Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are an essential treat for your Halloween festivities! With their playful design and delicious fillings, they not only bring a festive spirit to your table but also provide a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these hand pies offer a unique way to celebrate the season while indulging in sweet flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these hand pies without hassle.
• Deliciously Versatile: Choose from apple or blackberry filling or mix them for a delightful surprise.
• Fun for All Ages: Kids will love helping cut out the pumpkin shapes and decorating them with spooky faces.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Not just for Halloween, these hand pies can be enjoyed any time of year.
• Great for Sharing: With 12 servings, they’re ideal for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing the dough easy and efficient, ensuring the perfect texture.
• Rolling pin: A good rolling pin helps to achieve uniform thickness in your dough, crucial for even baking.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: It adds fun and creativity to your pies by shaping them into festive jack-o-lanterns.

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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 (as substitute for 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: Prepare the Crust

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for 15 seconds.
2. Add cold butter all at once. Beat on low until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Gradually add ice water (start with 6 tablespoons), mixing until the dough clumps around the paddle. If too dry, add more water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface using a spatula.
2. Knead gently into a rough ball and divide it into two halves.
3. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, flattening into discs. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

1. Heat salted butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until barely golden brown.
2. Add diced apples and cook for about 2 minutes before adding fruit juice.
3. Stir in vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; cook until syrupy (about 5-7 minutes). Allow cooling.

Step 4: Make Blackberry Filling

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place blackberries on the sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. Transfer roasted blackberries to a pot with granulated sugar and vanilla extract; simmer until thickened (about 10 minutes). Cool completely.

Step 5: Roll Out Pie Dough

1. Remove chilled pie dough from fridge; dust your work surface with flour.
2. Roll out each disk to about 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin.
3. Cut out pumpkin shapes using your cookie cutter; place them on parchment-lined baking sheets and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375°F again if necessary; line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl as an egg wash.
3. Take pumpkin cutouts without faces; place filling in center of each cutout (about 1½ tablespoons).
4. Brush edges with egg wash before placing another pumpkin cutout with face on top; press edges together using a fork to seal.
5. Brush tops with egg wash, sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired, then repeat with remaining hand pies.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown; allow cooling on wire racks before serving.

Enjoy your festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are perfect for any Halloween gathering. Their charming pumpkin shape and sweet fillings make them a festive treat that can be served in various ways.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a colorful platter adorned with Halloween-themed decorations. This creates an inviting display that draws guests in.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm hand pies alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold ice cream perfectly complements the warm filling, creating a delicious contrast.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Offer a dollop of whipped cream on the side for dipping. This adds an extra layer of creaminess to each bite of the hand pies.

As Part of a Dessert Table

• Incorporate these hand pies into a larger dessert table featuring other Halloween-themed treats. Pair with cookies, cupcakes, and candy for a well-rounded selection.

With Hot Beverages

• Serve hand pies with hot apple cider or spiced tea. The warmth of the drinks enhances the cozy feeling and highlights the seasonal flavors.

For Kids’ Parties

• Cut the hand pies into smaller pieces for children’s parties. This makes them easy to grab and enjoy, while also adding fun to the festive atmosphere.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Creating perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

• Use very cold butter: Ensure your butter is diced and very cold before mixing. This helps create a flaky crust that holds its shape during baking.
• Chill the dough: After shaping your dough into discs, refrigerate it for at least one hour. Chilling allows gluten to relax and improves the texture.
• Roll evenly: When rolling out your dough, aim for an even thickness of about 1/8 inch. This ensures uniform baking and prevents some parts from burning.
• Seal properly: Make sure to seal your hand pies well using a fork. This prevents any filling from leaking out during baking.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your hand pies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when they are dark golden brown for optimal flavor and texture.
• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to try different fruit combinations or spices in your fillings to customize these hand pies to your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. Crispy Kale Salad
   A light salad made with crispy kale, lemon juice, and toasted nuts adds freshness and crunch alongside sweet pie flavors.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   These naturally sweet vegetables provide a savory balance to the dessert while enhancing autumnal flavors.

3. Butternut Squash Soup
   A creamy soup offers warmth and richness, making it an excellent companion dish for serving alongside the hand pies.

4. Apple Cider Slaw
   A tangy slaw with shredded apples and cabbage brightens up the plate and complements the sweetness of the hand pies.

5. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
   The nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts caramelized in balsamic vinegar pairs nicely with sweet desserts like these hand pies.

6. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness with savory notes, providing variety in textures and tastes at your gathering.

7. Pumpkin Soup
   Celebrate fall flavors by offering pumpkin soup as a side dish; its creamy texture works harmoniously with the pastries.

8. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness, contrasting beautifully against rich fillings in each hand pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but avoid these common mistakes to ensure your pies turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the chilling step: It’s crucial to refrigerate your dough. Chilling helps the butter solidify, leading to a flaky crust. Always chill for at least an hour before rolling out.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause spills during baking. Stick to the recommended amount of filling; 1 1/2 tablespoons is ideal for each pie.
• Not sealing the edges properly: Failing to seal the edges can lead to leaks while baking. Use a fork to press down firmly on the edges for a tight seal.
• Neglecting egg wash: Brushing with egg wash gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color. Don’t skip this step for that perfect finish!
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at too low a temperature can result in soggy crusts. Always preheat your oven and maintain the recommended temperature for best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store hand pies in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap each cooled hand pie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last up to 2 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30-60 seconds, but be aware this may make the crust soft.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, covered, for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions.

Can I use different fruits for the filling?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches. Just adjust sugar levels based on sweetness.

How do I know when my pies are done?

Look for a dark golden brown color and a flaky crust. This indicates they are fully baked and delicious!

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them and freeze them before baking. Just bake straight from frozen when you’re ready.

What if I don’t have pumpkin cookie cutters?

You can use any round cutter or even cut out squares or triangles if preferred. Get creative with shapes!

Are Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies suitable for kids?

Definitely! These fun treats are great for kids, both as a cooking project and as tasty snacks.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are delightful treats that perfectly capture the spirit of Halloween. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings based on what you have available or prefer, making them suitable year-round. Try making these cute desserts at your next gathering!