Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful treat for Halloween gatherings. Filled with sweet apple and blackberry goodness, they are not only adorable but also versatile enough for any festive occasion. These hand pies are sure to impress your guests with their playful designs and delicious flavors, making them an ideal dessert centerpiece for parties or family celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun Presentation: The jack-o-lantern faces make these hand pies visually appealing and perfect for Halloween.
• Delicious Fillings: A combination of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries provides a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it simple even for novice bakers to create these treats.
• Versatile Treat: These hand pies can be served warm or at room temperature, allowing you to prepare them in advance.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with other fruits or spices for different flavor profiles.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Stainless steel sauté pan
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• 4 pumpkin cookie cutter
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing the dough effortless, ensuring a consistent texture without much manual effort.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the baked hand pies from the baking sheet.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin helps achieve an even thickness for the pie dough, which is crucial for proper baking.

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Ingredients

These cute little hand pies are the perfect little dessert for your Halloween party!

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

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

With the mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water. Beat on low for 2–3 minutes until clumps form around the paddle. If too dry, add more ice water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

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

Step 3: Prepare Apple Filling

Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until golden brown. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes. Add fruit juice; cook for another minute. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss to combine. Cook until syrupy (5–7 minutes). Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Roast blackberries on baking sheet for 30 minutes. Transfer to pot with sugar and vanilla; simmer over medium heat until thickened (about 10 minutes). Cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Remove pie dough from refrigerator; lightly dust work surface with flour. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Use a 4 pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out pieces; refrigerate cutouts for 20 minutes. Cut jack-o-lantern faces into half of them.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F; line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly beat an egg in a bowl. Place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray; add 1½ tablespoons filling in center of each piece.

Brush edges around filling with egg wash; place cutouts with faces on top, lining up edges carefully. Seal edges with fork; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.

Bake hand pies for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown; cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also add a fun and festive touch to your Halloween celebrations. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your dessert table even more inviting.

With a Festive Drink

• Cider: Serve warm apple cider or spiced cider for a cozy pairing.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite complements the flavors of the hand pies beautifully.

On a Halloween-Themed Platter

• Decorative Plate: Arrange the hand pies on a spooky-themed platter with decorative elements like faux spiders or mini pumpkins.
• Mix with Treats: Include other Halloween treats such as candy corn or ghost-shaped cookies for variety.

As Part of a Dessert Bar

• DIY Toppings Station: Offer toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chocolate drizzle for guests to personalize their hand pies.
• Mini Desserts: Pair with small jars of pudding or mousse for an enjoyable dessert flight.

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 elevate your baking game.

• Chill Your Ingredients: Keeping butter and water icy ensures a flaky crust.
• Use Fresh Fruit: Opt for ripe apples and fresh blackberries for the best flavor in your fillings.
• Don’t Overfill: Limit filling to prevent spills during baking; 1.5 tablespoons is ideal.
• Seal Properly: Use a fork to crimp edges well, ensuring the filling stays inside.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; you want them golden brown, not burnt.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow hand pies to cool slightly before serving; this enhances their flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can create an unforgettable meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Slices: Warm slices of apples sautéed in cinnamon make a lovely complement.
2. Fall Salad: A salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and dried cranberries adds freshness and crunch.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring a savory contrast that pairs nicely with sweet pies.
4. Pumpkin Soup: Serve small bowls of creamy pumpkin soup as a cozy appetizer before dessert.
5. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts: These savory bites balance out the sweetness of the hand pies beautifully.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes that enhance your dessert experience.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with herbs offer a healthy and colorful side option.
8. Mini Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add texture and depth alongside your hand pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a fun experience, but there are some common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Boldly overworking the dough – Mixing the dough too much can make it tough. Mix just until combined for a flaky crust.
• Boldly skipping the chilling time – Not refrigerating the dough can result in a soggy pie. Always chill for at least an hour to firm up the butter.
• Boldly filling too much – Overfilling the pies can cause them to burst during baking. Stick to 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling for best results.
• Boldly neglecting egg wash – Skipping the egg wash leads to dull-looking hand pies. Brush with egg for a golden finish and extra crunch.
• Boldly not preheating the oven – Baking in an unheated oven can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven for even baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover 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 hand pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies that you might find helpful.

Can I customize the fillings in Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit filling you like, such as pears or cherries, depending on your taste preferences.

How do I prevent my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies from leaking?

Be careful not to overfill each pie and ensure they’re sealed properly by pressing down on the edges with a fork.

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

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

What is the best way to decorate my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Use a sharp knife to cut out fun jack-o-lantern faces on half of your pumpkin-shaped cutouts for a festive touch!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines whimsy with delicious flavors, perfect for Halloween celebrations. With easy customization options, you can tailor these pies to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy making these charming desserts with family and friends!