Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect dessert for your Halloween celebration! Not only do they look adorable, but they also bring a delicious combination of flavors that everyone will enjoy. The hand pies are versatile enough to serve at any fall gathering or family dinner, making them a standout treat. Plus, their cute pumpkin design adds a festive touch to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: These hand pies are crafted to resemble jack-o-lanterns, making them a fun addition to any Halloween party.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and juicy blackberries creates a flavorful filling that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these hand pies are accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or spices for unique flavor combinations that suit your taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these hand pies are great for sharing with friends and family during fall festivities.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter (4-inch)
• Stainless steel saute pan
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: This tool makes mixing the dough easier and ensures a consistent texture without much effort.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, which is crucial for achieving the perfect crust thickness.
• Pumpkin Cookie Cutter: This fun shape adds a festive flair to your hand pies, making them visually appealing.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies:

For the 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 (to replace 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: Prepare the Dough

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 gradually. Beat until the dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl. If it’s too dry, add more water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

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

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

1. Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until just golden brown.
2. Add diced apples; cook for 2 minutes before adding fruit juice.
3. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss to combine.
4. Cook until reduced to syrupy consistency (5-7 minutes). Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

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

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

1. Remove pie dough from refrigerator; lightly dust work surface with flour.
2. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thick; use pumpkin cookie cutter to cut shapes.
3. Refrigerate cutouts for 20 minutes; cut jack-o-lantern faces on half.

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 non-faced pumpkin cutouts on tray.
3. Spoon filling into center of each cutout; brush edges with egg wash.
4. Top with face-cut pumpkin piece; seal edges with fork.
5. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown; cool on rack before serving.

Enjoy these charming Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies at your next gathering!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are perfect for any Halloween gathering! Their festive appearance makes them a fun addition to your dessert table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.

With Whipped Coconut Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream on the side for a light and fluffy contrast to the sweet filling.

Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination of temperatures and textures.

Paired with Fresh Fruit Salad

• Balance the sweetness of the pies with a fresh fruit salad. Use seasonal fruits like pears, apples, and berries for a colorful display.

With Spiced Hot Cider

• Offer spiced hot cider as a cozy drink option. The warm spices complement the flavors of the hand pies beautifully.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a decorative platter alongside themed decorations, such as mini pumpkins or autumn leaves, to enhance their Halloween charm.

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 fantastic every time.

• Chill Your Dough: Keeping the dough cold helps achieve flaky crusts. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour.

• Use Cold Butter: Using very cold butter in the crust will create that desirable flaky texture. Dice it right before mixing.

• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill each pie. Too much filling can cause them to burst open during baking.

• Seal Well: Ensure you press the edges firmly together with a fork to prevent any leakage while baking.

• Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on them while baking. They should be dark golden brown when done for optimal flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To complement your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, consider these delicious side dishes that will enhance your meal experience!

1. Autumn Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized adds warmth.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries tossed in cinnamon sugar provide a sweet-savory balance.

3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth mashed potatoes seasoned with herbs make for a comforting side dish that pairs well with sweet flavors.

4. Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze: Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with maple syrup offer a delightful contrast to the sweet hand pies.

5. Green Salad with Apple Slices: A light salad featuring greens, apple slices, and nuts dressed in vinaigrette brings freshness to your plate.

6. Cheese Board: Include a variety of cheeses, crackers, and dried fruits for guests to nibble on alongside the hand pies.

7. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup is perfect as an appetizer, setting the mood for your Halloween feast.

8. Spiced Nuts: Serve spiced nuts as finger food; their crunchiness and seasoning will add an exciting element to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be fun, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using warm butter: If you use warm butter instead of cold, your crust will become too soft and lose its flaky texture. Always ensure the butter is very cold before mixing.
• Skipping the chilling time: Rushing the chilling process can lead to dough that is hard to work with and pies that won’t hold their shape. Be patient and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour.
• Overfilling: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst while baking. Stick to the recommended amount of filling for each pie.
• Not sealing properly: Failing to seal the edges well may result in leaks during baking. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely for a better seal.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different; not checking for doneness can lead to undercooked or overcooked pies. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap each hand pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped pies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place hand pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Be cautious as this may make the crust softer.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium-low heat. Heat each pie for a few minutes on each side until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies:

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

Absolutely! You can customize your fillings with other fruits like pears, peaches, or even pumpkin puree for a unique twist.

How do I make my own pie crust?

To make your own crust, combine flour, sugar, salt, and very cold diced butter. Add ice water gradually until it forms a dough. Chill before rolling out.

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

Yes! You can prepare the pies and refrigerate them before baking or freeze them unbaked and cook them later right from the freezer.

What if I don’t have honey crisp apples?

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

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile treats perfect for any Halloween gathering. With customizable fillings like apples or berries, they cater to various tastes. Try them out at your next celebration!