Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to make this Halloween, these Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are just the thing! Filled with warm, spiced apples and juicy blackberries, they are not only adorable but also delicious. I love making these little pies for family gatherings or Halloween parties; they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Plus, they’re a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen—who wouldn’t want to help create their own spooky snack?

These hand pies are perfect for busy weeknights too! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip them up quickly. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween or just want a sweet dessert that brings out your creative side, these Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies will be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cute and Fun: These little hand pies are shaped like jack-o-lanterns, making them a delightful addition to any Halloween spread.
• Kid-Friendly: They’re easy to assemble, so everyone can join in on the fun of creating their own spooky treats.
• Deliciously Versatile: Filled with seasonal fruits, these pies can be enjoyed year-round by swapping in different fillings.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh hand pies when you need them.
• Perfect for Sharing: With twelve hand pies per batch, there’s plenty to share at parties or with neighbors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, we’re using simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You might already have some of these in your pantry, making it even easier to start baking!

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your fillings or shapes.

• Switch Up the Fruit: Use different seasonal fruits like peaches or cherries instead of apples and blackberries.
• Try a Different Spice: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for added warmth in the apple filling.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk for brushing instead of egg wash.
• Shape Them Differently: Use cookie cutters in various shapes like ghosts or bats for an assortment of festive hand pies.

How to Make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for about 15 seconds. Adding cold butter all at once is key; beat on low until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces. Add ice water gradually—this helps keep everything nice and flaky! When it clumps around the paddle, you know it’s ready.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Tip that lovely dough out onto a floured surface and knead it into a rough ball. Divide it into two pieces and shape each into a ball before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Flatten them slightly into discs—this helps them chill faster! Refrigerate for at least an hour (or overnight if you’re planning ahead). Chilling is important because it makes rolling out easier later.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until just golden brown—this adds depth to your filling! Toss in those diced apples and cook for about two minutes before adding barley tea. After another minute of cooking, stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar. Cook until syrupy—it’ll smell amazing! Let it cool down before using.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread those fresh blackberries out on the sheet; roasting enhances their flavor significantly! After about 30 minutes in the oven, transfer them into a pot with sugar and vanilla. Simmer until thickened. Again, let this cool down; we want everything nice!

Step 5: Roll Out Pie Dough

Take your chilled pie dough from the refrigerator. Lightly dust your workspace with flour as you roll it out to an eighth-inch thickness. Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter will give you those fun jack-o-lantern shapes! Remember to refrigerate those cutouts for about 20 minutes; keeping them cool helps maintain their shape during baking.

Step 6: Assemble Your Hand Pies

Preheat your oven to 375°F while you get assembling! Lightly beat an egg for brushing on top of your hand pies. Place uncut pumpkin cutouts on a parchment-lined tray—this is where you’ll add your filling (about 1½ tablespoons). Brush around edges with egg wash before placing another cutout (with faces!) on top. Press edges firmly with a fork; we don’t want any leaks here! Brush again with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.

Finally, pop those beauties into the oven for about 25 minutes until they’re dark golden brown. Let them cool on a rack before diving in—you’ll want to savor every bite of these adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies!

Pro Tips for Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially with these handy tips!

• Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter and ice water helps create a flaky crust. The cold temperature prevents the butter from melting too quickly, ensuring your hand pies are perfectly light and crispy.
• Don’t skip the chilling time: Allowing the dough to chill not only makes it easier to roll out but also enhances the texture of the finished crust. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect bite.
• Be creative with fillings: While apple and blackberry are delicious, feel free to experiment! Try adding other fruits like peaches or pears, or mix in some spices for a unique twist that suits your taste buds.
• Make ahead: These hand pies can be made in advance and frozen before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer when you’re ready to serve—perfect for unexpected guests!
• Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your hand pies as they bake. You want them just golden brown; overbaking can lead to dry filling.

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Presenting your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in a fun and festive way will surely delight your guests! Here are some ideas to elevate their appearance at your Halloween gathering.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy contrast to the sweet filling and enhances the overall presentation.
• Chocolate drizzle: A light drizzle of dairy-free chocolate sauce can give these hand pies an elegant touch, making them even more tempting.
• Edible glitter: Sprinkle a bit of edible glitter on top before serving for a magical Halloween effect that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Side Dishes

• Crisp autumn salad: A fresh salad loaded with seasonal greens, nuts, and cranberries pairs beautifully with the richness of the hand pies while adding a refreshing crunch.
• Pumpkin soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup complements the flavors of fall and provides a cozy touch to your meal. It’s also a great way to get in some extra veggies!
• Roasted vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts make for a heartier side dish that balances out the sweetness of the hand pies.
• Spiced chai tea: Serve these delightful hand pies alongside a cup of spiced chai tea for a cozy beverage option that warms up any Halloween celebration.

Enjoy crafting these delicious treats, and remember—it’s all about having fun while cooking! Happy Halloween!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only delightful to eat but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough and fillings in advance, making it easy to whip up a batch right when you need them.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them warm, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the assembled but unbaked hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• For reheating baked hand pies, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! While this recipe features apple and blackberry, feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits like pears, peaches, or even pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.

How do I ensure my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies have a flaky crust?

To achieve that perfect flaky crust, make sure your butter is very cold when mixing it into the flour. Additionally, avoid overworking the dough—this keeps those lovely layers intact!

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

Yes! You can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk instead of egg wash. They will still be delicious!

How long does it take to make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies from start to finish?

From prep to finish, these hand pies take about 70 minutes including chilling time. However, some steps can be made ahead of time!

What occasions are best suited for serving Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

These hand pies are perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or any festive occasion where you want something fun and delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy creating these whimsical Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies as much as I do! They’re not just adorable; they’re packed with flavor and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or looking for a delightful dessert to bring along to gatherings, these hand pies are sure to brighten everyone’s day. Happy baking!