Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful treat for Halloween, perfect for parties or festive gatherings. They combine the sweetness of apples and blackberries with a flaky crust, making them an irresistible dessert. Not only are these hand pies visually appealing, but they also encapsulate the spirit of Halloween with their charming jack-o-lantern faces. Whether you’re hosting a spooky soirée or looking for a fun baking project with family, these hand pies will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun to Make: Involve the kids in creating cute jack-o-lantern faces and assembling the pies.
• Delicious Fillings: Enjoy a sweet combination of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries that burst with flavor.
• Perfectly Portable: These hand pies are easy to take to parties or enjoy as a snack on the go.
• Customizable: Swap out fillings based on your favorite fruits or seasonal ingredients for endless variations.
• Great for Halloween: Add a festive touch to your dessert table with these charming little treats.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing dough, ensuring even consistency.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness of the dough for uniform baking.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Gives your hand pies their adorable shape, enhancing their Halloween appeal.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies:

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 (as a 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: Make the Crust

To make 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. With the mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water. Beat until dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl. If too dry, add more water gradually.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula.
2. Knead quickly into a rough ball. Divide into two halves; 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 butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until barely golden brown.
2. Add apples; cook for 2 minutes. Then add fruit juice and cook for another minute.
3. Mix in vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; cook until liquid reduces to syrupy consistency (5-7 minutes). Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

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

Step 5: Prep Pie Dough

1. Remove pie dough from refrigerator; dust work surface with flour.
2. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thick using rolling pin.
3. Cut out pumpkin shapes using cookie cutter; place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate 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 small bowl.
3. Place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray; add filling in center (about 1½ tablespoons).
4. Brush edges around filling with egg wash, then place cutouts with faces on top aligning edges.
5. Using a fork, press edges together to seal filling inside; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.
6. Repeat until all hand pies are assembled; bake for 25 minutes until dark golden brown.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies! Perfectly delicious for any Halloween celebration!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern hand pies are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them a perfect treat for Halloween gatherings. Here are some fun and creative serving suggestions.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side for a creamy contrast to the sweet filling.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside a mix of seasonal fruits like sliced pears and grapes to add freshness to your dessert platter.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top can elevate the flavors and add a touch of indulgence.

Accompany with Hot Apple Cider

• Offer a warm cup of apple cider as a cozy drink pairing that complements the apple filling perfectly.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange several hand pies on a festive platter with candies and other Halloween treats for an eye-catching display.

Use Festive Plates

• Present the hand pies on themed plates or pumpkin-shaped dishes to enhance the Halloween spirit at your gathering.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To ensure your Jack-O-Lantern hand pies turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill your dough: Keeping the dough cold helps maintain its flakiness during baking, resulting in a better texture.

• Roll evenly: Aim for uniform thickness when rolling out the dough to ensure even cooking and consistent shapes.

• Seal well: Make sure to seal the edges tightly so that the filling does not leak during baking.

• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to try different fruit combinations or spices in your fillings for unique flavors.

• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on the pies while they bake; remove them once they reach a deep golden color for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern hand pies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their festive appeal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Pumpkin Soup: A warm, creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory contrast to the sweet hand pies.

2. Fall Salad: A salad with mixed greens, candied nuts, and cranberries brings freshness and crunch.

3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a deliciously sweet and salty side.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts add earthy flavors.

5. Cheese Platter: Include an assortment of cheeses that pair well with fruit for balanced bites.

6. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts adds crunch and warmth, making them great finger food alongside desserts.

7. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: This classic combination adds protein and enhances fruity notes from the hand pies.

8. Mini Cornbread Muffins: These small muffins provide a delightful sweetness that matches well with holiday themes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t refrigerate the dough, it may become too warm and difficult to handle. Always chill the dough for at least one hour.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to 1 1/2 tablespoons for each hand pie.
• Not sealing properly: Failing to seal the edges well can lead to leaking filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture and browning. Preheat your oven and ensure it’s at 375 degrees F before baking.
• Cutting out faces too early: If you cut out jack-o-lantern faces before chilling, they can lose their shape. Cut them right before assembling.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Freeze unbaked hand pies for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F and bake for 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm; this may soften the crust.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a non-stick skillet for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

You can prepare the dough and fillings in advance and assemble them just before baking for fresh hand pies.

What if I don’t have honey crisp apples?

You can substitute with any firm variety of apples, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, which will still provide great flavor.

How do I customize my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Feel free to mix different fruit fillings like peaches or pears, or add spices like nutmeg for extra flavor!

Can I use store-bought pastry instead of homemade?

Yes! Store-bought puff pastry is a convenient alternative that works well for hand pies.

How do I know when my hand pies are done?

Look for a dark golden brown color on top; this indicates that they are nicely baked and ready to enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are charming treats that bring festive fun to any Halloween gathering. They’re versatile enough to allow various fillings and flavors, making them suitable for everyone’s taste. Give this delightful recipe a try and let your creativity shine!