Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect dessert for your Halloween gathering! With their fun pumpkin shape and delicious fillings, they are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. These hand pies stand out for their flaky crust and sweet apple and blackberry fillings, making them a delightful treat that’s suitable for various occasions, from Halloween parties to cozy autumn gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun Presentation: The cute jack-o-lantern faces make these hand pies visually appealing and festive.
• Delicious Fillings: Combining honey crisp apples with fresh blackberries offers a delightful flavor contrast.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to change the fillings based on seasonal fruits or personal preferences.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the dough and fillings in advance for an easy assembly when you’re ready to bake.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these hand pies are great for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Gather the necessary kitchen equipment before you start to ensure a hassle-free process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter (4-inch)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Stainless steel sauté pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: It helps mix the dough evenly without too much effort, ensuring a consistent texture.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness for your hand pies.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Creates fun shapes that add a festive touch to your hand pies, making them visually appealing.

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 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

How to Make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

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 cold butter all at once. Beat on low until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. With the mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water. Beat until dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl. If too dry, add more water one teaspoon at a time.
4. Tip dough onto a floured counter with a spatula. Knead quickly into a rough ball; divide into two halves.
5. Shape each half into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until just golden brown.
2. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in fruit juice, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss to combine.
4. Cook mixture for 5-7 minutes until liquid reduces to syrup consistency; cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Make Blackberry Filling

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F; line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place blackberries on baking sheet; roast for 30 minutes.
3. Transfer blackberries to stainless steel pot with granulated sugar and vanilla; simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened; cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

1. Remove pie dough from refrigerator; lightly dust work surface with flour.
2. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick; using pumpkin cookie cutter, cut out as many pieces as possible.
3. Place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheet; refrigerate for 20 minutes.
4. Use sharp knife to cut jack-o-lantern faces on half of pumpkin cutouts.

Step 5: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F; line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat egg in small bowl; place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray.
3. Place 1 ½ tablespoons filling in center of each; brush edges with egg wash.
4. Top with cutout having a face aligned properly; press edges together with fork seal filling inside.
5. Brush top with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired; repeat process until all pies are assembled.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes or until dark golden brown; cool on rack before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies at your next festive gathering!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a festive addition to your Halloween table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Serve warm hand pies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a creamy contrast that enhances the flavors.

Accompany with Spiced Cider

• A warm mug of spiced apple cider complements the sweetness of the pies and adds an aromatic touch to your dessert spread.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream makes for a delicious pairing, providing a cold and creamy texture that balances the warmth of the pies.

Serve with Fruit Compote

• A side of berry compote can add an extra layer of flavor and a vibrant color contrast on your plate, making it visually appealing.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange mini hand pies alongside other Halloween-themed treats like ghost-shaped cookies or pumpkin cupcakes for a fun dessert table display.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the top adds an indulgent touch that pairs perfectly with both apple and blackberry fillings.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To make your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies even more irresistible, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

• Use Cold Butter: Ensuring your butter is very cold helps create a flaky crust. Do not skip this step!

• Chill Your Dough: Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator allows it to firm up, which makes rolling easier and improves texture.

• Don’t Overfill: Using too much filling can cause the pies to burst. Stick to 1 1/2 tablespoons per pie for best results.

• Seal Well: Make sure to press down firmly around the edges when sealing your hand pies. This prevents any filling from leaking out during baking.

• Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the tops with egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.

• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on them as they bake; every oven is different, so adjust time if necessary for perfect doneness.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   A sweet and savory dish that complements the fruity flavors of the hand pies wonderfully.

2. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
   These tender sprouts add a touch of earthiness and balance out the sweetness of dessert.

3. Autumn Salad
   A fresh salad with mixed greens, nuts, and seasonal fruits creates a refreshing contrast to rich hand pies.

4. Creamy Potato Soup
   A bowl of warm potato soup is comforting and pairs well as a hearty side option alongside desserts.

5. Stuffed Acorn Squash
   Sweet acorn squash filled with grains or nuts offers hearty flavors that work well next to sweet desserts like hand pies.

6. Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
   This savory combination provides depth, contrasting beautifully with the sweet fruit fillings in your hand pies.

7. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
   Colorful skewers bring vibrant flavors while keeping things light alongside festive desserts.

8. Cheese Platter
   An assortment of cheeses can provide both savory notes and textures that enhance the overall tasting experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Not Chilling the Dough: Failing to refrigerate the dough can lead to tough crusts. Always chill your dough for at least an hour for optimal texture.
• Overfilling the Pies: Adding too much filling may cause the pies to burst. Stick to the recommended amount of filling to ensure they seal properly.
• Ignoring Egg Wash: Skipping the egg wash results in pale pies. Brush the tops with egg before baking for a beautiful golden finish.
• Cutting Shapes Incorrectly: Using a dull knife or not cutting shapes deeply enough can ruin your design. Ensure your tools are sharp and cut all the way through.
• Underbaking: Removing the pies too early can result in a soggy crust. Bake until they are a deep golden brown to ensure they’re cooked through.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store hand pies in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pan with a lid for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies that might help you make the perfect treat.

Can I use different fillings for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with fillings like pumpkin puree, chocolate, or other seasonal fruits.

How do I prevent my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies from leaking?

Be sure not to overfill and seal them well with fork marks around the edges.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and refrigerate the dough up to two days in advance.

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

Using a sharp knife, you can carve designs into half of the top crusts before assembling them for fun jack-o-lantern faces.

How long does it take to bake Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Bake them at 375°F for approximately 25 minutes until they are golden brown and flaky.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile treats perfect for any Halloween gathering. Their customizable fillings allow you to get creative based on your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or just looking for a fun baking project, these hand pies will delight everyone!