Description
Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the ultimate festive treat for Halloween, combining adorable pumpkin shapes with delicious fruit fillings that everyone will love. These charming pastries are not only visually stunning but also incredibly tasty, making them a hit at any gathering. With a flaky crust and options for sweet apple or blackberry filling, they offer a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to suit various taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a spooky soirée or seeking a cozy dessert at home, these hand pies bring joy and creativity to your Halloween celebrations.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup raw or turbinado sugar
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the crust by mixing flour, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer; add cold butter until crumbly. Gradually mix in ice water until clumps form. Wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- For the apple filling, sauté diced apples with butter, then stir in fruit juice, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; cook until syrupy and cool.
- For blackberry filling, roast blackberries with sugar and vanilla; simmer until thickened and cool.
- Roll out chilled dough and cut into pumpkin shapes using a cookie cutter; refrigerate again before assembling.
- Fill half of the cutouts with filling, seal with decorated tops, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie (85g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap out fruit fillings based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Ensure butter remains cold for the best flaky texture in your crust.