These Jack O Lantern Hand Pies are fun and tasty little treats perfect for Halloween! Filled with sweet pumpkin and warm spices, they come in cute jack-o-lantern shapes!
They make an adorable snack for parties or just a cozy movie night. Plus, who can resist a pie that looks like a friendly ghost? I love serving them with a scoop of ice cream on the side! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use store-bought refrigerated pie crust for convenience. But if you have time, homemade pie dough gives a fresher taste and texture. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pie crusts available in stores.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp, making them a fantastic substitute. Feel free to mix different apples for a unique flavor!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a nice depth of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with white sugar, but it won’t have the same rich taste. Combining white sugar with a little molasses can mimic brown sugar as well.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth. You can replace nutmeg with allspice or simply stick to cinnamon if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Make Sure My Hand Pies Don’t Leak Filling?
A common challenge with hand pies is having the filling leak out during baking. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Seal Edges Well: After adding the filling, make sure to press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp for an extra seal.
- Don’t Overfill: Only use 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling. Too much can cause filling to spill out. Less is more!
- Score Vents: The cut-out faces allow steam to escape. If you skip them, consider cutting a few small slits in the top crusts to prevent pressure buildup.
Following these tips keeps your filling inside and ensures perfect little pies every time!
Jack O Lantern Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pies:
- 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust (or homemade pie dough)
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 40 minutes total. You’ll need approximately 15 minutes for prep and about 25 minutes for baking. After baking, let the pies cool for a bit before enjoying them warm. Perfect for a cozy autumn snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a nice, even bake. While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well so the apples are covered with the sugary, spiced goodness!
3. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Unroll the pie crust sheets on a clean surface. Using a round cookie cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) or a glass, cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 8 circles. Set aside the circles.
4. Create the Jack O’ Lantern Faces:
On half of the circles, lightly score or cut out jack o’ lantern face shapes (like triangle eyes, nose, and a jagged mouth) using a small paring knife or a cookie cutter. Just make sure not to cut all the way through; we want to keep the shape intact!
5. Assemble the Pies:
Take the whole circles (without faces) and spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the apple filling into the center of each. Leave some space around the edges so you can seal them later.
6. Seal the Pies:
Lightly brush the edges of the filled circles with the beaten egg. Then, place a face-cut circle on top of each filled circle and gently press the edges together to seal them.
7. Crimp the Edges:
Use a fork to crimp the edges all around each pie. This will secure the filling inside and make them look pretty too!
8. Prepare for Baking:
Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden shine when baked. If you’d like, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for a sweet sparkle!
9. Bake the Pies:
Arrange the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once they are 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 with friends and family!
These festive Jack O Lantern Hand Pies make a delightful seasonal treat with a buttery flaky crust and a cozy spiced apple filling. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Fruits for the Filling?
Absolutely! While apples are classic, you can use pears, peaches, or even a mixed berry filling. Just make sure the fruit is firm enough to hold up during baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to get the crust crispy again!
Can I Make These Pies Vegan?
Yes! You can use a vegan pie crust and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and a little maple syrup for a golden finish. The filling is naturally vegan as well!
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickener. Just use about 2 tablespoons of flour instead of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. It will work equally well to thicken the apple filling.
