Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect blend of cute and spooky, making them an irresistible treat for Halloween gatherings. These handheld pastries are shaped like the iconic carved pumpkin face, filled with sweet pumpkin or fruity filling, and baked until golden and flaky.
They’re easy to customize with different fillings, fun for kids to help decorate, and perfect for serving at parties or packaging as festive gifts. Whether you make them with homemade dough or a store-bought shortcut, these pies are guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 cup pumpkin pie filling (or apple pie filling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling)
- Optional: cinnamon sugar for dusting
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface.
Step 2: Cut the Shapes
- Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of shapes. On half of them, cut out Jack-O-Lantern faces with a small knife.
Step 3: Add the Filling
- Place the uncut pumpkin shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Add a spoonful of filling to the center, leaving space around the edges.
Step 4: Seal the Pies
- Place the Jack-O-Lantern face cutouts over the filled bottoms. Press edges with a fork to seal.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
- Mix the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush over the tops, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Variation
- Apple Cinnamon: Swap pumpkin filling for apple pie filling with cinnamon.
- Savory Twist: Use cheese and seasoned mashed sweet potatoes for a non-sweet version.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fill with chocolate hazelnut spread.
Cooking Notes
- If using pumpkin puree, sweeten and season it before filling.
- Don’t overfill, as the pies can burst open while baking.
- A sharp paring knife works best for cutting the faces.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a side of vanilla ice cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Wrap in cellophane bags for trick-or-treat party favors.
Tips
- Chill the dough before cutting for cleaner edges.
- Use a piping bag for neat filling placement.
- Double the recipe if serving at a large event.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Pie – Approx.)
- Calories: ~190
- Protein: ~3g
- Sodium: ~140mg
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?
- Yes, freeze unbaked pies and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I use puff pastry instead?
- Absolutely, puff pastry will give a lighter, flakier texture.
What’s the best way to cut the faces?
- A small sharp knife or a craft knife works best for clean cuts.
Can I make them gluten-free?
- Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure the filling is gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are as fun to make as they are to eat. With their flaky crust, sweet filling, and playful pumpkin faces, they’re perfect for Halloween festivities. Customize them to suit your taste, and you’ll have a seasonal treat that’s both festive and delicious.