As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, a delightful challenge emerges in the kitchen: creating the perfect Halloween treat. Enter my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies! These charming pastries promise not only to boost your festive spirit but also to bring a sense of family togetherness, making them the ideal project for a cozy weekend. With an easy-to-make flaky crust that cradles either a bourbon apple or a roasted blackberry filling, they are a true crowd-pleaser for Halloween gatherings. The delightful twist? Their playful pumpkin faces will captivate kids and adults alike, making dessert fun and memorable. Are you ready to carve out some time for baking magic? Let’s get started on these spooky treats!
Why Are Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies a Must-Try?
Festive Fun: These playful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies not only capture the Halloween spirit, but they also provide a delightful baking experience for families.
Versatile Fillings: Choose from a delicious Bourbon Apple or Roasted Blackberry filling, making it easy to customize for everyone’s taste.
Flaky Perfection: The buttery, flaky crust ensures a delightful contrast to the sweet, rich interior, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
Easy to Make: Even novice bakers will shine with this simple recipe—no intimidating techniques required!
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a spooky party or a cozy evening at home, these hand pies are sure to impress. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, reminiscent of classic Banana Cream Pies for an extra treat!
Get ready to create memorable moments while enjoying the treats that everyone will be talking about long after the last bite!
Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies Ingredients
For the Crust
• All-Purpose Flour – Base for the pie crust; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetener for crust; consider using brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; regular salt works just as well.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and a flaky texture; using cold butter is key for the perfect crust.
• Ice Water – Binds the dough together; ensure it’s very cold for the best results.
• Egg – Used for the egg wash to achieve a golden shine; can be replaced with milk or a plant-based alternative for vegan options.
• Raw or Turbinado Sugar – Optional topping for added crunch; regular sugar is a fine substitute.
For the Bourbon Apple Filling
• Honey Crisp Apples – Sweet and crisp, perfect for the filling; Granny Smith apples work too!
• Salted Butter – Enhances flavor in the filling; unsalted can also be utilized.
• Bourbon Whiskey – Adds depth to the filling; omit for non-alcoholic pies.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – Rich vanilla flavor; vanilla extract can be substituted if needed.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth to the filling; feel free to omit if desired.
• Brown Sugar – Sweetens the filling; white sugar can substitute in a pinch.
For the Roasted Blackberry Filling
• Fresh Blackberries – Tart berries that shine in this filling; raspberries make a great alternative.
• Granulated Sugar (for Blackberry Filling) – Sweetens the berries; honey can also be a delightful option.
• Vanilla Extract (for Blackberry Filling) – Elevates flavor; vanilla bean paste is another lovely alternative.
These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful way to celebrate Halloween while including everyone’s favorite flavors!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
Step 1: Prep the Dough
In a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Add the cold, diced unsalted butter, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add ice water, continuing to mix until a dough forms. Shape the dough into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until golden brown. Add diced Honey Crisp apples, bourbon, vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook while stirring occasionally until the mixture is syrupy and the apples are tender, approximately 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread fresh blackberries on a baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes until softened and juicy. In a saucepan, combine the roasted blackberries with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Simmer the mixture on low heat until thickened, around 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each disc to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out pumpkin shapes, placing half of them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill pumpkin shapes for an additional 20 minutes to maintain their form during baking.
Step 5: Cut Faces and Assemble the Pies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On half of the pumpkin shapes, carve jack-o-lantern faces using a small knife—be playful but ensure the openings aren’t too large. On the uncut pumpkin pieces, spoon generous amounts of your chosen filling—either the bourbon apple or roasted blackberry—then place the carved pieces on top. Seal the edges with egg wash and press with a fork.
Step 6: Bake the Hand Pies
Brush the tops of the assembled Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies with egg wash and sprinkle raw sugar for added crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the crust is a delightful golden brown. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving to let the fillings set. Enjoy your spooky treats!
Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful hand pies to suit your taste!
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Pumpkin Filling: Swap the fillings for pumpkin puree mixed with spices for an extra fall twist. Enhance the autumn vibe with a touch of nutmeg.
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Berry Medley: Use a mix of berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries for a vibrant filling that bursts with flavor. The combination creates a delightful surprise in every bite!
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Spiced Apples: Add a hint of ginger or nutmeg to the Bourbon Apple filling for an exciting flavor boost. This twist brings a warm, aromatic touch that elevates your hand pies.
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Mini Hand Pies: Create bite-sized versions for easier snacking or serving at parties. Perfect for when you want to offer a variety of flavors without overcommitting!
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Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy. The taste and texture remain just as satisfying, ensuring no one feels left out!
