Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the ultimate treat for your Halloween festivities! Not only do they bring a festive spirit, but they also blend delicious flavors with a fun appearance. Filled with sweet apple and tangy blackberry, these hand pies are perfect for any Halloween gathering or cozy autumn evening. Their playful design and delightful taste will certainly impress your guests and make this dessert the highlight of your celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: These hand pies are shaped like jack-o-lanterns, making them a fun addition to any Halloween party.
• Delicious Flavors: With a blend of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries, each bite offers a burst of seasonal flavors.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is simple to follow, allowing even novice bakers to create impressive treats.
• Versatile Filling Options: You can customize the filling based on your preferences or what’s in season.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these hand pies are great for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter (4 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing the dough effortless, ensuring a consistent texture.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin helps you achieve the perfect thickness for your pie crust.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Using this cutter gives your hand pies their charming jack-o-lantern shape.

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 (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 (for sprinkling)
• 2 large honey crisp apples (peeled and diced small)
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
• 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 Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Mix on low for 15 seconds. Add cold butter all at once and beat on low until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter.

Step 2: Add Ice Water

With the mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water mixture. Beat until the dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl. If too dry, add more ice water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 3: Shape and Chill Dough

Tip dough onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula. Knead quickly into a rough ball. Divide into two halves, shape into rough balls, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 4: Make Apple Filling

Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until just golden brown. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes. Add bourbon; cook another minute. Stir in vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss to combine. Cook until syrupy—about 5–7 minutes—and cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare Blackberry Filling

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; place blackberries on it. Roast for 30 minutes. Transfer blackberries to a pot with granulated sugar and vanilla extract; simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened. Cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Remove pie dough from the refrigerator. Lightly dust a work surface with flour; roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin. Cut out pumpkin shapes using a cookie cutter; refrigerate cutouts for 20 minutes.

Step 7: Cut Faces

Using a sharp knife, cut out jack-o-lantern faces on half of the pumpkin cutouts.

Step 8: Assemble Hand Pies

Preheat oven to375°F (190°C). Line another baking sheet with parchment paper; lightly beat an egg in a small bowl. Place uncut pumpkin shapes on tray; put about 1½ tablespoons filling in center of each. Brush edges around filling with egg wash.

Step 9: Seal Pies

Top each filled piece with one cutout featuring faces aligning edges carefully. Press edges together using a fork to seal in filling.

Step 10: Bake

Brush tops with egg wash; sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired. Bake for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown. Allow cooling on wire racks before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies as part of your Halloween festivities!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful treat that can brighten up any Halloween gathering. These charming desserts are not only delicious but also add a festive touch to your table. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your hand pies even more enjoyable.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a large, colorful platter and garnish with autumn leaves or small pumpkins for a seasonal display.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve warm Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The contrast of temperatures is delightful!

Party Favors

• Wrap individual hand pies in orange or black tissue paper and tie them with twine. These make perfect party favors for guests to take home.

Halloween Dessert Table

• Include the hand pies on a dessert table along with other spooky treats like ghost cookies and bat cupcakes for an impressive spread.

Themed Drink Pairings

• Serve with themed drinks like pumpkin spice lattes or apple cider to complement the flavors of the hand pies.

Family Style Serving

• Place all the hand pies in a basket lined with a festive cloth, allowing guests to help themselves as they mingle at your Halloween party.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Creating perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies takes some attention to detail, but these tips will help you achieve the best results.

• Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure your butter and water are very cold. This helps create a flaky crust.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overworking can lead to tough pastry instead of tender hand pies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and blackberries make a significant difference in flavor.
• Cut Evenly: Use a sharp cutter for uniform shapes. This ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation.
• Seal Well: Ensure edges are well sealed using a fork. This prevents filling from leaking out during baking.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to try different fillings like pumpkin or pecan for variety!

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be complemented by several side dishes that enhance their festive appeal. Consider adding these delicious sides to your meal.

1. Spiced Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup adds comfort and pairs well with the sweetness of the hand pies.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and carrots, offer a savory contrast.
3. Apple Salad: A fresh apple salad with nuts brings crunch and balances the sweetness of the pies.
4. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses that provide both creaminess and richness alongside your sweet treats.
5. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce can cut through the sweetness of the hand pie filling, creating a wonderful balance.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries make an excellent finger food option that aligns beautifully with fall flavors.
7. Caramelized Onion Dip: A savory onion dip pairs nicely for those who appreciate contrasting flavors at their dessert table.
8. Pumpkin Spice Hummus: For something unique, serve pumpkin spice hummus with cinnamon pita chips for dipping!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies to a whole new level.

• Skipping the chilling step: Many people forget to chill the dough. This step is crucial for a flaky crust; refrigerate for at least one hour.
• Overfilling the pies: It’s tempting to add more filling, but overfilling can cause spills and soggy pies. Stick to the recommended amount for the best results.
• Not sealing edges properly: Failing to seal the edges well can lead to leaks during baking. Use a fork to firmly press down and ensure a tight seal.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and monitor the temperature closely.
• Cutting faces too deep: When cutting jack-o-lantern faces, avoid going too deep or they may tear during baking. A light touch will keep them intact.
• Using warm butter: Warm butter can ruin the texture of your crust. Always use very cold butter for that perfect flaky pastry.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze them for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pies on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one pie at a time on medium power for about 30 seconds. This method may make the crust less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed evenly. This method helps retain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies.

Can I customize the filling of Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Yes! You can use other fruits like pears or peaches, or even try chocolate or pumpkin fillings for unique flavors.

How do I achieve a perfect flaky crust for my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Ensure your butter is very cold and handle the dough as little as possible to achieve that perfect flakiness.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze them before baking, then bake when you’re ready to serve.

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

These hand pies pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, adding a delightful contrast to their flavors.

How long do Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies last?

When stored properly, they last up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile treats perfect for Halloween gatherings. Whether you stick with classic apple and blackberry fillings or explore custom options, these hand pies will impress your guests. Give them a try this spooky season!

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Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit of Halloween with these delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies. Filled with a sweet mixture of honey crisp apples and tangy blackberries, these charming treats add a playful twist to your autumn gatherings. Their whimsical pumpkin shape and delicious flavor are sure to impress family and friends alike, making them a perfect centerpiece for any Halloween dessert table. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer the flexibility to customize fillings based on your taste preferences or seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a spooky soirée or enjoying a cozy evening at home, these hand pies will be the highlight of your celebration.

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Ingredients

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• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 sticks (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 (for sprinkling)
• 2 large honey crisp apples (peeled and diced small)
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
• 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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dough by mixing flour, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer; add cold butter until crumbly. Gradually incorporate ice water until it forms a ball.
2. Chill the dough for at least one hour.
3. For the filling, sauté diced apples in butter, then add bourbon, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; cook until syrupy.
4. Roast blackberries with sugar until thickened.
5. Roll out dough, cut into pumpkin shapes, and cut faces on half.
6. Fill uncut shapes with apple and blackberry fillings, top with face cutouts, seal edges with a fork.
7. Bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes 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: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg