Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a charming addition to your Halloween festivities! Perfect for parties or family gatherings, they combine the flavors of sweet apples and fresh blackberries, all wrapped in a flaky crust. Their cute pumpkin shape adds a festive touch, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy the fun of creating these tasty treats while celebrating the spooky season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: The pumpkin shape and jack-o-lantern faces make these hand pies an exciting treat for Halloween.
• Delicious Flavors: A delightful combination of honey crisp apples and blackberries offers a burst of taste in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Fillings: Customize with your favorite fruits or jams to create unique variations that suit your taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: These hand pies are great for parties, school events, or cozy family nights.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter (4 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment: Helps achieve the perfect dough consistency without much effort.
• Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness when rolling out the pie dough for consistent baking results.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Creates fun shapes that enhance the visual appeal of your hand pies.

Ingredients

To create these festive Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, you’ll need:

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

For the Egg Wash

• 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 or vinegar (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 Crust

1. In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for 15 seconds.
2. Add the cold butter all at once and mix 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 too dry, add more ice water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

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

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a stainless steel sauté pan, heat butter until just golden brown.
2. Add diced apples and cook for 2 minutes before adding fruit juice/vinegar.
3. Stir in vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss to combine.
4. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until reduced to syrupy consistency. Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Make Blackberry Filling

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place blackberries on baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. Transfer roasted blackberries into a pot with sugar and vanilla extract; simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened. Cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Prep Pie Dough

1. Remove pie dough from refrigerator; lightly dust a work surface with flour.
2. Roll out each disc to about 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin.
3. Cut out pumpkin shapes using a pumpkin cookie cutter; place on parchment-lined baking sheets and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
4. Cut jack-o-lantern faces into half of the pumpkin cutouts using a sharp knife.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl; set aside.
3. On a tray, place pumpkin cutouts without faces; add 1½ tablespoons filling in center of each.
4. Brush edges around filling with egg wash; top with cutouts that have faces aligned properly.
5. Press edges together using a fork to seal filling inside each pie; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.
6. Repeat until all hand pies are assembled; bake for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown.

Now enjoy these charming Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies that will surely bewitch everyone at your gathering!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful treat perfect for any Halloween gathering. These charming pastries can be served in various fun and festive ways to impress your guests.

Individual Treat Bags

• Prepare small treat bags filled with one or two hand pies each. This makes it easy for guests to grab a pie as they mingle.

Dessert Buffet Station

• Set up a dessert buffet with a variety of seasonal treats, including your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies. Pair them with decorative plates and themed napkins for a spooky touch.

Accompanied by Dips

• Serve the hand pies with sweet dips like caramel sauce or chocolate sauce. This adds an interactive element as guests can dip their pies into their favorite sauces.

Themed Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a platter decorated with Halloween-themed items like mini pumpkins or faux spider webs. This enhances the visual appeal and sets the mood for your celebration.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Perfecting your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies ensures they are as tasty as they are adorable. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use cold ingredients: Ensure that your butter and water are very cold for a flaky crust.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the pie dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also results in a better texture after baking.
• Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to add lots of filling, overfilling can cause the pies to burst. Stick to 1 1/2 tablespoons per pie.
• Seal well: Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, preventing any filling from leaking during baking.
• Egg wash for shine: Brushing the tops with egg wash gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color when baked.
• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to mix different fruits like pears or peaches with your apples and blackberries for unique flavor combinations.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can create a well-rounded meal or snack experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Spooky Salad
   A mixed green salad topped with orange bell peppers and black olives creates a colorful and healthy side dish.

2. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup complements the flavors of the hand pies while maintaining the Halloween theme.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of seasonal vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts roasted with herbs adds depth to your table.

4. Apple Cider Donuts
   These sweet treats enhance the autumn vibe, making them an excellent pairing alongside your hand pies.

5. Caramelized Onion Dip
   Serve this savory dip with crackers or veggie sticks for guests who prefer something salty alongside their sweet pastries.

6. Cranberry Sauce
   A tangy cranberry sauce offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the hand pies, enhancing their flavor profile.

7. Cheese Platter
   Include an assortment of cheeses along with nuts and fruits, providing a savory counterbalance to the dessert nature of the hand pies.

8. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries seasoned with cinnamon sugar offer a delightful twist that pairs well with your festive treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a fun experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring Dough Temperature: If your butter isn’t cold enough, the crust may not turn out flaky. Always use very cold butter and refrigerate the dough before rolling it out.

• Overfilling the Pies: Adding too much filling can lead to messy hand pies. Stick to the recommended amount of 1 1/2 tablespoons for optimal results.

• Not Sealing Properly: If the edges aren’t sealed well, the filling may leak during baking. Use a fork to press down the edges firmly and ensure they are well sealed.

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the cutouts before baking is crucial for maintaining shape. Don’t skip this step; refrigerate them for at least 20 minutes after cutting.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can affect texture and color. Make sure your oven is preheated accurately to 375 degrees F for even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, but expect a softer crust.
• Stovetop: Heat on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed, which helps maintain crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What fillings can I use for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

You can use various fruit fillings like apples, berries, or even pumpkin puree. Feel free to experiment with flavors!

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

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance and freeze them. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure your fillings are not too watery before adding them to the pies. Cooking down fruit fillings helps achieve a thicker consistency.

Are Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies suitable for kids?

Yes! These hand pies make a great fun treat for kids, especially with their cute designs and delicious flavors.

Can I customize the shape of these hand pies?

Definitely! While they are themed as pumpkins, you can use different cookie cutters to create various shapes for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of Halloween while being versatile enough for any gathering. With options for different fillings and shapes, they can be tailored to suit everyone’s taste. Try making these charming little desserts at your next party!