Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect dessert for your Halloween festivities! Their charming pumpkin shapes and delicious fillings make them a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or looking for a fun treat for the kids, these hand pies are sure to impress. With their flaky crust and sweet, fruity fillings, they combine ease of preparation with festive flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appeal: These hand pies look adorable and add a fun touch to your Halloween spread.
• Delicious Fillings: With apple and blackberry options, there’s a flavor for everyone to enjoy.
• Easy to Make: The step-by-step instructions ensure you’ll have success even if you’re new to baking.
• Perfect Portions: Individual hand pies make it easy for guests to grab and go, perfect for parties!
• Versatile Treats: You can customize the fillings based on seasonal fruits or personal preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing the dough easier, ensuring a consistent texture without much effort.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly, crucial for achieving the right pie crust thickness.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Provides fun shapes that enhance the festive presentation of your hand pies.

Ingredients

To create these tasty Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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 (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

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for 15 seconds. Add cold butter all at once. Beat on low until mixture resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter. With mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water. Beat until dough clumps around paddle or sides of bowl; add more water if too dry.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

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

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a stainless steel sauté pan over medium heat, melt butter until barely golden brown. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes. Stir in fruit juice; cook another minute. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss well. Cook for 5–7 minutes until liquid reduces to syrupy consistency. Cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Blackberry Filling

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; place blackberries on it. Roast blackberries for 30 minutes until soft. Transfer berries to pot with sugar and vanilla; simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened. Allow to cool.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Remove dough from refrigerator; dust work surface with flour. Roll out dough to an eighth-inch thickness using a rolling pin. Cut out as many pumpkin shapes as possible with pumpkin cookie cutter. Place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets; refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F again if needed. Line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl. Take pumpkin cutouts without faces; place on tray. Add 1½ tablespoons of filling in center of each cutout; brush edges with egg wash. Top with faced cutout aligning edges perfectly; seal by pressing edges together with a fork.

Step 7: Bake

Brush tops of hand pies with remaining egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired. Repeat assembly steps until all hand pies are prepared. Bake for about 25 minutes or until dark golden brown. Allow cooling on wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies this Halloween season!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are perfect for any Halloween gathering. They can be served in various ways to enhance the festive spirit and satisfy your guests’ sweet cravings.

* Individual Treat Bags

• Create charming treat bags filled with hand pies for guests to take home. Use orange or black bags for a spooky touch.

* Dessert Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a decorative platter alongside some seasonal fruits, like oranges and pomegranates, to create an appealing display.

* Pair with Ice Cream

• Serve warm hand pies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The creamy texture complements the warm, fruity filling beautifully.

* Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the hand pies just before serving for an extra sweet touch that enhances their flavor.

* Accompanying Beverages

• Offer apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes as beverages to complement the flavors of the hand pies, creating a complete fall-themed dessert experience.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Creating the perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Chill the Dough: Always keep your pie dough cold until it’s ready to roll out. This helps maintain its flakiness and prevents shrinking during baking.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh apples and blackberries for the fillings. Their natural sweetness and flavor will shine through in your pies.

• Seal Properly: Make sure to press the edges of the hand pies firmly with a fork after filling. This prevents leakage during baking and keeps all that delicious filling inside.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for a golden-brown color rather than relying solely on time.

• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to mix different fruits or spices in your filling. Adding variations can surprise your guests with new flavors!

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To create a well-rounded meal with your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, consider these tasty side dishes that pair perfectly:

1. Crispy Kale Salad: A light salad made from crispy kale tossed with lemon vinaigrette adds crunch and freshness.

2. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Seasoned and roasted pumpkin seeds make a crunchy snack that complements the sweet flavors of the pies.

3. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider serves as a comforting beverage that ties into the autumn theme.

4. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries add a savory contrast to the sweetness of the hand pies while providing a fun finger-food option.

5. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts: These savory bites bring balance with their earthy taste and slightly sweet glaze.

6. Vegetable Platter: A colorful array of fresh vegetables served with hummus offers a healthy option alongside decadent desserts.

7. Cheese Board: Include various cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits on a cheese board for guests who enjoy savory treats alongside their sweets.

8. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup can serve as an inviting starter, setting the tone for your Halloween feast!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your hand pies turn out perfectly.

• Ignoring the dough chill: Skipping the refrigeration step can lead to tough crusts. Always chill your dough for at least one hour.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst. Stick to 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling for each pie.
• Not sealing properly: Failing to seal the edges can result in a messy bake. Use a fork to press down and ensure they are tightly sealed.
• Skipping the egg wash: Omitting the egg wash means missing out on that beautiful golden color. Brush the tops of your pies before baking for a shiny finish.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your oven properly before placing in the pies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Place cooled hand pies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individually on high for about 30 seconds, but note that this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other fruits for filling?

Yes! You can substitute apples and blackberries with other fruits like pears or peaches, depending on your preference.

How do I make these hand pies vegan?

To make vegan Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, use plant-based butter and skip the egg wash, using non-dairy milk instead for brushing.

What should I serve with Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

These hand pies pair well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time and assemble them just before baking.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Ensure your filling is not too watery. You can also bake directly on a preheated baking sheet for extra crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are an adorable and delicious dessert perfect for Halloween festivities. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings based on seasonal fruits or personal preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this delightful treat your own!