Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to bring some fun to your Halloween festivities, you’ve come to the right place! These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want a special dessert or for family gatherings where you want to impress your guests. Plus, who can resist those cute little pumpkin faces?

These hand pies hold a special place in my heart because they combine the warmth of homemade pastries with the cozy flavors of fall. The mix of sweet apples and juicy blackberries makes each bite a little piece of heaven. Let’s dive into this recipe, and I promise you’ll want to make it every Halloween!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: These hand pies are visually appealing and perfect for Halloween-themed parties, bringing smiles all around.
• Easy to Make: Even if you’re not an expert baker, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to try.
• Customizable Fillings: You can easily swap out the fruit fillings based on what you have on hand or what you prefer.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and fillings in advance so you can have fresh baked goods ready when your guests arrive.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out with the pie assembly, making it a perfect family activity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will make these hand pies shine! You probably have most of them at home already. Here’s what you need:

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 bourbon 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

Variations

One of the best parts about these Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative with your fillings or shapes. Here are a few ideas:

• Change Up the Fruit: Use pears or peaches instead of apples for a different flavor profile.
• Add Spices: Experiment by adding nutmeg or ginger to your apple filling for an extra kick.
• Create Different Faces: Get artistic and carve unique expressions on your pumpkin cutouts!
• Try Savory Versions: Swap out sweet fillings for savory ones like cheese and spinach for a fun appetizer.

How to Make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making the crust which is key to having that flaky texture we all adore. In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix it on low for about 15 seconds until well combined. Add in your cold diced butter all at once; this gives us those nice flaky layers when baked. Continue mixing on low until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter.

Now, add 6 tablespoons of ice water gradually while mixing on low until it starts clumping together—this may take 2 to 3 minutes. If it seems too dry, just add a teaspoon more water at a time until it holds together nicely.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Once your dough is mixed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface using a spatula. Knead it gently into a rough ball—don’t overdo it! Divide your dough into two halves and shape each into discs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least one hour or even overnight if you like.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, let’s create that scrumptious apple filling! In a stainless steel sauté pan, heat up some butter until it’s just golden brown—that’s when the magic happens! Toss in your diced honey crisp apples and sauté them for two minutes. Then add your bourbon barley tea (or any preferred substitute) along with vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook everything together for about five to seven minutes until it becomes syrupy and smells divine. Set aside to cool!

Step 4: Make the Blackberry Filling

Next up is our berry filling! Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out those fresh blackberries on the sheet and roast them for about 30 minutes—this intensifies their flavor beautifully! Once roasted, transfer them into a pot with granulated sugar and vanilla extract, simmering over medium heat for ten minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, take out your pie dough from the refrigerator. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out each disc until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Using a pumpkin cookie cutter (about four inches), cut out as many pieces as possible from both dough discs. Place these on another parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them again for about 20 minutes—this helps keep their shape during baking!

Step 6: Assemble Your Hand Pies

Now comes the fun part! Preheat your oven again to 375°F while you prepare an egg wash by lightly beating an egg in a small bowl. Take those pumpkin cutouts without faces from the fridge and place them on a lined baking sheet—these will be our bottoms! Spoon around 1½ tablespoons of either apple or blackberry filling into each center.

Brush around the filling edges with egg wash before placing another pumpkin cutout with faces on top—gently press down to seal in that yummy filling! For an extra touch, use a fork to crimp down edges tightly. Brush more egg wash over these pies then sprinkle raw sugar on top if you’d like.

Finally, bake those lovely creations for about 25 minutes until they’re dark golden brown. Once done, let them cool on a rack before devouring!

Enjoy making these delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies—they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Creating these delightful hand pies can be a fun and rewarding experience! Here are some tips to ensure your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies turn out perfectly every time.

• Chill your ingredients – Keeping the butter and dough cold helps create a flaky texture in your crust. Warm butter can lead to a tough pastry, so don’t skip this step!
• Use a sharp knife for faces – A sharp knife will give you cleaner cuts when creating jack-o-lantern faces on the dough. This enhances the overall appearance of your pies, making them more festive for Halloween.
• Don’t overfill – While it might be tempting to add extra filling, overfilling can lead to messy hand pies. Stick to the recommended amount to ensure they seal properly and look neat.
• Experiment with fillings – Feel free to mix and match different fillings! In addition to apple and blackberry, try adding other fruits like peaches or pears for a unique twist that your guests will love.
• Bake until golden brown – Keep an eye on your pies as they bake. A nice dark golden color indicates that they’re perfectly cooked, resulting in a deliciously crispy crust.

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Presenting these adorable hand pies can add a charming touch to your Halloween festivities. Here are some serving ideas to make your dessert table truly stand out!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a lovely creamy texture and complements the sweetness of the pies without overshadowing their flavors.
• Sprinkling of cinnamon sugar – A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right before serving enhances the aroma and provides an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the fillings.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin soup – This creamy, spiced pumpkin soup not only matches the Halloween theme but also serves as a warm, comforting counterpoint to the sweet hand pies.
• Mixed green salad with cranberries – A fresh salad featuring mixed greens, tart cranberries, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness and balance to your dessert spread.
• Caramel apple slices – Slices of crisp apples drizzled with caramel sauce create a delightful contrast in textures and flavors while keeping with the autumn theme.
• Cheese platter with seasonal fruits – A selection of cheeses accompanied by seasonal fruits like figs or pears offers guests something savory alongside their sweet treats, making for an indulgent snack pairing.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for a festive Halloween gathering filled with delicious Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies! Enjoy creating these treats and sharing them with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delightful treats whenever the mood strikes. You can prepare the dough and fillings in advance, making it easy to whip up these festive desserts for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the baked hand pies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen hand pies to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen hand pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and heat them for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• If reheating from the refrigerator, they will take about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

I know you might have some questions about these fun treats!

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

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.

How do I store Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well!

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

Feel free to get creative! Other fruits like pears or peaches work wonderfully. You can also try different spices or add chocolate for a unique twist.

Can I use gluten-free flour for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Just ensure it has a good binding agent so your crust holds together nicely.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies! They’re not only adorable but also bursting with flavor from the apple and blackberry fillings—perfect for sharing with friends and family during Halloween festivities. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine through as you bring these little pumpkins to life!