As the leaves change and the air becomes crisp, excitement for Halloween begins to build, along with the anticipation for treats that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Introducing Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies—a whimsical and delicious homage to the season’s festivities.
These hand pies blend the warm flavors of autumn with the spirit of Halloween, making them an ideal treat for parties, family get-togethers, or cozy nights at home. The joy of making these pies, adorned with their cheerful, spooky faces, adds an extra layer of fun to your Halloween preparations, transforming baking into a delightful event for everyone to enjoy.
The Magic of Seasonal Baking
Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies capture the essence of fall with their rich pumpkin filling and a fragrant mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Baking these pies has become as much a part of Halloween tradition as pumpkin carving or decorating the home.
Each pie crust is meticulously cut and shaped into little edible lanterns that are sure to spark the imagination of both children and adults. Not only are these pies a joy to prepare, but they also fill the kitchen with the inviting aromas of autumn spices. Let’s dive in and create these delightful treats that are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets of refrigerated pie crust
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
- A small amount of chocolate chips or raisins (for facial features)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until fully blended.
Roll out the pie crusts on a flat surface. Use a 4-inch cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Arrange half of these circles on the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the pumpkin mixture onto the center of each circle, leaving enough space around the edges to seal the pies.
Use a paring knife to carefully cut jack-o-lantern faces into the remaining dough circles, allowing for creativity with different expressions.
Place the cut-out circles over the pumpkin-filled bases and press the edges with a fork to seal them, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking.
Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden color as they bake.
Optionally, place chocolate chips or raisins in the eyes and mouth of the jack-o-lanterns for added detail.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and crisp.
Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
