Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a fun and festive treat for any Halloween celebration! With their cute pumpkin shapes and delicious fillings, they bring a charming touch to parties, gatherings, or even a cozy night in. The combination of sweet apples and juicy blackberries makes these pies irresistible, while their playful appearance is sure to impress guests of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a spooky bash or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these hand pies are the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun Presentation: These hand pies look like little jack-o-lanterns, making them a hit at Halloween parties.
• Delicious Fillings: The blend of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries creates a delightful flavor combination.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Options: You can customize the fillings based on your preferences or seasonal fruits.
• Perfectly Portable: Enjoy them as finger food at gatherings or pack them for lunch treats.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter (4-inch)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing the dough easy and ensures an even texture for the crust.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough to the perfect thickness for cutting shapes.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Allows you to create uniform pumpkin shapes for your hand pies.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple hand pies at once.

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 (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)
• 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: 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 and 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 on low for 2 to 3 minutes until dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl. If too dry, add more water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula. Quickly knead into a rough ball.
2. Divide into two halves and shape each into rough balls. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and flatten into discs.
3. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Prepare Apple Filling

1. Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until golden brown. Add diced apples and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Pour in bourbon and cook for another minute before adding vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar; toss to combine.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes until liquid reduces to syrupy consistency. Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place blackberries on the baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. Transfer roasted blackberries to a pot with sugar and vanilla; simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened. Cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Prep Pie Dough

1. Remove chilled pie dough from refrigerator; lightly dust work surface with flour.
2. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin.
3. Use a pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out as many pieces as possible; place on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
4. Cut jack-o-lantern faces on half of pumpkin cutouts with a sharp knife.

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; place pumpkin cutouts without faces on baking tray.
3. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons filling in center; brush edges with egg wash.
4. Place pumpkin cutout with face on top; align edges carefully, sealing with fork pressure around edges.
5. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.
6. Repeat assembly process with remaining pie dough; bake for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown, then cool on rack before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, perfect for sharing during Halloween festivities!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies make a festive addition to any Halloween gathering. Their charming appearance and delicious fillings will surely impress your guests.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm hand pies with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream for a fantastic contrast in temperature and flavor.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual hand pies in colorful tissue paper and tie them with twine. They make great take-home treats for guests.

With Spiced Cider

• Pair the hand pies with warm spiced apple cider to enhance the fall flavors and create a cozy atmosphere.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange on a platter alongside other Halloween treats, such as spooky cookies or caramel apples, for an eye-catching dessert display.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or flavored whipped topping for extra sweetness.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Creating the perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your hand pies are both adorable and delicious.

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out. This helps maintain the flaky texture when baked.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe apples and blackberries will provide the best flavor. Avoid overripe fruits that might turn mushy during cooking.

• Seal Carefully: Be sure to seal the edges of each hand pie tightly with a fork. This prevents filling from leaking out while baking.

• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to mix different fillings, like pumpkin puree or pecan, to suit your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can elevate your meal experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
   These savory sprouts add a delightful crunch and balance out the sweetness of the hand pies.

2. Fall Salad
   A mixed greens salad topped with roasted butternut squash and cranberries offers freshness and seasonal flavors.

3. Sweet Potato Fries
   Baked sweet potato fries provide a crispy texture that complements the soft hand pies perfectly.

4. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup enhances the autumn theme and adds comfort to your meal.

5. Cheese Board
   Create a cheese board featuring aged cheddar, brie, and seasonal fruits for a sophisticated touch.

6. Spicy Nachos
   Serve spicy nachos on the side for those who enjoy bold flavors alongside their sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, avoid these common mistakes to ensure your pies turn out perfectly.

• Using warm butter: Make sure your butter is very cold. Warm butter can lead to a greasy crust that won’t hold its shape.
• Skipping the chilling time: Don’t rush the refrigeration step. Chilling the dough is crucial for a flaky pie crust.
• Overfilling the pies: Be mindful of the filling amount. Adding too much can cause spills during baking, making a mess and affecting the texture.
• Not sealing properly: Ensure you seal the edges well with a fork. A proper seal helps keep the filling inside and prevents leaks.
• Baking at incorrect temperatures: Always preheat your oven as stated in the recipe. Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Place baked 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 (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, but this may soften the crust.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different fillings for my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Yes! You can experiment with various fillings like pumpkin puree or sweetened cream cheese for a unique twist.

How long does it take to make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

The total time including prep and cooking is about 70 minutes, but chilling time can vary based on your schedule.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance and assemble them just before baking.

What if I don’t have bourbon for the apple filling?

If you don’t have bourbon, you can substitute it with apple cider or omit it altogether without losing too much flavor.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful addition to any Halloween celebration. Their cute pumpkin shape makes them visually appealing, while the delicious fillings offer comfort and joy. Feel free to customize these pies with your favorite fruits or spices to create variations of this charming treat. Try making these irresistible hand pies at your next gathering!