Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a fun and festive treat perfect for any Halloween celebration. Their charming pumpkin shape and delicious fillings make them an eye-catching dessert that will impress your guests. Easy to make and great for parties or family gatherings, these hand pies are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet apples and juicy blackberries inside a flaky crust!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can create these charming treats with confidence.
• Delicious Fillings: With a mix of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries, each bite is packed with flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Halloween or just a fun fall baking day, these hand pies fit right in.
• Customizable Shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create various designs for your hand pies.
• Make Ahead: Dough can be prepared in advance, making it easy to bake fresh hand pies when you’re ready.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Cookie cutters
• Parchment paper
• Stainless steel sauté pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ideal for mixing dough quickly and evenly without much effort.
• Rolling pin: Helps in evenly rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness for crusts.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup on baking sheets.

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Ingredients

To prepare these delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, you will need 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 apple juice
• 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 the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for 15 seconds.
2. Add cold butter all at once. Beat on low until the mixture resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. With the mixer on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water. Beat on low for 2-3 minutes until dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl. If too dry, add more water gradually.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula.
2. Knead quickly into a rough ball, then divide in half.
3. Shape each portion into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and flatten into discs. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

1. Heat butter in a stainless steel sauté pan until barely golden brown.
2. Add diced apples and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in apple juice and cook for another minute before adding vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss well.
4. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until liquid reduces to a syrupy consistency. Allow cooling to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

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

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

1. Remove pie dough from refrigerator and dust work surface lightly with flour.
2. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin.
3. Use a 4-inch pumpkin cookie cutter to cut as many shapes as possible; refrigerate cutouts for 20 minutes.
4. On half of the pumpkin cutouts, use a sharp knife to cut jack-o-lantern faces.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven again if necessary to 375°F (190°C). Line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl.
3. Place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray; add about 1½ tablespoons of filling in center of each.
4. Brush edges around filling with egg wash; place cutouts with faces on top aligning edges properly.
5. Press edges together using a fork to seal filling inside; brush tops with remaining egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.
6. Bake hand pies for about 25 minutes or until dark golden brown; cool on wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies!

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are sure to be a hit at your Halloween gathering. They can be served in various ways to enhance their festive appeal.

Individual Treat Bags

• Create small treat bags filled with one or two hand pies, perfect for guests to take home.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a decorative platter surrounded by autumn-themed decorations like mini pumpkins and fall leaves for an inviting display.

With Ice Cream

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

Dipping Sauces

• Offer a selection of dips such as caramel sauce or whipped cream to elevate the hand pie experience.

Themed Drinks

• Pair with seasonal beverages like cider or pumpkin spice lattes to complement the flavors of the hand pies.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Making perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pies turn out great every time.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and water are very cold. This helps create a flaky crust.

• Do Not Overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough crusts.

• Keep Dough Chilled: Refrigerate the dough after rolling it out. This prevents it from becoming too soft and hard to handle.

• Seal Properly: Make sure to seal the edges of the hand pie well with a fork to prevent filling leakage during baking.

• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pies while they bake; ovens vary, and you may need to adjust the time slightly for perfect golden color.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Pair your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies with these delightful side dishes for a complete Halloween feast.

1. Autumn Salad: A mix of greens, roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and nuts drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness.

2. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider enhances the fall flavors and complements the sweetness of the hand pies perfectly.

3. Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts bring out earthy notes that balance with the dessert’s sweetness.

4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses paired with crackers provides a savory contrast to the sweet hand pies.

5. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup served in small cups makes for an elegant starter that ties into the Halloween theme.

6. Caramelized Onion Dip: Serve this rich dip with crunchy vegetables or chips for a savory option that pairs well with dessert flavors.

7. Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce can add an unexpected twist when served alongside sweet hand pies.

8. Savory Scones: Cheddar and chive scones offer a delightful, flaky complement that enhances your holiday spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes might lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to tough hand pies. Always chill the dough for at least an hour to ensure a flaky texture.
• Overfilling your pies: Adding too much filling can cause spills during baking. Stick to the recommended amount in the recipe for best results.
• Inadequate sealing: Failing to seal the edges properly may result in leaking filling. Use a fork to crimp edges firmly and secure the filling inside.
• Ignoring egg wash: Omitting the egg wash can result in pale pies. Brush the tops before baking for a beautiful golden color.
• Using room temperature butter: Using softened butter instead of cold butter can affect the crust’s flakiness. Always use cold, diced butter for optimal texture.

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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

• Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I customize my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Yes! You can use different fruits or fillings like peaches or pumpkin puree based on your preference.

How do I prevent soggy crusts in my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Ensure that you bake them long enough and let your fillings cool before adding them to avoid excess moisture.

What is the best way to cut out faces on my hand pies?

Use a sharp knife or small cookie cutter after chilling the dough, ensuring clean cuts for defined shapes.

How do I know when my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are done?

They should be golden brown on top and firm when gently pressed.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not just visually appealing but also versatile and delicious. They make perfect treats for Halloween gatherings or any festive occasion. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and make it your own!