Halloween Jack-O'-Lantern Hand Pie Recipe: A Festive Delight!
Halloween is just around the corner, and I'm already feeling the festive spirit. One of my favorite traditions is crafting Halloween Jack-O'-Lantern Hand Pies. These delightful treats are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious.
Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery pie crust filled with a spiced pumpkin filling that screams autumn. These hand pies are perfect for Halloween parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Plus, they’re incredibly fun to make and decorate, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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Halloween Fun with Kids
Halloween is always more fun when the little ones get involved. These Jack-O'-Lantern Hand Pies are perfect for a family baking session. Kids can help mix the dough, roll it out, and cut the pumpkin shapes. Let them get creative with the Jack-O'-Lantern faces and decorations. It's a fantastic way to bond and create lasting Halloween memories together.
Customizing Your Hand Pies
While the pumpkin filling is traditional and oh-so-tasty, feel free to get creative with other fillings. Apple cinnamon, chocolate, or even savory options like cheese and ham can be delightful. You can also experiment with different decorations, like adding candy eyes or using colored icing to accentuate the Jack-O'-Lantern features.
Halloween Jack-O'-Lantern Hand Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry cutter (or food processor)
- Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 sticks cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 egg beaten (for the egg wash)
Optional:
- Sprinkles colored sugars, or extra spices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: 1.1 In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. 1.2 Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 1.3 Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. 1.4 Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Make the Pumpkin Filling: 2.1 In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. 2.2 Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: 3.1 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 3.2 On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks to about 1/8-inch thickness. 3.3 Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. 3.4 Repeat with the second disk of dough.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: 4.1 Place half of the pumpkin shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 4.2 Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin filling onto the center of each shape. 4.3 Brush the edges with beaten egg, then place another pumpkin shape on top. 4.4 Press the edges together with a fork to seal. 4.5 Use a small knife to cut out Jack-O'-Lantern faces on the top layer of each pie.
- Bake the Hand Pies: 5.1 Brush the tops of each hand pie with the remaining beaten egg. 5.2 Sprinkle with optional garnishes if desired. 5.3 Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. 5.4 Allow to cool slightly before serving.
