Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful treat that will add a festive touch to your Halloween gatherings! Perfect for parties, they combine sweet and savory flavors with a fun design that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be tailored with your favorite fillings, making them suitable for various occasions beyond Halloween.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun to Make: Crafting these hand pies is not only simple but also a great activity to share with friends or family.
• Deliciously Versatile: Fill them with apples, blackberries, or even your own favorite fruits for a unique twist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While ideal for Halloween, these pies can be enjoyed year-round at picnics or dessert tables.
• Kids Love Them: The whimsical jack-o-lantern faces make these treats appealing to children of all ages.
• Impressive Presentation: Show off your baking skills with these eye-catching pies that look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Jack-O-Lantern hand pies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing the dough, ensuring a uniform texture.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Creates perfectly shaped hand pies that capture the Halloween spirit.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when baking.

Ingredients

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

• 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)
• 2 large honey crisp apples, peeled and diced small
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons bourbon barley tea
• 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

How to Make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

To make the crust, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for about 15 seconds. Add the cold butter all at once and beat on low until the mixture resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter. With the mixer still on low, add about 6 tablespoons of ice water. Beat for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until the dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl. If needed, add more ice water one teaspoon at a time if it appears too dry.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface using a spatula. Quickly knead it into a rough ball shape. Divide it in half and form each half into a ball. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, flattening it into a small disc. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Make Apple Filling

For the apple filling, heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until slightly golden brown. Add diced apples and cook for about two minutes before adding bourbon barley tea. Cook for an additional minute, then stir in vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar—tossing everything together. Continue cooking for about five to seven minutes until reduced to syrupy consistency. Allow cooling to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place blackberries on the sheet and roast them for about thirty minutes. Transfer roasted blackberries into a stainless steel pot along with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Simmer over medium heat for ten minutes until thickened; allow cooling to room temperature.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

After chilling the dough in Step 2, remove it from refrigeration. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out one disc of dough to approximately 1/8 inch thick. Using your pumpkin cookie cutter, cut out as many shapes as possible. Place these pumpkin cutouts onto another parchment-lined baking sheet before refrigerating them again for twenty minutes. For half of those cutouts, use a sharp knife to carve out jack-o-lantern faces.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

Preheat your oven to375°F (190°C) again if needed. Line another baking sheet with parchment paper while you prepare an egg wash by lightly beating an egg in a small bowl. Place pumpkin shapes without faces on your tray; fill each center with about one-and-a-half tablespoons of either apple or blackberry filling. Brush edges around filling with egg wash before placing another pumpkin cutout (with face) on top; align edges carefully! Use a fork to press edges together securely sealing in filling. Optionally brush tops with egg wash again before sprinkling turbinado sugar if desired! Repeat these steps until all hand pies are assembled! Bake for twenty-five minutes or until golden brown—cool them down on wire racks after baking!

Enjoy creating these festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies that not only taste delicious but also bring holiday cheer to any occasion!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not just delicious; they make the perfect festive addition to your Halloween spread. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them.

Individual Treat Bags

• Use clear treat bags and fill them with a Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pie, then tie with an orange ribbon for a cute party favor.

Halloween-Themed Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a spooky-themed platter alongside some candy corn or gummy worms for a colorful display.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve warm hand pies topped with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Accompanied by Spiced Cider

• Pair these hand pies with hot spiced apple cider for a cozy fall treat that complements their flavors beautifully.

Mini Dessert Table

• Create a mini dessert table featuring the hand pies alongside other Halloween treats like ghost cookies and pumpkin cupcakes.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

For the best results when making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, keep these tips in mind.

• Chill the Dough: Ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. This helps maintain flakiness and prevents sticking.
• Use Fresh Fruit: Opt for fresh apples and blackberries for the filling to enhance flavor and texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your fillings as you go, adjusting sugar levels based on your preference for sweetness.
• Seal Edges Well: Make sure to seal the edges of each pie thoroughly to prevent leaks during baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your hand pies while they bake. Ovens vary, so they may need slight adjustments in time.
• Cool Completely: Allow the hand pies to cool completely on a rack before serving. This helps set the filling and makes them easier to handle.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

When serving Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, consider these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly with their flavors.

1. Crispy Kale Chips: Baked kale chips add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft filling of the pies.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory balance to the sweet hand pies.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These sweet, caramelized bites add another layer of autumn flavor to your meal.
4. Apple Salad: A fresh salad featuring sliced apples, nuts, and cranberries enhances the fruitiness of the hand pies.
5. Cheese Board: Include a selection of cheeses, crackers, and fruits for guests who enjoy mixing sweet and savory flavors.
6. Autumn Veggie Medley: Roasted seasonal vegetables like brussels sprouts and carrots provide color and nutrition alongside the pies.
7. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce can serve as an excellent dip that complements both apple and blackberry fillings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Overworking the dough: This can lead to tough hand pies. Mix just until the ingredients combine and stop as soon as it forms a ball.
• Skipping refrigeration: Not chilling the dough can result in pies that spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate for at least an hour.
• Using overly ripe fruit: Overripe apples or blackberries may turn mushy. Choose firm, fresh fruit for the best texture and flavor.
• Neglecting egg wash: Skipping the egg wash can cause your pies to look dull. It helps achieve a beautiful golden finish.
• Not sealing properly: If edges aren’t sealed well, the filling may leak out during baking. Use a fork to ensure they are securely sealed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow them to cool completely before placing them in the fridge.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Freeze unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Alternatively, freeze baked hand pies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one pie at a time on medium power for about 30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the best filling for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Any combination of sweet fruits works well! Consider using apples, blackberries, or even pears for variety.

Can I make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to bake.

How do I prevent my hand pies from leaking?

Seal the edges tightly with a fork and ensure you don’t overfill them with filling.

Are Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies customizable?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings like pumpkin puree or other seasonal fruits.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile desserts perfect for any Halloween celebration. You can customize them with various fillings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and impress your guests with these delightful treats!