Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect dessert to make your Halloween gathering extra special! These charming pastries not only please the eyes but also satisfy taste buds with their sweet, fruity fillings. Whether you’re hosting a spooky soirée or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these hand pies are versatile enough for any occasion. Their unique pumpkin shape adds a festive touch, making them a standout treat that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun to Make: Rolling and cutting out the dough in pumpkin shapes is a great activity for both kids and adults.
• Delicious Fillings: The combination of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries creates a delightful balance of flavors.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 hand pies, there’s plenty to go around at parties or family gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix and match fillings or add spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Festively Themed: These hand pies are not just tasty; they bring the spirit of Halloween into your kitchen!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather the necessary tools for an enjoyable baking experience. Having everything on hand makes the process smoother and more fun.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool allows for even mixing of the dough without much effort, ensuring a perfect crust every time.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin is essential for achieving an even thickness in the pie dough, which is crucial for consistent baking.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: Using a pumpkin-shaped cutter adds that festive flair to your hand pies, making them visually appealing.

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Ingredients

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

Ingredients:
– 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)
– 2 large honey crisp apples, peeled and diced small
– 3 tablespoons salted butter
– 2 tablespoons barley tea
– 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2/3 cup brown sugar
– 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 the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for about 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 still on low, add in 6 tablespoons of ice water. Beat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the dough clumps around the paddle or sides. If too dry, add more ice water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula. Quickly knead it into a rough ball.
2. Divide into two halves and shape each half into balls. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and flatten into small discs.
3. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Make Apple Filling

1. Heat salted butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until golden brown.
2. Add diced apples and cook for about two minutes until slightly softened.
3. Stir in barley tea, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss well.
4. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until reduced to syrupy consistency. Let cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F; line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place fresh blackberries on the baking sheet; roast for about 30 minutes until softened.
3. Transfer blackberries to a pot with granulated sugar and vanilla extract; simmer over medium heat for about ten minutes until thickened. Cool completely.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

1. Remove chilled pie dough from refrigerator; lightly dust work surface with flour.
2. Roll out each disc to about an eighth inch thick; use pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out as many pieces as possible.
3. Place pumpkin cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets; refrigerate for around twenty minutes.
4. Using a sharp knife, carve jack-o-lantern faces on half of the cutouts.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to375 degrees F; prepare another baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl; place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray.
3. Add about one-and-a-half tablespoons of filling in center; brush edges with egg wash before placing face-cutout on top aligning edges carefully.
4. Seal by pressing edges together with a fork; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
5. Bake for around twenty-five minutes until dark golden brown; cool on wire racks before serving.

Now you’re ready to impress your friends and family with these adorable Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies! Enjoy!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies make a delightful addition to any Halloween gathering. Their charming appearance and delicious fillings are sure to impress your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert presentation.

Add a Spooky Touch

• Garnish with Edible Eyes: Place candy eyeballs on top of the hand pies for a fun, spooky effect that kids will love.
• Serve with Halloween-themed Plates: Use plates decorated with bats or pumpkins to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Caramel Sauce: A warm caramel sauce adds a rich sweetness that complements the apple and blackberry fillings beautifully.
• Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream provides a creamy contrast to the flaky crust.

Create a Dessert Table

• Mix with Other Treats: Include a variety of Halloween desserts like ghost-shaped cookies and spider cupcakes for a visually appealing spread.
• Label Each Dish: Use cute tags to label each dessert, adding an interactive element for guests.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Perfecting your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can take them from good to great. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Chill Your Dough: Ensure your pie dough is very cold before rolling it out. This helps maintain flakiness during baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and blackberries will provide the best flavor and texture in your filling.
• Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on the hand pies while they bake. Remove them once they reach a dark golden brown for optimal taste.
• Seal Well: Make sure to seal the edges of each pie thoroughly with a fork, preventing any filling from leaking during baking.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to mix different fruits or even add spices like nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

When serving Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes that enhance your Halloween theme. Here are some tasty options:

1. Pumpkin Soup: A warm, spiced pumpkin soup creates a cozy fall vibe perfect for Halloween gatherings.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet-savory contrast that pairs well with desserts.
3. Cranberry Salad: A refreshing cranberry salad brings tartness that balances the sweetness of the hand pies.
4. Apple Cider Slushies: These icy drinks are both festive and refreshing, making them ideal alongside warm hand pies.
5. Cheese Platter: Include an assortment of cheeses that can be enjoyed between bites of sweet hand pies for added richness.
6. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: Healthy carrot sticks paired with hummus provide a crunchy complement to your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a fun activity, but there are common pitfalls to keep in mind.

• Bold Crust Mistake: Failing to properly chill the butter and dough can result in a tough crust. Always ensure your butter is very cold and refrigerate the dough before rolling it out.
• Bold Overfilling: Adding too much filling can lead to messy hand pies that burst open while baking. Stick to the recommended amount of filling for each pie.
• Bold Inadequate Sealing: Not sealing the edges properly can cause the filling to leak out during baking. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely.
• Bold Skipping Egg Wash: Omitting the egg wash can result in pale, unappetizing pies. Brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden color.
• Bold Ignoring Cooling Times: Cutting into your hand pies while they’re still hot can cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool on a baking rack for better structure.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• If you want to freeze them, wrap each hand pie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm, but this may make the crust softer.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes on each side, which helps retain crispness while warming through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different fruits for the filling?

You can definitely customize your filling! Try using pears, peaches, or even pumpkin puree mixed with spices for a unique twist on Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies.

How do I make my hand pies more festive?

To enhance their Halloween theme, consider adding food-safe black and orange sprinkles on top after brushing with egg wash.

What if I don’t have honey crisp apples?

You can substitute any sweet apple variety you prefer. Granny Smith apples work well too if you like a tart flavor!

Can I make these hand pies vegan?

Absolutely! Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg instead of an actual egg for sealing and washing.

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

The total time is approximately 70 minutes, including prep time of about 40 minutes and cooking time of around 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile enough for various gatherings beyond Halloween. Feel free to experiment with fruit fillings or decorative toppings. They make delightful treats that everyone will love!