Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

These delightful Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect treat for your Halloween gathering! With their charming pumpkin shapes and sweet fillings, these hand pies offer a festive touch to any celebration. They are not only visually appealing but also versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a spooky party or simply indulging in a seasonal snack, these treats will surely impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The cute jack-o-lantern design adds a fun element to your dessert table.
• Delicious Fillings: With a choice of honey crisp apples and fresh blackberries, every bite bursts with flavor.
• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make it simple to prepare, even for novice bakers.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to switch up the fillings based on your preferences or what’s in season.
• Great for Sharing: These hand pies are perfect for parties, allowing everyone to enjoy their own little treat.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful hand pies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and enhance your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when mixing dough, ensuring a consistent texture.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is vital for evenly cooking your hand pies without burning.
• Pumpkin cookie cutter: It helps shape your dough into fun jack-o-lantern designs that make these treats festive.

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Ingredients

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 fruit juice or broth (to replace bourbon)
– 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 Pie 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. 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. Mix for about 2 to 3 minutes until the dough clumps around the paddle.
4. If too dry, add more ice water one teaspoon at a time until just combined.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and quickly knead into a ball. Divide it in half, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a stainless steel sauté pan over medium heat, melt the salted butter until just golden brown.
2. Add diced apples; cook for about two minutes until slightly softened.
3. Pour in fruit juice or broth along with vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar; toss well to combine.
4. Cook for another five to seven minutes until reduced to a syrupy consistency; cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare Blackberry Filling

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread blackberries on the prepared sheet; roast for about thirty minutes.
3. Transfer roasted blackberries to a pot, add granulated sugar and vanilla extract; simmer over medium heat for about ten minutes until thickened; cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Shape the Hand Pies

1. Remove chilled pie dough from refrigerator; dust work surface with flour and roll out to about an eighth inch thick.
2. Use the pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out as many shapes as possible; refrigerate cutouts for twenty minutes.
3. Using a sharp knife, cut jack-o-lantern faces on half of the pumpkin cutouts.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat oven again if necessary to375 degrees F; line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly beat an egg in a small bowl; place pumpkin cutouts without faces on the tray.
3. Spoon one-and-a-half tablespoons of filling onto each shape; brush edges with beaten egg before topping with face cutouts.
4. Seal edges with fork prongs; brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle turbinado sugar if desired.
5. Bake for approximately twenty-five minutes until golden brown; allow cooling on a rack before serving.

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

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile when it comes to serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and paired with various accompaniments to enhance their delightful flavors.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the fruit fillings perfectly.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm hand pies, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures.

Accompany with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh apple slices or additional blackberries can provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the pies.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery flavor that pairs well with both apple and blackberry fillings.

Offer a Spiced Tea

• A warm cup of spiced tea can enhance the seasonal flavors and create a cozy atmosphere during your Halloween festivities.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To achieve the best results with your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your baking technique.

• Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure your butter is very cold before mixing. This helps create a flaky crust.

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overworking can make the dough tough instead of tender.

• Use Fresh Fruit: Opt for ripe, in-season apples and blackberries for maximum flavor in your fillings.

• Seal Well: Make sure to seal the edges tightly using a fork to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.

• Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on your pies while baking; they should be dark golden brown for optimal texture and flavor.

• Cool Before Serving: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving, so the filling sets up a bit and is easier to enjoy.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Enhance your Halloween spread by pairing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies with these delightful side dishes. Each option complements the sweet flavors of the pies beautifully.

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
   These savory fries add a crunchy texture and complement the sweetness of the hand pies.

2. Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
   A mix of roasted carrots, squash, and zucchini brings warmth and earthiness to your plate.

3. Spiced Apple Cider
   Warm spiced apple cider offers a comforting drink that pairs wonderfully with dessert flavors.

4. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
   Soft, cheesy breadsticks provide a savory contrast that balances out the sweetness of your dessert.

5. Pumpkin Soup
   A creamy pumpkin soup makes for a perfect fall-inspired appetizer that aligns with your Halloween theme.

6. Mixed Green Salad
   A light salad featuring mixed greens, nuts, and a tangy dressing offers freshness against richer flavors.

7. Cranberry Sauce
   Tart cranberry sauce can brighten up each bite of pie while adding seasonal flair to your table.

8. Vegetable Platter with Hummus
   Crisp veggies served with hummus provide a healthy crunch and bring variety to your Halloween spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a fun and festive activity, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Bold dough handling: Overworking the dough can lead to tough crusts. Handle the dough as little as possible and keep it cold for the best texture.

• Bold filling overflow: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amount of 1 1/2 tablespoons per pie.

• Bold cutting technique: Not cutting out faces properly can result in uneven baking. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, ensuring ventilation for steam.

• Bold temperature checks: Baking at incorrect temperatures can affect crust color and texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

• Bold egg wash omission: Skipping the egg wash means losing out on that beautiful golden finish. Don’t forget to brush the tops before baking!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

• Wrap each hand pie individually 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place a non-stick skillet over low heat and warm each pie for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies that may help you in your baking adventure.

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

Absolutely! You can use different fruits or even chocolate as fillings. Just ensure they are not too wet to prevent soggy pies.

How do I make the crust flaky in my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Using cold butter and minimal handling of the dough is key. This helps create layers that result in a flaky crust.

Can I make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Adjustments might be needed for consistency, so check your blend’s instructions.

How long do Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies take to bake?

These hand pies generally take about 25 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until they are golden brown.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile enough to please any crowd at your Halloween party. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or shapes to make them uniquely yours. Enjoy these delightful treats with friends and family this spooky season!