Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a fun and festive treat that will steal the show at any Halloween gathering. With their charming pumpkin shapes and delicious fillings, they are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. Not only do they look great, but they also offer a blend of sweet flavors that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite fillings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appeal: These hand pies bring Halloween to life with their cute jack-o-lantern designs.
• Delicious Fillings: With apple and blackberry options, there’s a flavor for everyone.
• Easy to Make: The straightforward instructions make these pies accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: Each pie is a portable dessert that’s great for sharing at parties or events.
• Versatile Options: Customize fillings based on seasonal fruits or personal preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having the correct equipment will streamline your preparation process and ensure successful results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients quick and easy, ensuring a consistent dough texture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking during baking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even dough thickness for perfectly shaped hand pies.

Ingredients

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

For the Pie 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 brewed barley tea
• 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 the mixture resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. With the mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water mixture. Beat on low for 2 to 3 minutes until 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. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula.
2. Knead quickly into a rough ball, then divide into two portions.
3. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and flatten into small discs. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a stainless steel sauté pan, heat butter until just golden brown.
2. Add diced apples and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in brewed barley tea, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss to combine.
4. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until reduced to syrupy consistency. Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Make Blackberry Filling

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place blackberries on baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. Transfer blackberries to a stainless steel pot with granulated sugar and vanilla extract; simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened. Cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Prep the Pie Dough

1. Remove dough from refrigerator; lightly dust work surface with flour.
2. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick; cut as many pumpkin shapes as possible using a pumpkin cookie cutter.
3. Place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheet; refrigerate for 20 minutes.
4. Cut jack-o-lantern faces into half of the cutouts using a sharp knife.

Step 6: Assemble & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F; line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl; place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray.
3. Add 1½ tablespoons of filling in center of each cutout; brush edges with egg wash.
4. Top with pumpkin cutouts that have faces; press edges together using a fork to seal filling inside.
5. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
6. Repeat process until all hand pies are assembled; bake for 25 minutes until dark golden brown.
7. Cool on a baking rack before serving.

Enjoy these delicious Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies as you celebrate Halloween!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are perfect for any Halloween gathering. Their festive look and sweet fillings make them a hit among both kids and adults. Here are some creative ways to serve them at your next spooky celebration.

Individual Treat Bags

• Fill small bags with one or two hand pies each for guests to grab and enjoy on the go.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a spooky-themed platter, garnished with edible decorations like candy corn or chocolate spiders.

Accompanying Dips

• Serve with a side of warm caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for dipping, enhancing the rich flavors of the pies.

Themed Drinks

• Pair with autumn-inspired beverages like apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes to complement the seasonal flavors.

Creative Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel for an extra touch of sweetness that enhances visual appeal.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Making perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for crusts that are flaky and fillings that burst with flavor.

• Chill your ingredients: Ensure your butter and water are very cold before mixing. This helps create a flaky crust.

• Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined; overworking can lead to tough pastry. A light touch is crucial.

• Pre-cool the pie cutouts: Refrigerating the cutouts briefly before baking helps them maintain their shape during cooking.

• Use fresh fruit: Opt for ripe fruits for filling to ensure maximum flavor and sweetness in your hand pies.

• Seal properly: Make sure to seal the edges well using a fork. This prevents any filling from leaking out during baking.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be complemented beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some delicious options that pair well with these festive treats.

1. Spiced Pumpkin Soup
   A warming pumpkin soup seasoned with nutmeg and cinnamon offers a comforting balance to sweet hand pies.

2. Autumn Salad
   Toss together greens, cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese for a refreshing salad that adds crunch and acidity.

3. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries drizzled with honey or sprinkled with cinnamon provide a savory contrast to the sweet pies.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of seasonal veggies, such as Brussels sprouts and carrots, roasted until caramelized adds depth and flavor.

5. Apple Slaw
   A crunchy slaw made from apples, cabbage, and a tangy dressing introduces a refreshing twist alongside the pastries.

6. Cheese Platter
   An assortment of cheeses paired with crackers can provide a savory note that balances out the sweetness of the hand pies.

7. Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
   Sweet popcorn tossed in cinnamon sugar makes for a fun snack that echoes the pie’s flavors while adding texture.

8. Vanilla Yogurt Dip
   Serve creamy vanilla yogurt as a dip; it offers a cool contrast that pairs wonderfully with warm hand pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These hand pies can be a delightful addition to your Halloween festivities, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold mistake: Skipping the chilling step. Failing to chill the dough can result in tough, hard-to-work-with crusts. Always refrigerate the dough for at least one hour.
• Bold mistake: Overfilling the pies. Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amount of filling in each pie.
• Bold mistake: Not sealing edges properly. If you don’t seal the edges well, the filling may leak out while baking. Use a fork or your fingers to ensure they’re tightly sealed.
• Bold mistake: Using warm butter in the crust. Warm butter will alter the texture of your dough, making it less flaky. Make sure your butter is very cold before mixing.
• Bold mistake: Ignoring oven temperature accuracy. An oven that’s too hot or too cold can lead to uneven baking. Always use an oven thermometer for best results.

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 hand pie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Be cautious not to overheat as this can make them soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What fillings can I use for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

You can get creative with fillings! Besides apples and blackberries, try pumpkin puree, chocolate, or other seasonal fruits.

Can I make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy egg wash made from almond milk or soy milk.

How do I achieve a flaky crust for my hand pies?

Ensure your butter is very cold when you mix it into the flour, and don’t overwork the dough; this helps keep it flaky.

How long do these hand pies take to bake?

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies typically take about 25 minutes to bake at 375°F (190°C) until they are golden brown.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only festive but also versatile, perfect for any gathering! You can customize fillings based on personal preference or seasonal ingredients. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful treats!