Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect treat for your Halloween festivities! With their charming pumpkin shapes and delicious fillings, they are sure to impress your guests. These hand pies are suitable for various occasions, from Halloween parties to cozy fall gatherings. The standout qualities include their flaky crust, sweet and tangy fillings, and the fun of decorating them with jack-o-lantern faces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun Presentation: Shaped like pumpkins with playful faces, these hand pies make an eye-catching dessert.
• Delicious Fillings: A mix of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries provides a delightful flavor balance.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out the fillings based on your preferences or seasonal fruits.
• Perfect for Sharing: Each pie is a single serving, making them ideal for parties or family gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Involve children in cutting out the shapes and creating funny faces!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when mixing dough, ensuring a consistent texture.
• Rolling pin: An essential tool for rolling out dough evenly to create a perfect crust.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: This fun shape ensures your hand pies look festive and appealing.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking during baking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

To create these scrumptious Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 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 (replacing 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 it 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 to 3 minutes until clumps form around the paddle or sides of the bowl. If too dry, add more ice water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface using a spatula. Knead it gently into a rough ball. Divide into halves, shape each into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and flatten into discs. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Prepare Apple Filling

Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until just golden brown. Add diced apples and cook for 2 minutes. Then add fruit juice instead of bourbon; cook for another minute. Add vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes until syrupy. Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Make Blackberry Filling

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

Step 5: Prepare Pie Dough Shapes

Remove chilled dough from refrigerator. Lightly dust your surface with flour; roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick using your rolling pin. Use the pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out shapes; place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Cut jack-o-lantern faces into half of these cutouts.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl for egg wash. On one tray, place pumpkin cutouts without faces; add about 1½ tablespoons of filling in each center. Brush edges with beaten egg; top with cutouts that have faces aligned properly. Seal edges using a fork or fingers after brushing them with more egg wash if desired. Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top if desired before repeating with remaining hand pies.

Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown; cool 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 a fun and festive treat for any Halloween gathering. They can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making them versatile enough for different occasions.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or pumpkin spice ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm hand pies, adding a creamy texture that complements the fruity fillings.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness of the pies and adds an extra layer of flavor that is perfect for fall.

Accompanied by Fresh Whipped Cream

• Serve these hand pies with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the flaky pastry.

Paired with Spiced Apple Cider

• Enjoy your hand pies alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider for a comforting fall treat that will warm you from the inside out.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Perfecting your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can elevate your baking game. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right.

• Chill Your Dough: Keeping your dough very cold helps create flaky layers. Refrigerate it for at least one hour before rolling it out.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and blackberries will enhance the flavor of your fillings. Always choose ripe fruits for the best taste.

• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff your hand pies, as this can cause them to burst during baking. Stick to 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling per pie.

• Seal Properly: For a perfect seal, press down firmly around the edges using a fork. This prevents any filling from leaking out while baking.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can create a more complete meal or snack experience. Here are some great options:

1. Crispy Salad
   A fresh salad with mixed greens, apples, and walnuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft hand pies.

2. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup offers a cozy addition that matches the seasonal theme perfectly.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasoned roasted carrots or squash bring a savory element that balances the sweetness of the pies.

4. Cheese Platter
   A diverse cheese board featuring sharp cheddar and creamy brie pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors in your hand pies.

5. Sweet Potato Fries
   Baked sweet potato fries add a crispy texture and natural sweetness that complements the fruit-filled pastries wonderfully.

6. Cranberry Sauce
   A dollop of homemade cranberry sauce introduces tartness that nicely contrasts with the sweet fillings in the hand pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are some common pitfalls you should watch out for.

• Incorrect Dough Consistency: If your dough is too dry, it won’t hold together. Ensure you add enough ice water gradually until the dough clumps properly.
• Overworking the Dough: Kneading too much can lead to tough crusts. Mix just until combined and then chill to maintain flakiness.
• Filling Overload: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amount for a better seal.
• Insufficient Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough enough can result in spreading during baking. Allow at least an hour in the refrigerator for optimal results.
• Skipping Egg Wash: An egg wash gives a beautiful golden finish. Don’t skip this step if you want your hand pies to look their best!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• For longer storage, freeze cooked hand pies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, but note that this may make the crust soft.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side for a crispy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are delightful pastry pockets filled with sweet apple and blackberry filling, perfect for Halloween celebrations.

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

Absolutely! Feel free to mix different fruits or add spices like nutmeg or ginger to create your ideal flavor combination.

How do I ensure my hand pies have flaky crusts?

To achieve flaky crusts, always use cold butter and chill the dough before rolling it out. This helps keep the layers distinct.

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

You can use a knife to cut out faces on half of your pie crusts before assembly. For added flair, use edible glitter or colored sugar on top!

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and fillings in advance. Assemble and bake them right before serving for fresh-tasting treats.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are an adorable addition to any Halloween gathering, combining fun presentation with delicious flavors. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings and decorations based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate—try making them this Halloween season!