These Jack O Lantern Hand Pies are a fun twist on your usual dessert! They’re filled with sweet pumpkin filling and wrapped in a golden, flaky crust that’s perfect for fall.
Fun fact: they not only look cute but are also easy to eat on the go! I love making these for Halloween parties—everyone enjoys the spooky shapes and tasty flavors. 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Dough: Store-bought pie dough is a real time-saver, but you can absolutely make your own if you prefer! Homemade dough can add a fresh, buttery flavor. For gluten-free options, try almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blends.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works well, but making your own from fresh pumpkins is a fun alternative, especially in the fall. Choose sugar pumpkins for the sweetest flavor! If pumpkin isn’t available, use apple or sweet potato puree for other yummy fillings.
Spices: The spices really bring your filling to life! If you don’t have all the spices on hand, you can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute. It blends together cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, giving great flavor.
How Can I Make the Perfect Pie Crust Seal?
Sealing your hand pies properly is crucial to keep the filling from spilling out while baking. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure the edges of the dough are clean and dry. Wet them slightly with water if needed.
- After placing the top dough cutout, press down the edges firmly with your fingers to make sure it’s sealed.
- Use a fork to crimp down the edges. This not only seals them but also adds a decorative touch!
After sealing, you should have a tight fit—this keeps the tasty filling inside while the pies bake.
Jack O Lantern Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 sheets of store-bought pie dough (or homemade pie crust)
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For Topping:
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top
- Optional fillings for variety (e.g., apple pie filling, mixed berry jam, or apple cinnamon jam)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and approximately 20-25 minutes to bake. Allow some extra time for cooling before serving. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for everything from prep to plate!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent any sticking.
2. Make the Pumpkin Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree with the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and creamy filling. This spiced mixture will be delicious!
3. Prepare the Pie Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the pie dough sheets to make them a bit smoother. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter or a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out an even number of shapes from both sheets of dough.
4. Assemble the Pies:
Place half of the cutouts on the lined baking sheet. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the pumpkin filling onto the center of each cutout. If you want to mix things up, feel free to use different fillings on some of the pies!
5. Create the Jack O Lantern Faces:
With a sharp knife, carefully cut out eyes, noses, and mouths in the shapes of adorable Jack O Lantern faces on the remaining dough cutouts. These will serve as the tops for your pies!
6. Crimp and Seal:
Place the carved tops over the filled bottoms and gently press down. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly to seal the pies and ensure no filling escapes while baking.
7. Add the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each hand pie with the egg wash to give them a beautiful, golden finish when they bake.
8. Sprinkle with Sugar:
For an extra touch of sweetness, lightly sprinkle the tops of the hand pies with granulated sugar. This adds a lovely crunch that everyone will enjoy!
9. Bake the Pies:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the hand pies bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
10. Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This will help them firm up a bit for easier handling.
11. Enjoy!
Serve these festive Jack O Lantern Hand Pies warm or at room temperature and enjoy a delightful spooky treat! They’re perfect for sharing at Halloween parties or cozy fall gatherings.
These adorable hand pies combine a flaky crust with a cozy spiced pumpkin filling, making them a fun and festive treat for any Halloween celebration! 🎃
Can I Use Frozen Pie Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen pie dough is a convenient option and works perfectly. Just remember to thaw it according to package instructions before rolling it out for your hand pies.
How Long Do the Jack O Lantern Hand Pies Last?
These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, make sure they cool completely first, then freeze them individually. They can last for up to 3 months, just reheat them directly from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Hand Pies Vegan?
Yes, you can! For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as the egg wash, and ensure the pie crust is dairy-free. Most pre-made pie crusts are vegan, but it’s always good to check the labels!
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
The sky’s the limit! You can fill these hand pies with various flavors, such as apple pie filling, mixed berry jam, chocolate pudding, or even savory options like cheese and spinach for a twist. Just be mindful of the moisture content in the fillings to prevent sogginess.