Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not just desserts; they are a fun and festive addition to your Halloween celebrations. With their charming pumpkin shapes and delicious apple and blackberry fillings, they will bring smiles to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering or looking for a treat to enjoy while watching Halloween movies, these hand pies are sure to impress. Their flaky crust and sweet fillings make them a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun Presentation: These hand pies are shaped like jack-o-lanterns, making them visually appealing for any Halloween event.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these tasty treats with confidence.
• Versatile Filling Options: You can customize the fillings based on your preferences, making them suitable for various tastes.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these hand pies are great for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having the right equipment will help you create perfectly shaped hand pies every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter (4 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing the dough effortless, ensuring a consistent texture without overworking the ingredients.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin allows you to evenly roll out the dough to the perfect thickness for shaping your hand pies.

Ingredients

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

For the Crust

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 sticks (8 oz 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 (as a substitute for 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: Prepare the Crust

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for 15 seconds. Add cold butter all at once and beat on low until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter. Gradually add ice water until the dough clumps around the paddle.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Tip the dough onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula. Knead quickly into a rough ball. Divide in half, shape into balls, wrap in plastic wrap, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

Heat salted butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until golden brown. Add diced apples and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add fruit juice and cook for another minute. Stir in vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook until syrupy. Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 400°F. Roast blackberries on the sheet for 30 minutes. Transfer cooked blackberries to a pot with sugar and vanilla extract; simmer until thickened. Cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough & Cut Shapes

Remove chilled dough from refrigerator. Lightly dust work surface with flour; roll out to 1/8 inch thick. Use pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out shapes; refrigerate cutouts for 20 minutes. Cut jack-o-lantern faces in half of them.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

Preheat oven to 375°F; line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat an egg lightly in a bowl. Place uncut pumpkin pieces on tray; add filling in centers of each piece. Brush edges with egg wash; top with cutout faces. Seal edges using a fork then brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.

Bake for 25 minutes or until dark golden brown. Allow cooling on a rack before serving.

Enjoy your festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies make for a fantastic treat during Halloween celebrations. They can be served in various ways to elevate your dessert table.

Creative Serving Suggestions

• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and fluffy texture that complements the sweet filling.
• Alongside Ice Cream: Pair these hand pies with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delicious contrast.
• Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances their visual appeal and sweetness.
• Accompanied by Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the hand pies for an extra indulgent touch.
• On a Festive Platter: Arrange the pies on a spooky-themed platter to enhance the Halloween spirit.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Creating the perfect hand pies takes some practice, but these tips will help you achieve great results.

• Chill Your Dough: Keeping the dough cold ensures flakiness. Refrigerate it for at least one hour before rolling it out.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and berries will give your filling vibrant flavors. Choose ripe, high-quality fruits for the best taste.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the pies; too much filling can cause them to burst while baking. Stick to 1 1/2 tablespoons per pie.
• Seal Edges Well: Ensure you seal the edges firmly with a fork to prevent any leaks during baking. This keeps all that delicious filling inside!
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your hand pies while they bake. Remove them once they reach a golden brown color for optimal texture.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To create a well-rounded Halloween feast, consider adding these side dishes alongside your hand pies.

1. Crispy Kale Chips: These chips are a healthy and crunchy addition that balances the sweetness of the hand pies.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup adds cozy vibes and pairs beautifully with sweet desserts.
3. Apple Salad: A fresh apple salad with nuts and greens provides a refreshing contrast to rich pastries.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add earthiness and sweetness, making them an excellent side dish for fall gatherings.
5. Spiced Nuts: A mix of spiced nuts offers a savory snack option that complements the flavors of your desserts.
6. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses with crackers for guests who enjoy savory snacks alongside sweets.
7. Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter can refresh palates between bites of rich hand pies. Choose seasonal fruits for extra flavor.
8. Herbed Breadsticks: Soft, herbed breadsticks add an aromatic touch and are great for dipping into soups or enjoying on their own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the refrigeration step can lead to a tough crust. Always chill your dough for at least one hour to ensure it rolls out easily and bakes up flaky.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling may cause the pies to burst open while baking. Stick to 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling for best results.
• Cutting the faces too deep: Cutting jack-o-lantern faces too deep can weaken the dough and cause it to tear. Aim for shallow cuts that only break through the surface.
• Ignoring temperature settings: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect how golden and crispy your hand pies turn out. Preheat your oven as instructed for optimal results.
• Not using enough flour when rolling: Insufficient flour on your work surface can result in sticking dough. Dust your counter lightly with flour before rolling out the dough.
• Skipping the egg wash: Omitting the egg wash means missing out on that lovely golden color. Brush each pie with egg wash before baking for a beautiful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap individual hand pies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they will stay fresh 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 heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, checking frequently until warmed.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Yes! Feel free to substitute any fruit you like, such as pears or peaches, to create different flavor profiles.

How can I customize my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

You can add spices like nutmeg or ginger, or mix in chocolate chips with your filling for a unique twist!

Can I make these pies vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk alternative for the egg wash.

What is the best way to serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra treat!

How do I ensure my hand pies have a flaky crust?

Properly chilling your dough before rolling it out is key to achieving that perfect flaky texture.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not just adorable but also versatile desserts that delight at any Halloween gathering. With easy customization options, you can tailor them to suit various tastes. Give this fun recipe a try, and enjoy creating these festive treats!

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Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Delight your guests this Halloween with Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies—adorable, flaky pastries bursting with the sweet flavors of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries. These festive treats not only look charming on any dessert table but also bring joy to both kids and adults alike. Perfect for parties or cozy movie nights, they are easy to make and can be customized with various fillings to suit your taste. With a golden crust and whimsical pumpkin shapes, these hand pies are sure to impress and satisfy your holiday cravings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 oz unsalted butter, diced and very cold
• 6–9 tablespoons ice water
• 2 large honey crisp apples, peeled and diced small
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons fruit juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 18 oz fresh blackberries
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup raw or turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crust by mixing flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter in a stand mixer until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until combined.
2. Chill the dough for at least one hour, then roll it out and cut into pumpkin shapes.
3. For the apple filling, sauté diced apples in butter, adding fruit juice, vanilla paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar until syrupy.
4. Roast fresh blackberries with sugar and vanilla extract until thickened.
5. Assemble the hand pies by placing filling between two cutout crusts, sealing edges with a fork.
6. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 hand pie (75g)
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg