These adorable Jack O Lantern Hand Pies are perfect for Halloween! With a flaky crust and sweet pumpkin filling, they are sure to bring spooky smiles to everyone.
Making these treats is a blast! I love how you can use cookie cutters to shape them. Plus, they make great snacks for a Halloween party—fun, tasty, and a bit silly too! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use store-bought pie crust for convenience. However, homemade dough offers a fresher taste. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using phyllo dough instead.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is easy and saves time, but cooking fresh pumpkin can add great flavor! Just steam or roast it, then mash it until smooth.
Spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives that warm holiday taste. If you don’t have all of them, pumpkin pie spice works well as a substitute. It’s a quick fix!
Chopped Apples: Adding apples gives the filling a nice texture, but it’s optional. You could also add raisins or walnuts for a different twist!
How Do I Cut the Perfect Pumpkin Shape for the Pies?
Creating Jack O Lantern faces is a fun part of making these hand pies. You want clear, clean cuts to make your designs pop. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a sharp knife or a small cookie cutter to cut out the features, like eyes, nose, and mouth, from the top crust.
- Be gentle to avoid tearing the dough. You can create simple cutouts, or get creative with patterns like swirls or stars!
- Practice on scrap dough if you want to experiment before cutting into your pies.
These little details enhance not only the look but also the fun of your Jack O Lantern Hand Pies! Enjoy crafting your spooky snacks!
Jack O Lantern Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pie Crust:
- 2 sheets of refrigerated pie crust (or homemade pie dough)
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped apples (optional for texture)
- For Topping:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time. Plus, you’ll need some extra time to cool down the pies before serving. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Jack O Lantern Hand Pies in about 45-50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid any sticking.
2. Make the Pumpkin Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, vanilla extract, and chopped apples (if you choose to add them). Stir until everything is well combined and set aside.
3. Roll Out the Crust:
Take your pie crust sheets and unroll them on a lightly floured surface. Use a round or pumpkin-shaped cutter, about 4-5 inches in diameter, to cut out an even number of shapes. You’ll need matching tops and bottoms!
4. Assemble the Hand Pies:
Lay half of the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the pumpkin filling into the center of each crust piece, making sure to leave the edges clear for sealing.
5. Cut Out the Jack O Lantern Faces:
For the remaining cutouts, use a small knife to cut out fun shapes for Jack O Lantern faces. Be creative! You can make eyes, noses, and mouths in fun designs.
6. Seal the Pies:
Position the cutout tops over the filled bottoms carefully. Press the edges together with a fork to seal them tightly. This will keep all that delicious filling inside!
7. Add the Finishing Touches:
Beat the egg to create an egg wash, then brush it over the tops of the pies for a beautiful golden finish. If you like, sprinkle a little sugar on top for some added sweetness and sparkle.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on them as they bake!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the Jack O Lantern Hand Pies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature—perfect for sharing!
Enjoy your festive creation! These hand pies are sure to bring smiles at your Halloween celebration. 🎃
Can I Use Different Types of Pie Crust?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought refrigerated dough for convenience or make your own for a fresher taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, phyllo dough can also be used for an extra flaky texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the crust’s crispiness.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin filling a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble, give it a good stir before using it in the hand pies.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices Listed?
No worries! If you lack certain spices, pumpkin pie spice can be a great substitute as it usually contains similar flavors. Just use about 2 teaspoons in place of the individual spices, and you’ll still have a delicious filling!
