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Delicious spooky pumpkin hand pies ready for Halloween celebrations

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Deliciously flaky pastry filled with sweet, spiced apples and juicy blackberries, perfect for fall gatherings and Halloween celebrations.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 pieces
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the crust

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour The base of your flaky pie crust, which provides a lovely structure.
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Adds a hint of sweetness to the crust for balance.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances the flavor, making your crust irresistibly delicious.
  • 8 oz unsalted butter, diced and very cold The magic ingredient that brings richness and flakiness to the pastry.
  • 6-9 tablespoons ice water Helps bring the dough together without warming the butter.
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash) Gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color when baked.
  • 1/4 cup raw or turbinado sugar (for sprinkling) Adds a delightful crunch and shimmering finish.

For the apple filling

  • 2 large honey crisp apples, peeled and diced small Sweet and juicy, they provide a charming filling.
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter Adds flavor to your apple filling.
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey Infuses a depth of flavor that complements the apples (can be omitted).
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste For a warm, aromatic sweetness in the filling.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds comforting warmth and spice.
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar Introduces a rich sweetness to balance the tartness of the berries.

For the blackberry filling

  • 18 oz fresh blackberries Juicy and bursting with flavor, perfect for a tart filling.
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the blackberries to create a sauce-like filling.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract A classic flavor that pairs wonderfully with both apple and blackberry.

Instructions
 

Make the crust

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for about 15 seconds to blend.
  • Add the cold butter all at once and beat on low until the mixture resembles coarse sand, with pea-sized pieces of butter intact.
  • While the mixer is on low, add 6 tablespoons of ice water. Beat this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the dough begins to clump around the paddle and the sides of the bowl.
  • If the dough seems too dry, add more ice water, one teaspoon at a time, until it achieves the right texture.
  • Carefully tip the dough onto a lightly floured counter using a spatula and knead it swiftly into a rough ball.
  • Divide the dough in half and form each portion into a rough ball. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and flatten them into small discs.
  • Refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight if possible.

Make the apple filling

  • In a stainless steel sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it just begins to turn golden brown.
  • Add the diced apples and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Pour in the bourbon whiskey and continue cooking for another minute, allowing the apples to absorb the flavor.
  • Add the vanilla, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar, tossing to combine.
  • Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture reduces to a syrupy consistency, then allow it to cool to room temperature.

Make the blackberry filling

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Spread the blackberries evenly across the sheet and roast them in the oven for about 30 minutes.
  • Transfer them to a stainless steel pot, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and simmer over medium heat for around 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
  • Let this filling cool to room temperature.

Prep the pie dough

  • Remove the dough from the refrigerator and dust a clean work surface with flour.
  • Roll out the dough to about 1/8th inch thick.
  • Using a 4" pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many pieces as you can.
  • Arrange these pumpkin cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 20 minutes.
  • Using a sharp knife, carefully cut out jack-o-lantern faces on half of the pumpkin cutouts.

Assemble the pies

  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and prepare a new baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, lightly beat an egg for the egg wash.
  • Place the pumpkin pieces without faces onto the prepared tray.
  • Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons of either the apple or blackberry filling into the center of each cutout.
  • Brush the edges around the filling with the beaten egg.
  • Cover with a pumpkin cutout that has a face, lining up the edges carefully.
  • Using a fork, press down the edges to seal the filling inside.
  • Brush the tops with more egg wash, then sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a sweet crunch if desired.
  • Repeat with the remaining hand pies.
  • Bake for about 25 minutes until dark golden brown, then cool on a baking rack before serving.

Notes

Brushing cinnamon sugar on top before baking adds extra sweetness and flavor. If you find making the pie crust intimidating, pre-made pie dough can save time without sacrificing taste. Experiment with different fillings based on your family's favorite fruits.
Keyword Apple Recipes, Blackberry Recipes, Fall Treats, Halloween Desserts, Hand Pies