Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful addition to any Halloween gathering! Filled with sweet apple and blackberry goodness, they bring festive charm and flavors that everyone will love. Easy to prepare, these pies are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a fun baking day with kids. With their cute designs and delicious fillings, they stand out as a must-have treat for the spooky season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cute Presentation: These hand pies are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them perfect for your Halloween festivities.
• Versatile Fillings: You can customize the fillings based on your favorite fruits or seasonal produce.
• Fun to Make: Involve the whole family in creating these festive treats; kids will love helping to decorate the jack-o-lantern faces!
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and share them with friends or neighbors for a sweet surprise during the spooky season.
• Easy Storage: These hand pies can be made ahead of time and stored easily, so you can enjoy them fresh whenever you want.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (pumpkin-shaped)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Saute pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing dough easy and saves time compared to manual mixing.
• Rolling pin: Ensures even rolling of the pie dough, which is crucial for a consistent crust.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking multiple hand pies at once without overcrowding.

Ingredients

To create these festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, gather the following ingredients:

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 brewed barley tea (as an alcohol substitute)
• 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 Pie Crust

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low speed for about 15 seconds. Add the cold butter all at once and mix until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of ice water while mixing on low speed until the dough clumps together. If necessary, add more water one teaspoon at a time until achieved.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface using a spatula. Knead briefly into a rough ball. Divide it in half, shape each half into balls, wrap in plastic wrap, and flatten into discs. Refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight.

Step 3: Make Apple Filling

Melt butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until golden brown. Add diced apples and cook for about 2 minutes. Incorporate brewed barley tea (as an alcohol substitute), then cook for another minute before adding vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Toss well and simmer until reduced to syrupy consistency—about 5-7 minutes—then cool.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, roast blackberries for about 30 minutes until softened. Transfer blackberries to a pot with granulated sugar and vanilla extract; simmer over medium heat until thickened—about 10 minutes—and cool.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Remove chilled dough from refrigerator. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out each disc to approximately 1/8 inch thick. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many shapes as possible. Place these shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On prepared baking sheets, place pumpkin cutouts without faces. Add about 1½ tablespoons of filling in each center. Brush edges around filling with beaten egg before topping with cutouts featuring jack-o-lantern faces. Use a fork to seal edges securely. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired. Repeat until all are assembled.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown in color. Allow cooling on wire racks before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies during this spooky season!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only a fun treat for Halloween but also versatile in how they can be served. Here are some creative ways to present them at your next gathering.

With a Side of Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced filling.
• Cinnamon ice cream: Adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the pies.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Homemade caramel: A rich and buttery drizzle enhances the sweetness and adds a luxurious touch.
• Store-bought caramel sauce: Quick and easy, perfect for when you’re short on time.

Accompanied by Fresh Whipped Cream

• Classic whipped cream: Light and airy, it balances the richness of the pies.
• Flavored whipped cream: Try adding vanilla or cinnamon for an extra kick.

Served with a Fruit Compote

• Apple compote: Elevates the apple filling with added warmth and sweetness.
• Mixed berry compote: Provides a tart contrast that brightens every bite.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Creating the perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies requires some attention to detail. Here are tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter is very cold before mixing. This helps achieve a flaky crust.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough after shaping it into discs. This helps relax the gluten for better texture.
• Don’t overfill: Use just enough filling to avoid spills while baking; about 1.5 tablespoons works well.
• Seal edges well: Press and crimp edges firmly with a fork to prevent any leaks during baking.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your pies towards the end of baking; remove them when golden brown for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pairing these hand pies with some side dishes can enhance your Halloween spread. Here are some suggestions that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. Mixed Green Salad
   A light salad can refresh palates between bites of sweet pie. Include seasonal ingredients like cranberries and nuts.

2. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm pumpkin soup offers comforting flavors that match perfectly with these festive hand pies.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash bring color and nutrition to your table.

4. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries add a delightful crunch and natural sweetness, contrasting nicely with the pies’ flavor.

5. Apple Cider
   A chilled glass of apple cider provides a refreshing beverage option that echoes the apple filling inside the pies.

6. Cheese Platter
   An assortment of cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the hand pies, making for an appealing appetizer spread.

7. Cranberry Sauce
   Tart cranberry sauce adds a vibrant flavor contrast that pairs wonderfully with both apple and blackberry fillings.

8. Herbed Rice Pilaf
   A savory rice pilaf can serve as a hearty accompaniment, enhancing the overall meal experience without overpowering dessert flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be fun, but avoiding common pitfalls is key to success.

• Boldly skip chilling the dough. Not refrigerating the dough long enough can result in a tough crust. Always chill for at least one hour to achieve the perfect flaky texture.
• Boldly overcrowd the filling. Filling the pies too much may cause them to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling for best results.
• Boldly ignore egg wash. Skipping the egg wash leads to a dull appearance. Brush the tops with egg before baking for a golden finish.
• Boldly forget about cutting vents. Failing to cut out jack-o-lantern faces means steam has no escape, which can create soggy pies. Ensure you cut faces on half of the pumpkin cutouts for proper ventilation.
• Boldly use warm ingredients. Using warm butter or filling can affect dough consistency and texture. Make sure all components are chilled before assembly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Freeze unbaked hand pies for up to 2 months.
• Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30-60 seconds, but note that this may make crust less crispy.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies healthier?

You can reduce sugar or use whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour to make these hand pies healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Can I use other fruits in my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Yes! Feel free to substitute different fruits like pears or peaches based on your preferences and seasonal availability.

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

Wrap each unbaked hand pie tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

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

The total time is around 70 minutes, including preparation and cooking, but you’ll want to account for chilling time as well.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both apple and blackberry fillings a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your hand pies.

Final Thoughts

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies bring festive charm and delicious flavors perfect for any Halloween gathering. With customizable fillings and playful designs, they are sure to impress guests of all ages. Try experimenting with different fruit combinations or shapes to make them uniquely yours!