Why Make This Recipe
Spooky Jack O’ Lantern Hand Pies are a fun and festive way to celebrate the Halloween season. Not only are they adorable, but they also taste delicious with a sweet pumpkin filling. These hand pies are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them a great treat for parties, gatherings, or just for fun. Plus, they are easy to make and bring a little creativity to your kitchen!
How to Make Spooky Jack O’ Lantern Hand Pies
Ingredients:
- 2 pie crusts
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse sugar
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt to create the filling.
- Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut pumpkin shapes from the pie crust.
- Carve jack-o’-lantern faces into half of the pumpkin-shaped crusts.
- Spoon the pumpkin filling onto the bottom shapes, then cover with the faces and seal the edges.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sweet crunch.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these festive treats!
How to Serve Spooky Jack O’ Lantern Hand Pies
Spooky Jack O’ Lantern Hand Pies are best served warm. You can set them out on a festive plate or tray for a Halloween party, or simply enjoy them as a delicious snack with a cup of hot apple cider. For added fun, you can provide some whipped cream for dipping!
How to Store Spooky Jack O’ Lantern Hand Pies
To store any leftover Spooky Jack O’ Lantern Hand Pies, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Spooky Jack O’ Lantern Hand Pies
- Use pre-made pie crusts to save time, or make your own if you prefer.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the pumpkin filling.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the pies well to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- You can customize the shapes and designs on the pies to create your own unique jack-o’-lantern faces!
Variation
Feel free to modify the filling by adding chocolate chips or nuts to change things up. You can also use sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin puree for a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it until smooth before using.
2. How do I know when the hand pies are done baking?
The hand pies are done when they are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary.
3. Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hand pies a day in advance and bake them right before serving for warm, fresh treats.
Spooky Jack O’ Lantern Hand Pies
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive hand pies filled with sweet pumpkin filling, perfect for Halloween parties.
Ingredients
- 2 pie crusts
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt to create the filling.
- Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut pumpkin shapes from the pie crust.
- Carve jack-o’-lantern faces into half of the pumpkin-shaped crusts.
- Spoon the pumpkin filling onto the bottom shapes, then cover with the faces and seal the edges.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sweet crunch.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with whipped cream for dipping and can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American