Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Name: Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 sticks unsalted butter (very cold); Ice water (6-9 tablespoons); 2 large honey crisp apples (peeled and diced); 18 oz fresh blackberries; Spices and sugar for fillings

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

September 8, 2025

Updated:

September 8, 2025

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These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the ideal treat for your Halloween festivities! With their adorable pumpkin shapes and delicious fillings, they are sure to impress your guests. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a fun baking project with kids, these hand pies combine playful aesthetics with mouthwatering flavors. You’ll love how easy they are to assemble and bake, making them a standout dessert for any Halloween celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun Presentation: These hand pies look like little jack-o-lanterns, adding a festive touch to your Halloween table.
Delicious Fillings: With sweet apple and blackberry fillings, every bite is bursting with flavor.
Easy to Make: The straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
Versatile Options: Customize the fillings according to your preferences or seasonal ingredients.
Perfect for Sharing: Each recipe yields 12 hand pies, making them great for sharing at parties or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for a smooth baking experience. Having the right equipment will help you create perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
Rolling pin
Cookie cutter (4-inch pumpkin shape)
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Stainless steel sauté pan

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: This tool ensures that your dough is mixed evenly without overworking it.
Rolling pin: A rolling pin helps achieve an even thickness in the pie crust for uniform baking.
Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

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

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 bourbon whiskey
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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for 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 on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water gradually. Beat until the dough clumps around the paddle or sides of the bowl. If too dry, add more water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Tip the dough onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula.
Quickly knead into a rough ball and divide it in half.
Shape each half into a rough ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 3: Make Apple Filling

In a stainless steel sauté pan:
1. Heat butter until just barely golden brown.
2. Add diced apples and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in bourbon and cook another minute before adding vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar; toss to combine.
4. Cook until reduced to syrupy consistency (5-7 minutes). Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Blackberry Filling

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place blackberries on the sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
Transfer roasted blackberries to a pot with sugar and vanilla; simmer over medium heat until thick (about 10 minutes). Cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Remove chilled dough from refrigeration.
Lightly dust work surface with flour; roll out dough to 1/8th inch thick.
Use a 4-inch pumpkin cookie cutter to cut as many pieces as possible; refrigerate cutouts for 20 minutes.
Cut jack-o-lantern faces on half of pumpkin cutouts using a sharp knife.

Step 6: Assemble Hand Pies

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F:
1. Line another baking sheet with parchment paper; beat an egg in a small bowl.
2. Place pumpkin cutouts without faces on tray; add 1 1/2 tablespoons filling in center of each.
3. Brush edges with egg wash; top with pumpkin cutouts featuring faces, aligning edges carefully.
4. Use a fork to press edges together securely sealing in filling; brush tops with more egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
5. Bake for about 25 minutes or until dark golden brown; cool on a baking rack before serving.

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

How to Serve Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. They make for a fun and festive dessert at Halloween parties, and they can be served warm or at room temperature. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your hand pie experience.

With Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the pies.
Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: Enhance the autumn flavors with this seasonal favorite.

With Drizzles

Caramel Sauce: A sweet, gooey addition that complements the apple filling beautifully.
Chocolate Ganache: For chocolate lovers, a rich ganache adds indulgence.

As Part of a Dessert Table

Mixed Treats: Include other Halloween-themed desserts like cookies and cupcakes for variety.
Decorative Platters: Arrange on colorful platters with Halloween decorations for visual appeal.

With Hot Beverages

Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced cider pairs well with the fruity fillings.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal drink enhances the cozy fall vibes.

How to Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To ensure your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Chill Your Dough: Keeping the dough cold helps maintain flakiness during baking.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh apples and blackberries for the best flavor.
Don’t Overfill: Adding too much filling can lead to messy pies; stick to the recommended amount.
Seal Edges Well: Properly sealing edges prevents leaks during baking, keeping your filling intact.
Watch Baking Time: Ovens vary; keep an eye on your pies to avoid burning.
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to mix different fruits or add spices for unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Serving side dishes alongside your Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can enhance the meal and provide more variety. Here are some great options to consider:

Spiced Pumpkin Soup: A warm and comforting soup that complements the fall flavors perfectly.
Cranberry Salad: This tangy salad adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet hand pies.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil make for a healthy side dish.
Savory Cheese Platter: Different cheeses create a delightful savory contrast with sweet pies.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries add texture and richness, making for a hearty combination.
Apple Coleslaw: Crunchy slaw with apples brings freshness and balance to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies can be a joy, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to disappointing results. Here are some key mistakes to watch out for.

Skipping the chilling step: Failing to refrigerate the dough can result in a tough texture. Always chill the dough for at least one hour to ensure flakiness.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can alter the outcome of your pies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to get precise quantities.
Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling might cause leakage during baking. Stick to the recommended amount of filling for each pie to avoid messy results.
Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven properly and use an oven thermometer if needed.
Cutting designs too deep: Making jack-o-lantern faces too deep can compromise the structure of the pie. Lightly score the surface instead of cutting all the way through.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Wrap each hand pie individually in plastic wrap.
Place them in a freezer-safe container or 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 to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed, which helps maintain crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these hand pies up to a day in advance. Keep them stored in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.

What fillings work best for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

While apple and blackberry are delicious choices, you can customize your filling with other fruits like pumpkin or cherry.

How do I achieve flaky crusts for my Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Chill both your butter and dough before baking. Cold ingredients help create those desirable flaky layers!

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

Absolutely! These hand pies freeze well when wrapped individually. Just reheat them directly from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are not only adorable but also versatile treats that bring joy to any Halloween celebration. Feel free to customize fillings based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a festive snack, these hand pies will surely delight everyone!