Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only delightful to look at but also delicious to eat! Perfect for Halloween gatherings or any fall-themed event, they combine the sweetness of apples and blackberries with a flaky crust. Their unique jack-o-lantern design adds a festive touch, making them a standout dessert. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun treat, these hand pies will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: The playful jack-o-lantern shape makes these hand pies an exciting addition to any Halloween celebration.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Customizable Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or spices according to your preferences!
• Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 12 hand pies, they’re great for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful hand pies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make the process smoother. Having these items on hand will ensure that your baking experience is enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool helps you mix the dough effortlessly, ensuring a consistent texture without much elbow grease.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when baking the hand pies on your baking sheet.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin is crucial for evenly flattening the dough to achieve the desired thickness for your pie crusts.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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 fruit juice (substituting 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 Pie 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.
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. Add more water if too dry.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface using a spatula.
2. Knead it into a rough ball, divide in half, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and flatten into discs.
3. Refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight.

Step 3: Prepare Apple Filling

1. Heat butter in a sauté pan until golden brown.
2. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes before adding fruit juice substitute.
3. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; cook until reduced to syrupy consistency.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roast blackberries on baking sheet for 30 minutes.
3. Transfer them to a pot with sugar and vanilla; simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

1. Remove chilled dough from refrigerator; dust surface with flour.
2. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin.
3. Cut pumpkin shapes using a pumpkin cookie cutter; refrigerate cutouts for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if not already done.
2. Beat an egg in a small bowl; place pumpkin cutouts without faces on lined tray.
3. Spoon filling into each cutout’s center; brush edges with beaten egg before topping with cutouts featuring faces.
4. Seal edges with a fork; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake hand pies for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling on wire racks before serving.

Enjoy making these festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, perfect for celebrating Halloween!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not just delightful to eat but also fun to present. These festive treats can be served in various ways that will make your Halloween gathering even more memorable.

With a Side of Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream pairs well with the warm, spiced filling of the hand pies, creating a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor.

As Part of a Halloween Dessert Table

• Arrange the hand pies alongside other spooky treats like ghostly cupcakes and candy corn for a visually appealing spread that captures the Halloween spirit.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch while enhancing the visual appeal and sweetness of each pie.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top brings extra richness and complements the fruity filling beautifully.

Served with Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream can provide a fluffy accompaniment, making each bite even more indulgent.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Achieving the perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your hand pies turn out wonderfully every time.

• Chill your ingredients: Keeping butter and water cold helps create a flaky crust, so make sure everything is chilled before you start mixing.

• Don’t overwork the dough: Mix until just combined; overworking can lead to tough crusts. Aim for a texture that resembles coarse sand.

• Use a sharp knife: When cutting out jack-o-lantern faces, a sharp knife will give you clean edges, making your pies look more polished.

• Seal properly: Use your fork to crimp edges tightly; this prevents filling from leaking during baking and ensures each pie stays intact.

• Cool before serving: Allow hand pies to cool on a rack after baking; this helps set the filling and makes them easier to handle.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great options that complement these festive desserts.

1. Spiced Pumpkin Soup: This warm soup has comforting spices that echo the flavors in your hand pies, creating a cohesive fall menu.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances out the tartness of the fruit fillings in the hand pies, offering a delightful contrast.

3. Crispy Kale Chips: Lightly salted kale chips provide a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with the soft pie filling.

4. Apple Salad: Fresh apple slices with pecans and cranberries add brightness and freshness alongside your rich hand pies.

5. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can provide savory bites between sweet hand pie servings, adding complexity to your dessert table.

6. Caramelized Onions: The sweetness of caramelized onions pairs well with savory dishes if you serve any alongside dessert, enhancing flavor variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring the chill time – Not chilling the dough adequately can lead to overly soft and difficult-to-handle pastry. Ensure you refrigerate the dough for at least one hour.

• Overfilling the pies – Adding too much filling can cause the hand pies to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amount of 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling for each pie.

• Using warm butter – Incorporating butter that isn’t cold will affect texture. Always use very cold butter for a flaky crust.

• Neglecting egg wash – Skipping the egg wash can result in dull-looking pies. Brush the tops of your hand pies with egg before baking for a golden finish.

• Not preheating the oven – Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven before placing your hand pies inside.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap individual hand pies tightly 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 to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium for 30 seconds, but this may make the crust less crispy.
• Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat, covering it to warm evenly without burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other fruits for filling in Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Yes! You can substitute apples and blackberries with any seasonal fruits like pears or cherries for different flavors.

How do I achieve a flaky crust for my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Ensure that your butter is very cold and handle the dough as little as possible. This helps maintain its flakiness when baked.

Can I make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them and refrigerate or freeze before baking. Just follow proper storage instructions noted above.

What is the best way to cut out faces on my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Use a sharp knife or small cookie cutter after rolling out the dough. This will help create clear features on your Halloween treats!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile, allowing you to customize fillings based on your favorite fruits. They make a fantastic addition to any Halloween celebration or fall gathering. So, gather your ingredients and get creative with these festive delights!