Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These hand pies are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with the warm spiced pumpkin filling inside a crispy, buttery crust. The jack-o-lantern faces add a fun, gothic touch that makes them perfect for Halloween. Plus, these hand pies are easy to make and customizable, allowing you to switch up the filling with apple cinnamon, Nutella-banana, or even cream cheese for a delightful variety of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Hand Pies:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Maple syrup drizzle for topping

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spooky Good: Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies for Your Gothic Halloween Feast

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract (if using). Set aside.

3. Cut Out the Pie Shapes

Roll out the pie crusts and use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Make sure you have an even number of cutouts for the top and bottom.

4. Carve the Jack-O-Lantern Faces

On half of the pumpkin cutouts, carefully carve jack-o-lantern faces using a small knife.

5. Assemble the Hand Pies

Place about a tablespoon of the pumpkin filling onto the plain pumpkin-shaped cutouts.
Top each filled pie with a carved jack-o-lantern cutout. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.

6. Brush with Egg Wash and Sugar

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over the top of each hand pie.
Sprinkle the pies with a little granulated sugar for a sweet, golden finish.

7. Bake the Hand Pies

Bake the pies for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 hand pies

Variations

Flavor Variations: You can make these hand pies with other fun fillings like apple cinnamon, Nutella-banana, or even a sweet cream cheese filling.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the pumpkin filling for a subtle spicy kick.
Vegan Version: Swap the egg wash for a non-dairy milk and use a dairy-free pie crust to make these hand pies vegan.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the hand pies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-8 minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the unbaked hand pies and refrigerate them for up to 1 day or freeze them for up to 1 month. Just bake them when you’re ready!

2. How do I keep the filling from leaking out while baking?

To avoid leakage, only use about a tablespoon of filling per pie, and be sure to seal the edges tightly with a fork.

3. Can I use a different type of filling?

Yes, you can get creative with fillings! Try apple cinnamon, Nutella-banana, or even a cream cheese filling for a different spin.

4. Can I make the crust from scratch?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade crust, feel free to use your favorite pie crust recipe instead of store-bought.

5. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, roll it out, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.

6. Can I use a different shape for the pies?

While pumpkin-shaped cutouts are festive for Halloween, you can use any shape of your choice, such as round or square.

7. What can I serve with these hand pies?

Serve these hand pies with a hot cup of cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect Halloween dessert!

Conclusion

These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect Halloween treat for your spooky season celebrations. With a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, spiced pumpkin filling, these pies are a fun and delicious addition to any Halloween party or fall gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends, family, or on your own, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a little extra Halloween magic to your day.

Spooky Good: Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies for Your Gothic Halloween Feast

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These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the ultimate spooky treat, with a buttery crust, spiced pumpkin filling, and fun jack-o-lantern faces. Perfect for Halloween parties, casual get-togethers, or a spooky-themed feast.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 hand pies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract (if using). Set aside.
Cut Out the Pie Shapes: Roll out the pie crusts and use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Make sure you have an even number of cutouts for the top and bottom.
Carve the Jack-O-Lantern Faces: On half of the pumpkin cutouts, carefully carve jack-o-lantern faces using a small knife.
Assemble the Hand Pies: Place about a tablespoon of the pumpkin filling onto the plain pumpkin-shaped cutouts. Top each filled pie with a carved jack-o-lantern cutout. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
Brush with Egg Wash and Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over the top of each hand pie. Sprinkle the pies with a little granulated sugar for a sweet, golden finish.
Bake the Hand Pies: Bake the pies for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.