Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not just a treat but a playful addition to your Halloween celebrations! Perfect for parties, they bring joy and creativity to the table. With their adorable pumpkin shapes and delicious fillings, these hand pies will delight guests of all ages. Enjoy them as dessert or a festive snack, and impress everyone with your baking skills!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: These hand pies are shaped like pumpkins, making them a whimsical addition to your Halloween festivities.
• Deliciously Versatile: With apple and blackberry fillings, you can customize the flavors to suit your taste or use seasonal fruits.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to create impressive treats without stress.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these pies are ideal for family gatherings or parties where everyone can enjoy a piece.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, gather the essential tools that will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing the dough easy and ensures a consistent texture without effort.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness for the pie crust, crucial for proper baking.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Gives your hand pies their fun shape, adding to the festive spirit.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking multiple hand pies at once.

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 (substituting 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: Make 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. 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 bowl sides. If too dry, add more water gradually.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface using a spatula.
2. Knead quickly into a rough ball. Divide in half and shape each into a ball.
3. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and flatten into discs. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Prepare Apple Filling

1. Heat salted butter in a stainless steel pan until golden brown.
2. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in fruit juice (as a bourbon substitute), vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; mix well.
4. Cook until reduced to syrupy consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Cool.

Step 4: Make Blackberry Filling

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

Step 5: Prep Pie Dough

1. Remove chilled dough from refrigerator; dust work surface with flour.
2. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick using rolling pin.
3. Cut out shapes using pumpkin cookie cutter; refrigerate cutouts for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F; line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a bowl; place unembellished pumpkin cutouts on tray.
3. Spoon filling in center; brush edges with egg wash.
4. Place decorated pumpkin cutout on top; seal edges with fork.
5. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown; cool on rack before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies as they bring smiles this Halloween season!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are perfect for Halloween gatherings. Their cute pumpkin shape and delicious fillings make them a fun addition to any dessert table or festive party. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your presentation.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Serve alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the sweetness of the pies.

Accompany with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the flavors perfectly, adding a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the flaky crust.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• Lightly drizzle warm caramel sauce over the hand pies for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Serve with Hot Apple Cider

• Pair these treats with a warm mug of spiced apple cider for a cozy, autumn-inspired experience.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a festive platter with seasonal fruits like apples and pears, along with some nuts for added crunch.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Making the perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out beautifully every time.

• Chill Your Dough: Keeping the dough cold helps achieve a flaky crust. Refrigerate it for at least one hour before rolling it out.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and blackberries enhance the flavor of the filling, making your hand pies taste even better.

• Don’t Overfill: Ensure you use only 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling per pie. Overfilling can cause them to burst while baking.

• Seal Carefully: Pressing the edges firmly together will prevent leaks during baking. Use a fork for an extra decorative touch.

• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the hand pies towards the end of baking. Remove them when they reach a dark golden brown color.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These hand pies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Consider these options to enhance your Halloween feast.

1. Spicy Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of spicy pumpkin soup adds warmth and comfort, matching well with the seasonal theme.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Crispy roasted sweet potatoes provide a savory contrast that balances the sweetness of the hand pies.

3. Cranberry Salad: A fresh cranberry salad adds brightness and tanginess, enhancing the overall meal experience.

4. Mixed Greens Salad: A simple mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette offers a refreshing element that lightens up your dessert-heavy menu.

5. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts: The nutty flavor of caramelized Brussels sprouts pairs nicely with the sweet fillings in your hand pies.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create an elegant touch and provides savory bites between sweet desserts.

7. Baked Apples: Baked apples filled with spices echo the flavors of your hand pies and offer another layer of deliciousness.

8. Pumpkin Bread: Slices of moist pumpkin bread add to your fall-themed spread and can be enjoyed by all ages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to a tough crust. Always chill your dough for at least an hour to ensure it’s flaky.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause the hand pies to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amount of filling for best results.
• Not sealing properly: If the edges of the hand pies aren’t sealed well, they may open while baking. Use a fork to press and seal the edges tightly.
• Ignoring bake time: Baking them for too long or not long enough can affect texture. Keep an eye on them and remove them once they are dark golden brown.
• Using warm filling: Filling should be cooled before use; warm filling can make the crust soggy. Always let your fillings cool to room temperature before assembling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap each hand pie tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place hand pies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one pie at a time on medium power for about 30-45 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Cook on medium-low heat in a skillet with a lid for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other fruits for the filling in Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

You can absolutely customize your fillings! Other fruits like pears or peaches work well and offer different flavors.

What can I substitute for butter in the crust?

For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or vegetable shortening in place of butter.

How do I know when my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are done baking?

Look for a dark golden brown color on the crust; this indicates they are cooked through and ready to enjoy!

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time! Assemble and freeze them before baking. Just bake from frozen when ready.

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

These hand pies are delightful served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for gatherings!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile! They make an excellent treat for Halloween parties or any festive gathering. Feel free to customize your fillings or even decorate them differently. Try these fun desserts today!