Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are sure to be a hit at your Halloween gathering! Not only do they boast a fun pumpkin shape, but they also feature delicious apple and blackberry fillings that will impress guests of all ages. Perfect for parties or cozy family nights, these hand pies are both adorable and tasty, making them a standout dessert option this spooky season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: These hand pies capture the essence of Halloween with their playful jack-o-lantern design.
• Versatile Fillings: You can easily customize the fillings based on your favorite fruits or what you have on hand.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these treats with ease.
• Great for Sharing: With 12 servings, these pies are perfect for sharing with friends and family during Halloween festivities.
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, gather some essential tools that will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Pumpkin cookie cutter (4-inch)
• Stainless steel sauté pan
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort in mixing dough, ensuring a consistent texture.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin is essential for evenly rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Using a themed cutter adds a fun touch to your hand pies and makes shaping them easier.

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Ingredients

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

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 or vinegar (bourbon barley tea alternative)
• 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 flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Mix on low for 15 seconds.
2. Add the cold butter all at once. Beat on low until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. With the mixer on low, gradually add 6 tablespoons of ice water. Beat until the dough clumps around the paddle and sides of the bowl. If too dry, add more water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface using a spatula.
2. Knead briefly into a rough ball. Divide into two halves and shape each into a ball.
3. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and flatten into discs. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Make Apple Filling

1. Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan over medium heat until golden brown.
2. Add diced apples and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Stir in fruit juice or vinegar, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss well.
4. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until syrupy; cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; place blackberries on it.
3. Roast blackberries for about 30 minutes until soft; transfer to a pot with granulated sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened; cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

1. Remove chilled pie dough from refrigerator; dust work surface with flour.
2. Roll out each disc to about 1/8 inch thick; use pumpkin cookie cutter to cut shapes.
3. Place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets; refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper again.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl; set aside.
3. On half of pumpkin cutouts, carve jack-o-lantern faces using a sharp knife.
4. Place uncutouts on baking tray; add 1½ tablespoons filling in center of each uncutout piece.
5. Brush edges around filling with beaten egg; top with cutout face piece aligning edges together.
6. Press edges with fork to seal; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
7. Bake for about 25 minutes or until dark golden brown; cool on wire racks before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies at your next Halloween celebration!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only festive but also versatile in how you can present them at your Halloween gathering. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert or a fun snack, here are some creative serving ideas.

Individual Treat Bags

• Fill small treat bags with one or two hand pies each for guests to take home as a delightful Halloween gift.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a large platter, garnished with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins for an extra festive touch.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Serve warm hand pies alongside a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Offer caramel sauce in a small bowl for guests to drizzle over their hand pies, enhancing the sweetness and adding a gooey texture.

On a Halloween-Themed Table Setting

• Place the hand pies at the center of a spooky table setting with themed decorations like cobwebs and skeletons for an eye-catching display.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Perfecting your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can elevate them from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Chill your dough: Ensuring your pie dough is very cold helps maintain its structure during baking, resulting in flakier crusts.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh apples and berries will enhance the flavor of your fillings, making each bite irresistible.
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices like cinnamon or add nutmeg for different flavor profiles that complement the fruit.
• Seal edges well: Use a fork to press down on the edges to make sure there are no leaks during baking. This keeps the filling intact.
• Watch your bake time: Keep an eye on your hand pies while baking; once they turn golden brown, they’re ready to be removed from the oven.
• Let cool before serving: Allowing them to cool slightly after baking helps set the filling and makes handling easier.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To complement your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, consider these delightful side dishes that pair well with their flavors.

1. Crispy Kale Chips
   Lightly seasoned kale chips add crunch and balance out the sweetness of the hand pies.

2. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup provides comfort and enhances fall flavors on your table.

3. Spiced Apple Cider
   Serve warm spiced apple cider as a beverage option that pairs perfectly with dessert-style hand pies.

4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes harmonizes beautifully with fruity fillings.

5. Mixed Green Salad
   A refreshing salad with seasonal greens and a light vinaigrette offers a nice contrast to the richness of the pies.

6. Cheese Platter
   An assortment of cheeses adds sophistication and complements both sweet and savory notes in your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them:

• Overworking the dough – Kneading the dough too much can lead to tough crusts. Mix just until combined for a flaky texture.
• Not chilling the dough – Skipping the refrigeration step can cause the butter to melt too quickly while baking. Always chill for at least an hour.
• Using too much filling – Overfilling can lead to bursting pies. Stick to the recommended amount of 1 1/2 tablespoons per pie.
• Cutting faces too deep – If you cut the jack-o-lantern faces too deeply, the pies may not hold their shape. Aim for shallow cuts for best results.
• Skipping the egg wash – An egg wash creates a beautiful golden color. Don’t skip this step if you want your hand pies to look their best.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• To freeze, wrap each hand pie tightly in plastic wrap 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 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, but this may soften the crust.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through, which helps retain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies from scratch?

To make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies from scratch, follow the provided recipe carefully, ensuring you prepare both the crust and fillings properly.

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

Absolutely! You can use any fruit or jam of your choice as filling. Be creative with flavors that suit your taste!

How long do Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies last?

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies last about 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.

Are there any tips for decorating my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

For decoration, consider using colorful icing or edible markers to enhance their Halloween look!

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful treat perfect for Halloween gatherings. Their cute pumpkin shape and delicious fillings make them versatile desserts that everyone will enjoy. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and decorations to personalize your hand pies!