuffing the pies can cause filling to leak out during baking. Stick to the recommended amount of filling for each pie.
• Not cutting vents: Forgetting to cut vents on the top layer can trap steam, making your pies soggy. Always create small cuts for steam escape.

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

• Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• These can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds. Check and repeat if necessary, but this may make them soggy.
• Stovetop: Warm them in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are festive pumpkin-shaped pastries filled with delicious apple and blackberry fillings, perfect for Halloween celebrations.

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

Yes! You can substitute different fruits or use your favorite jam as a filling, allowing endless variations based on your taste preferences.

How do I prevent my hand pies from leaking during baking?

Ensure you don’t overfill your hand pies and create proper seals around the edges. Cutting small vent holes also helps release steam and prevents leaks.

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

When stored properly, they last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer, making them a great make-ahead treat!

Final Thoughts

These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile enough for any gathering. With customizable fillings and an easy-to-follow recipe, they are sure to impress at your next Halloween party. Get creative with flavors and enjoy these delightful treats!