Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful treat perfect for Halloween parties or fall gatherings. Filled with sweet apple and blackberry goodness, they not only bring festive cheer but also a burst of flavor. With their cute pumpkin shapes and playful jack-o-lantern faces, these hand pies are sure to impress your guests and become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up these hand pies in no time.
• Customizable Fillings: Feel free to switch the fillings based on what fruits you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Perfect for Sharing: Each pie is an individual serving, making them great for parties, potlucks, or just enjoying at home.
• Kid-Friendly: These fun shapes and sweet flavors appeal to children, making them a hit with the whole family.
• Festive Presentation: The jack-o-lantern design adds a fun and spooky touch that’s ideal for Halloween celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delightful process of making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing dough thoroughly without tiring your arms.
• Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness for your pie crusts, leading to uniform cooking.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Creates perfectly shaped hand pies that add charm to your Halloween treats.

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 or vinegar (as an alternative to 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

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for 15 seconds. Add the cold butter all at once. Beat on low until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter. Then add 6 tablespoons of ice water mixture while mixing on low. Beat for 2-3 minutes until it 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

Tip the dough onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula. Quickly knead it into a rough ball. Divide into two portions; shape each into a ball. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and flatten into discs. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Prepare Apple Filling

In a stainless steel saute pan, heat butter until golden brown. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes. Stir in fruit juice or vinegar; cook another minute. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; mix well. Cook until reduced to syrupy consistency (5-7 minutes). Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Roast blackberries on the sheet for 30 minutes. Transfer to a pot with granulated sugar and vanilla; simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened. Cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Remove pie dough from refrigerator; dust work surface with flour. Roll out each disc to 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin. Use a pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out as many pieces as possible. Place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheet; refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Cut Faces & Assemble Pies

Use a sharp knife to cut jack-o-lantern faces on half of the pumpkin cutouts. Preheat oven to 375°F; line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl. Place uncut pumpkin pieces on tray; add about 1½ tablespoons of filling in center of each piece. Brush edges with egg wash before placing another cutout on top; press edges together with fork to seal.

Step 7: Bake & Serve

Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired. Bake for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown. Let cool on wire rack before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies that are sure to be both delicious and visually appealing!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only delicious but also add a festive touch to your Halloween celebrations. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make them even more enjoyable.

Pair with Spooky Dips

• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the hand pies for a rich and decadent treat.
• Caramel Dip: Serve with a side of caramel dip for a sweet contrast that complements the fruity filling.

Create a Halloween Dessert Table

• Themed Decorations: Arrange your hand pies on a table decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and spooky candles for an eye-catching display.
• Variety of Treats: Include other Halloween-themed desserts like ghostly cupcakes or pumpkin cookies to create a festive spread.

Enjoy with Seasonal Drinks

• Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider alongside your hand pies for a cozy fall experience.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Complement the flavors of the hand pies with a pumpkin spice latte for an indulgent treat.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Making perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies takes some practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.

• Bold Butter Use: Use very cold butter in your crust for flakiness. This helps create that tender yet crisp texture that everyone loves.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly: After preparing the dough, chilling it helps prevent shrinkage during baking. Aim for at least one hour in the refrigerator.
• Cut Faces Carefully: When cutting out jack-o-lantern faces, use a sharp knife to ensure clean edges. This makes your hand pies look more appealing.
• Seal Edges Well: Be sure to seal the edges tightly using a fork. This prevents any filling from leaking out while baking.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on them while baking. Every oven is different, so adjust the time as needed for perfectly golden-brown pies.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To enhance your meal, consider pairing these delightful hand pies with some tasty side dishes. Here are some great ideas:

1. Crispy Kale Chips: These provide a crunchy contrast to the soft hand pies and are easy to prepare by simply baking seasoned kale until crisp.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the fruit fillings of the hand pies beautifully. Toss them in olive oil and your favorite spices before roasting.
3. Autumn Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, apples, walnuts, and cranberries adds brightness and balance to your dessert table.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A warming bowl of pumpkin soup can be served as an appetizer or side, adding seasonal flavors that pair well with the hand pies.
5. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses with seasonal crackers for those who enjoy savory bites alongside their sweet treats.
6. Vegetable Platter with Hummus: Fresh veggies paired with hummus offer a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the hand pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring dough temperature: If your butter isn’t cold enough, the crust won’t be flaky. Make sure to use very cold butter and keep your dough refrigerated before rolling it out.

• Overfilling the pies: It’s tempting to add more filling, but too much can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.

• Not sealing edges properly: Failing to seal the edges well can lead to leakage of filling while baking. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely for a complete seal.

• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t skip refrigerating the cutouts before baking. This helps maintain their shape and ensures they bake evenly.

• Inadequate baking time: Baking them for too little time can result in soggy pies. Ensure they are baked until golden brown for optimal texture.

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 each pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm, but be aware that this may make the crust softer.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through, maintaining crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies that new bakers might have.

Can I customize my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Absolutely! You can swap out different fruits or fillings based on your preferences, such as using pears or peaches instead of apples and blackberries.

How do I achieve a perfect flaky crust?

Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter, are cold and work quickly when mixing to avoid warming up the dough too much.

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

Yes! You can prepare them fully and freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from frozen, increasing baking time as needed.

What can I serve with Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

These hand pies pair wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat during Halloween gatherings!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile. They’re perfect for Halloween parties or cozy fall evenings. Feel free to customize your fillings and enjoy these delightful desserts with family and friends!