Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect treat for any Halloween gathering! Not only do they look festive, but they also combine delicious apple and blackberry fillings, making them a delightful dessert. Whether for a spooky party or a cozy family night, these hand pies will surely impress your guests with their charming appearance and mouthwatering flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these hand pies in no time.
• Festive Presentation: The carved jack-o-lantern faces make these pies fun and visually appealing for Halloween.
• Delicious Fillings: A blend of sweet apples and tart blackberries creates a unique flavor that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Dessert: While perfect for Halloween, these hand pies are enjoyable year-round with different fillings.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, allowing for quick assembly on the day of serving.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes it easy to mix and knead dough quickly, ensuring a perfect crust without much effort.
• Rolling pin: An essential tool for rolling out the dough evenly, which is crucial for uniform hand pies.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: The key to achieving that pumpkin shape! It adds a fun touch to your Halloween desserts.

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 (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: 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 15 seconds. Add the cold butter all at once. Beat on low until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter. With the mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water. Beat until the dough clumps around the paddle. If too dry, add more ice water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Tip the dough onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula. Knead into a rough ball quickly. Divide in half and shape each half into balls. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; flatten into discs. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Make Apple Filling

Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until just golden brown. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes. Then add fruit juice, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and sugar; toss to combine. Cook until reduced to syrupy consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Make Blackberry Filling

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

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Remove dough from refrigerator; dust work surface with flour. Roll out each disc to 1/8 inch thick. Use pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out shapes; place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate cutouts for 20 minutes before carving jack-o-lantern faces on half of them.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

Preheat oven to 375°F; line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl. Place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray; add 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling in center of each. Brush edges with egg wash, then top with cutouts that have faces cut out. Press edges together with fork to seal filling inside. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake hand pies in preheated oven for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown. Let cool on wire racks before serving.

Now you’re ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies! Enjoy this festive treat during your Halloween celebrations or any time you crave something sweet!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are perfect for Halloween gatherings. With their fun pumpkin shapes and tasty fillings, they can be served in various ways to add a festive touch to your dessert table.

As a Festive Dessert

• Serve these hand pies warm or at room temperature for the best experience. Their flaky crust pairs perfectly with the warm filling.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream complements the flavors beautifully. The cold creaminess contrasts nicely with the warm hand pies.

With Whipped Cream

• Drizzle some homemade whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat. A sprinkle of cinnamon can enhance the presentation and flavor.

As Part of a Halloween Dessert Platter

• Include other Halloween-themed treats such as cookies or cupcakes. This makes for a visually appealing and delicious spread for your guests.

Paired with Hot Apple Cider

• Serve alongside a warm cup of apple cider to create a cozy fall atmosphere. The spices in the cider will harmonize well with the flavors of the pies.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To ensure your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Chill Your Dough: Keeping your dough cold helps achieve a flaky texture. This is crucial for perfect crusts that hold their shape during baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and blackberries provide more flavor. They make a significant difference in taste compared to older fruits.
• Don’t Overfill: Adding too much filling can lead to messy hand pies. Stick to the recommended amount to ensure they seal properly.
• Seal Edges Well: Make sure to press edges firmly with a fork. This prevents any filling from leaking out while baking.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your hand pies towards the end of baking. They should be golden brown but not overdone.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can enhance your Halloween menu. Here are some great options:

1. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup is warm and inviting, making it an excellent starter for your Halloween feast.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like carrots, squash, and Brussels sprouts bring earthy flavors that complement sweet pies.
3. Apple Salad: A fresh apple salad adds crunch and brightness, balancing the richness of the hand pies.
4. Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses with crackers and fruits for a savory option that contrasts nicely with sweet desserts.
5. Butternut Squash Risotto: Creamy risotto adds comfort and pairs well with autumn flavors, creating a hearty meal alongside dessert.
6. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts: Sweet and savory Brussels sprouts provide depth of flavor that pairs well with fruity fillings.
7. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a fun twist, adding sweetness and crunch to your meal.
8. Cranberry Sauce: Tangy cranberry sauce can enhance both flavor and color on your plate, making it festive for fall gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the refrigeration step can lead to tough crusts. Always chill your dough for at least an hour before rolling it out.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling may cause leaks during baking. Stick to the recommended amount of 1 1/2 tablespoons per hand pie for the best results.
• Inconsistent dough thickness: Rolling out the dough unevenly can result in some pies being undercooked while others are overcooked. Aim for a uniform thickness of 1/8 inch throughout.
• Skipping egg wash: Not brushing the tops with egg wash will lead to dull, pale hand pies. Remember to brush each pie before sprinkling with sugar for a beautiful finish.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can alter cooking times and textures. Always preheat your oven to 375 degrees F before baking.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into warm hand pies can make them fall apart. Allow them to cool on a rack before serving for better structure and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap each hand pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for even heating, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make gluten-free Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Can I use different fruits for the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches, adjusting sugar levels as needed based on sweetness.

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

Use cookie cutters or a sharp knife to cut out fun shapes and faces on the top layer of dough before sealing.

Can I prepare these pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and fill them ahead of time, then freeze or refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

How long will Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies stay fresh?

When stored properly, they can last up to three days in the refrigerator or two months in the freezer.

Are Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies suitable for kids?

Definitely! These hand pies are fun and easy for kids to help make and decorate, making them perfect for family activities!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not just adorable but also deliciously versatile. You can customize fillings based on your favorite fruits or flavors. Try this recipe at your next Halloween party; it’s sure to be a hit among guests of all ages!