These Jack O Lantern Hand Pies are perfect little treats for Halloween! With a flaky crust filled with sweet pumpkin filling, they’re both cute and tasty.
These pies are fun to make with kids, and they disappear quickly! I love packing them in lunchboxes or serving them at parties—everyone loves a tasty pumpkin surprise! 🎃
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: I like using refrigerated pie crust for convenience, but homemade dough can take these hand pies to the next level! You could also use a gluten-free pie crust if needed.
Pumpkin Filling: You can use canned pumpkin pie filling for ease. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade spiced pumpkin puree works great too. Just blend cooked pumpkin with sugar and spices!
Spices: This recipe includes nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. If you’re out of any, you can substitute with pumpkin pie spice for a similar taste. I often use this shortcut to save time!
Egg Wash: The egg wash adds a lovely shine to the pies. If you want a vegan option, simply use almond milk or any plant-based milk with a little bit of cornstarch mixed in instead.
How Can You Make Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Faces?
Creating fun jack-o-lantern faces can be a little tricky, but here are some easy tips! Use a small knife or pumpkin-shaped cutters for clean shapes.
- Make simple shapes: triangles for eyes and a jagged mouth work best.
- Don’t cut too deep; you want the top half to sit securely on the filling.
- Practice makes perfect! Cut extra shapes out of scrap dough if needed.
Jack O Lantern Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Dough:
- 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust (or homemade pie dough)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin pie filling or spiced pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken filling)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
For the Topping:
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a few moments mixing the filling and cutting out the pie shapes, making it easier to whip these up for parties or even just a fun family treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help your pies bake evenly and not stick to the pan.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine your pumpkin pie filling, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and flour. Stir everything together until you have a nice, smooth mixture. The flour helps thicken the filling a bit so it doesn’t ooze out too much during baking.
3. Cut Out Your Pie Dough Shapes:
On a lightly floured surface, unroll your pie crust sheets. Using a pumpkin-shaped cutter (or any round cutter with a small stem shape), cut out the same number of “top” and “bottom” pieces. Aim for about 8-10 pairs, depending on how large you want your hand pies to be.
4. Assemble the Bottoms:
Place the bottom halves onto your baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin filling into the center of each bottom piece, making sure to leave space around the edges. This will help in sealing the pies later.
5. Create Jack-o-Lantern Faces:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take your top halves and cut out fun jack-o-lantern faces. Use a small knife or pumpkin-shaped cutters to create adorable eyes, a nose, and a smile! This way, your filling can peek through while they bake.
6. Seal the Pies:
Lightly brush the edges of the bottom halves with water. Place the top halves right on top of the filled bottoms and press the edges firmly together with a fork. This sealing step is crucial to keep all that delicious filling inside!
7. Egg Wash Time:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this wash over the tops of your hand pies—this will give them a lovely golden color when baked!
8. Sprinkle & Bake:
If you want a little sparkle, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top of each pie. Then pop them into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crisp.
9. Cool & Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack for a bit before digging in. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature, perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Enjoy your festive Jack O Lantern Hand Pies—everyone will love these spooky treats! 🎃
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it before mixing it with the other ingredients. Just ensure to season it well with the spices and sugar, just like the canned version.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week or freezing them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven for the best texture!
What Can I Substitute for the Egg Wash?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use almond milk or any non-dairy milk mixed with a touch of cornstarch. This will help give your hand pies a nice sheen too!
Can I Use Different Fillings?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Apple pie filling, Nutella, or even cream cheese with cinnamon would make fantastic alternatives for these hand pies!