Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect addition to your Halloween festivities! With their cute pumpkin shape and delicious fillings, they not only bring a fun aesthetic to your party table but also provide a tasty treat for guests of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering or just looking for a festive dessert, these hand pies are sure to impress with their flaky crust and flavorful fillings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun Presentation: These hand pies are shaped like jack-o-lanterns, making them a festive treat that adds charm to any Halloween celebration.
• Delightful Fillings: Choose between sweet apple and blackberry fillings, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Make: The recipe breaks down into manageable steps, ensuring you can whip these up even if you’re short on time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or as a cozy dessert at home.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings or spices according to your taste preferences!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Stainless steel sauté pan
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pumpkin cookie cutter
• Sharp knife
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing the dough easier and more efficient, helping achieve the perfect texture for your crust.
• Stainless steel sauté pan: Provides even heating for cooking the apple filling, ensuring optimal flavor development.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cutting out the jack-o-lantern faces with precision, adding character to each pie.

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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 (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 (instead of bourbon apple juice)
• 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

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 the cold butter all at once and 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 on low for 2-3 minutes until clumps form around the paddle or sides of the bowl. If too dry, add more water one teaspoon at a time.
4. Tip out onto a lightly floured counter. Quickly knead into a rough ball and divide in half. Wrap in plastic wrap and flatten into discs. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until golden brown.
2. Add apples; cook for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in fruit juice; cook for another minute.
4. Add vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss well.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes until syrupy; cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Make Blackberry Filling

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

Step 4: Prepare Dough Shapes

1. Remove dough from refrigerator; roll out to 1/8 inch thick on floured surface.
2. Use a pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out shapes; place on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
3. Cut jack-o-lantern faces on half of pumpkin cutouts using a sharp knife.

Step 5: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F; line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat one egg in a small bowl; set aside.
3. Place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray; add 1½ tablespoons filling in center of each pie.
4. Brush edges with egg wash; cover with decorated cutouts aligning edges perfectly.
5. Use a fork to seal edges tightly; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown; cool on baking rack before serving.

Enjoy your festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern hand pies are delightful treats that can be served in various ways to enhance their festive charm. These adorable little pastries not only taste great but also bring a fun and playful element to your Halloween celebrations.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm hand pies, adding a creamy texture that complements the fruity fillings.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes for an eye-catching presentation.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream enhances the desserts, providing a light contrast to the rich flavors of the hand pies.

Served on a Festive Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a colorful platter surrounded by autumn leaves or small pumpkins for an eye-catching Halloween display.

Paired with Hot Apple Cider

• Warm apple cider is a seasonal favorite that complements the flavors of the apple filling, making for a cozy beverage pairing.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Creating picture-perfect Jack-O-Lantern hand pies requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your pies turn out delightful every time.

• Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter is very cold before mixing; this helps create a flaky crust.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Refrigerating the dough allows it to rest, which improves texture and makes it easier to roll out.
• Cut shapes carefully: Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean edges when cutting out the pumpkin shapes.
• Seal well: Make sure to seal the edges tightly with a fork to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on the pies while they bake; remove them when they reach a dark golden brown color for optimum flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To create a well-rounded Halloween spread, consider serving these delicious side dishes alongside your Jack-O-Lantern hand pies. Each option adds its unique flavor and complements the festive theme.

1. Crispy Kale Chips
   Lightly seasoned kale chips offer a crunchy contrast that balances the sweetness of the hand pies.

2. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of pumpkin soup provides comforting warmth and seasonal flavors that pair beautifully with sweet desserts.

3. Roasted Vegetable Medley
   A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition, enhancing your Halloween feast.

4. Apple Salad
   A fresh apple salad featuring mixed greens, nuts, and a tangy dressing offers a refreshing palate cleanser alongside rich desserts.

5. Cheese Platter
   Include an assortment of cheeses with crackers; this savory option contrasts nicely with sweet hand pies.

6. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted spiced nuts provide an easy-to-eat snack that brings warmth and crunch to your table setting.

7. Caramelized Onion Tartlets
   These savory bites provide an elegant touch while balancing sweetness from desserts perfectly.

8. Vegetable Crudités with Hummus
   Fresh veggies served with hummus offer crispness and freshness, making them ideal for lightening up your dessert-heavy spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final product. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Boldly skip chilling the dough – Not refrigerating the dough properly can lead to tough pies. Always chill your dough for at least an hour to ensure a flaky crust.
• Boldly overfilling the pies – Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling for each pie.
• Boldly neglecting egg wash – Skipping the egg wash can result in dull-looking pies. Brush the tops with egg before baking for a golden finish.
• Boldly ignoring oven temperature – Baking at incorrect temperatures can affect cooking time and texture. Ensure your oven is preheated to 375°F before baking.
• Boldly using unseasoned fruit – Under-seasoning your apple or blackberry filling will result in bland flavors. Be sure to add enough sugar and spices for a delicious taste.
• Boldly forgetting to cut vents – Not cutting out faces on half the pie cutouts means missing out on fun presentation. Use a sharp knife to create Jack-O-Lantern faces for added flair.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap individual hand pies tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop – Place pies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are festive pastries filled with sweet fruit fillings, shaped like pumpkins, perfect for Halloween celebrations.

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

Yes! You can use different fruits or even chocolate as fillings based on your preference.

How do I prevent my hand pies from leaking?

Ensure you seal the edges well with a fork after adding the filling, and don’t overfill them.

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

The total preparation and cooking time is around 70 minutes, including chilling the dough.

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze them ahead of time, then bake when ready to serve.

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

Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile and delicious. Their customizable fillings make them suitable for any taste preference or occasion. Try making these delightful treats this Halloween season!