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Sweet & Savory: Consider adding a pinch of cheese or bacon bits to the apple filling for a unique sweet and savory pairing. This creative combination will have guests raving!
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Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle your hand pies with melted chocolate for an indulgent treat. Pairing chocolate with fruit fillings adds a layer of richness everyone loves.
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Fancy Faces: Get creative with Halloween designs on your pies! Use cookie cutters to make different shapes for added fun, making each bite as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Why not dive into some of these variations and bring even more joy to your kitchen? Each twist makes the recipe your own, ensuring that no two pies are ever quite the same. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out my go-to recipe for Banana Cream Pies for another family favorite!
Tips for the Best Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
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Chill the Dough: Make sure your dough is very cold for optimal flakiness. If it warms up, pop it back in the fridge for a bit.
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Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix your dough until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough hand pies instead of light and flaky ones.
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Fill Appropriately: Don’t overfill the pies—too much filling can cause them to ooze during baking. Stick to a couple of tablespoons for each pie.
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Be Creative: When carving jack-o-lantern faces, have fun! Just ensure the cutouts are not too large, or your filling might escape during baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Keep an eye on your pies while baking. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 20-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
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Serve Warm: These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top!
What to Serve with Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?
These charming hand pies beckon for delightful companions to complete your Halloween feast.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The smoothness of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the flaky crust and sweet filling, enhancing your dessert experience.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiked cider evokes cozy autumn vibes. Its spices highlight the bourbon in the apple filling, creating a comforting drink pairing.
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Pumpkin Soup: A savory pumpkin soup provides a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the pies. The creamy texture complements the flaky crust beautifully.
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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For a playful twist, these sweet berries add elegance to your dessert table and introduce a fruity burst between bites.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the hand pies elevates their sweetness while adding richness. It makes for a satisfying finish.
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Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch that cuts through the sweetness of the pies. Include nuts for added texture!
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Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: This warm, comforting drink’s rich flavor makes it an excellent match for the warm hand pies, perfect for sharing on Halloween night.
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Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes: These decadent treats echo the fall theme and provide a creamy contrast to the hand pies, making for a delightful dessert duo.
Make Ahead Options
These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts and busy home cooks! You can prepare the dough and both fillings up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make the dough, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate it. For the fillings, cook both the bourbon apple and roasted blackberry mixtures, let them cool, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, roll out the chilled dough, cut out your pumpkin shapes, fill them, and follow the assembly and baking instructions. This way, you’ll have delightful, freshly baked hand pies with minimal effort—just as delicious as if made from scratch in one go!
How to Store and Freeze Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
Room Temperature: Store baked Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
Fridge: If you want to prolong their lifespan, refrigerate the hand pies in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze unbaked hand pies. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; they can last up to 2 months. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: Reheat leftover baked hand pies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through for a delightful treat!
Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies Recipe FAQs
What type of apples are best for the Bourbon Apple filling?
I recommend using Honey Crisp apples for their wonderful sweetness and texture. However, firm varieties like Granny Smith will work beautifully as well, providing a great balance of sweetness and tartness in your filling!
How should I store Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies after baking?
You can keep baked Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for about a week. Just remember to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their delightful crispiness!
Can I freeze Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?
Absolutely! To freeze unbaked hand pies, wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time for perfectly golden pastries.
What should I do if my dough feels too dry?
No worries! If your dough appears too dry, you can sprinkle in cold water, a teaspoon at a time, until it holds together. Remember, mixing it just until combined is key; you want the dough to be flaky, not tough!
Are these Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies suitable for people with allergies?
While they’re vegetarian-friendly, the filling uses dairy and may contain gluten, so be mindful if you have allergies. For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free blend. You can also replace the butter with a non-dairy alternative to fit various dietary needs!
What’s the preferred way to reheat leftover hand pies?
To revive those delicious baked Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pies on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, ensuring they’re as delightful as when they first came out of the oven!
Delicious Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies to Celebrate Halloween Fun
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Add the cold, diced unsalted butter, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add ice water, continue mixing until a dough forms. Shape into discs and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until golden brown. Add diced Honey Crisp apples, bourbon, vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook while stirring until syrupy and apples are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Allow the filling to cool.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread fresh blackberries on a baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes until softened. In a saucepan, combine roasted blackberries with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Simmer on low heat until thickened, around 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Once chilled, remove dough from the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll out each disc to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out pumpkin shapes and place half on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for an additional 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On half of the pumpkin shapes, carve jack-o-lantern faces. On uncut pieces, spoon amounts of filling—either bourbon apple or roasted blackberry—then place carved pieces on top. Seal edges with egg wash and press with a fork.
- Brush the tops of assembled Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies with egg wash and sprinkle raw sugar. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
