Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are an irresistible treat that will steal the show at your Halloween gathering. Their festive design and delightful flavors make them perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even as a fun baking project with kids. The combination of sweet apple and blackberry fillings encased in a flaky crust is sure to impress. Plus, they are easy to make and fun to decorate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cute Presentation: These hand pies look like little jack-o-lanterns, adding a festive touch to your Halloween celebrations.
• Delicious Fillings: The blend of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out the fillings with your favorite fruits or jams for a personal twist.
• Fun Activity: Making these pies can be a great activity to enjoy with friends or family, especially when decorating the jack-o-lantern faces.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While they’re themed for Halloween, these hand pies can be enjoyed year-round.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure smooth preparation and baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter (4-inch)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing the dough easy and efficient, ensuring a consistent texture.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin helps you achieve an even thickness in your pie crust, which is crucial for even baking.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Using this specific shape adds a playful touch that enhances the visual appeal of your hand pies.

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 or broth (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: 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 the dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl. If dry, add more water 1 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 it in half and shape into balls. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; 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 golden brown.
2. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add fruit juice or broth, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar; toss to combine.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes until syrupy; cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

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

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

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

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl; set aside.
3. Take pumpkin cutouts without faces; place about 1½ tablespoons filling in center of each piece.
4. Brush edges with egg wash, top with cutouts that have faces drawn on them; press edges together with fork to seal.
5. Brush tops again with egg wash; sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown; cool on rack before serving.

Enjoy your festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies! They are bound to be a hit among your guests this Halloween season!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. They make a fantastic addition to any Halloween gathering, adding a festive touch to your dessert table. Here are some creative ways to serve these adorable treats.

As a Sweet Snack

• Serve them on a platter with other Halloween-themed snacks for a festive look.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer caramel sauce for drizzling, enhancing the sweetness of the pies.
• Provide a side of whipped cream or cinnamon-infused yogurt for dipping.

At a Halloween Party

• Arrange them in individual treat bags as party favors for guests.
• Place them in pumpkin-shaped bowls as part of your Halloween decor.

With Seasonal Beverages

• Pair with apple cider, either hot or cold, to complement the apple filling.
• Serve alongside spiced herbal teas for a cozy touch during fall gatherings.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Perfecting Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can elevate your baking game. Here are some essential tips to ensure they turn out just right.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Start with very cold butter and ice water for the crust. This helps create a flaky texture.
• Don’t Overfill: Use the recommended amount of filling to avoid messy spills when baking.
• Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate the cutouts for 20 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape.
• Seal Well: Make sure to press the edges firmly with a fork to prevent leaks during baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pies towards the end of baking. They should be golden brown but not overly dark.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To create a complete meal around your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, consider pairing them with some tasty side dishes. Here’s a list of delightful options.

1. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: A crunchy and nutritious snack that adds an autumn flavor.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and sweet, these fries complement the hand pies beautifully.
3. Autumn Salad: Mix greens with apples, walnuts, and cranberries for a refreshing side.
4. Spiced Apple Sauce: Homemade apple sauce with cinnamon enhances the apple flavor in the pies.
5. Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory glazed carrots can balance out the dessert’s sweetness.
6. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A comforting side that pairs well with sweet desserts like these hand pies.
7. Cheesy Corn Casserole: Adds richness and complements the flavors of fall ingredients nicely.
8. Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Their slight bitterness contrasts well with the sweet hand pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies even better. Here are some tips to ensure your hand pies turn out perfectly.

• Using warm butter: Always use very cold butter when making the crust. Warm butter can lead to a tough crust instead of a flaky one.
• Neglecting to chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you skip this step, your hand pies may spread too much during baking.
• Overfilling the pies: It’s tempting to add more filling, but overfilling can cause spills and leaks. Stick to 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling for best results.
• Not sealing edges properly: Make sure to seal the edges well with a fork. This prevents the filling from leaking out while baking and keeps your pies intact.
• Skipping egg wash: Brushing the tops with egg wash creates a beautiful golden-brown finish. Skipping this step will result in a dull appearance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• For longer storage, freeze the hand pies before baking them.
• Wrap each pie tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place hand pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be cautious, as this might make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Absolutely! You can use any fruits or fillings you like. Just ensure they are not too watery, or they may leak during baking.

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

Consider using different cookie cutters to create various Halloween shapes or adding sprinkles on top before baking for an extra festive touch.

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time. Just ensure it’s chilled before using for the best results.

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

When stored properly, they can last up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Are Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies suitable for kids?

Yes! They are fun and easy to make, plus kids love helping decorate them with faces!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also deliciously versatile! Feel free to customize your fillings and shapes based on personal preferences. They make an excellent addition to any Halloween gathering or fall dessert table. Try making these delightful treats today!