If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to celebrate Halloween, these Easy Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies are just what you need! These adorable hand pies are filled with a delicious pumpkin filling and decorated to look like cheerful jack-o’-lanterns. They’re perfect for Halloween parties, family gatherings, or just to enjoy at home while getting into the spooky spirit!

What makes these hand pies so special is their flaky, buttery crust and the delightful pumpkin spice filling. With their playful jack-o’-lantern faces, they add a festive touch to any Halloween celebration. Get ready to indulge in these charming Easy Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies!

These Easy Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies are made with a buttery crust filled with a sweet pumpkin filling, decorated to resemble cheerful jack-o’-lanterns. Ready in about 1 hour, these treats are perfect for Halloween and will delight everyone!

With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up these festive hand pies in no time. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!

Exciting Story:

The first time I made Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies, it was a chilly October afternoon, and I wanted to create something special for my family to enjoy while we decorated for Halloween. I thought about how much we love pumpkin treats and decided to make these fun hand pies. As I prepared the dough and pumpkin filling, the warm spices filled my kitchen, instantly putting us in the Halloween spirit!

Once the hand pies were baked and cooled, I couldn’t wait to show them off. The adorable jack-o’-lantern faces brought smiles to my family’s faces, and the first bite was pure bliss—the flaky crust combined with the sweet pumpkin filling was simply delightful. These Easy Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies have since become a beloved tradition in our home, adding sweetness and joy to our Halloween festivities!

Why This Easy Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies?

• Festively Fun: The playful jack-o’-lantern design makes these hand pies a hit at any Halloween gathering.
• Deliciously Pumpkiny: The sweet pumpkin filling with warm spices is irresistible.
• Simple to Make: This recipe can be prepared in about 1 hour, making it great for busy bakers!

How to Make Easy Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies

1. Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
5. Fill the Hand Pies: Place a tablespoon of pumpkin filling in the center of half of the circles. Brush the edges with egg wash, then top with another circle of dough. Press the edges to seal and use a fork to crimp them for a decorative touch.
6. Create Jack O’ Lantern Faces: Use a small knife to cut out jack-o’-lantern faces on the top crusts, allowing steam to escape during baking. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden color.
7. Bake: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your adorable Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies at your Halloween gathering!

Tips For Easy Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies

• Chill the Dough: Keeping the dough cold will help create a flaky crust.
• Get Creative: Encourage everyone to design their jack-o’-lantern faces with different shapes!

Substitutions and Variations

• Different Fillings: You can use apple or pecan filling for a twist on the traditional pumpkin flavor.
• Add Spices: Experiment with different spices like allspice or cloves for added flavor.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use whole wheat flour for the crust for added fiber.
• Substitute some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Closing For Easy Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies

And there you have it! These Easy Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies are a delightful treat that will bring joy to anyone who tries them. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful desserts!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies

How long can I store these hand pies?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the hand pies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked hand pies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What can I use instead of canned pumpkin puree?
You can use homemade pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potatoes.

Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! Pre-made pie crust or puff pastry can save time.

How do I know when the hand pies are done baking?
They should be golden brown and firm to the touch.

What if I want to add chocolate chips?
You can fold in mini chocolate chips into the pumpkin filling for extra sweetness.

Can I make these hand pies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour for the crust.

How can I make the pies more festive?
Decorate with Halloween-themed sprinkles or icing!

What if I want to make mini hand pies?
Use a smaller cutter to create mini versions of the hand pies.

Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to the filling.

What’s the best way to serve these hand pies?
Serve them warm or at room temperature with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert!

Can I use fresh pumpkin?
Yes, just make sure to cook and puree it before adding to the filling.

Easy Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Halloween

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

• For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

Directions

• Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Prepare the Pumpkin Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
• Fill the Hand Pies: Place a tablespoon of pumpkin filling in the center of half of the circles. Brush the edges with egg wash, then top with another circle of dough. Press the edges to seal and use a fork to crimp them for a decorative touch.
• Create Jack O’ Lantern Faces: Use a small knife to cut out jack-o’-lantern faces on the top crusts, allowing steam to escape during baking. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden color.
• Bake: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your adorable Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies at your Halloween gathering!