Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies
These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect mix of spooky and delicious, customizable with your favorite fillings and a fun activity for kids during Halloween.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour For the dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced Chilled for flaky dough
- 1/4 cup sugar For sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt To enhance flavors
- 1/4 cup cold water To bring the dough together
- 1 egg for egg wash Beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Filling Options
- 1 cup pumpkin filling or your favorite filling (chocolate, apple, etc.) Customize as per preference
- 1 tablespoon water For moistening the edges
Decorative Items
- to taste funny face stencils Optional for decorating
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly. Slowly add cold water until the dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough chills, prepare your filling. If using pumpkin filling, add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Dough and Assembly
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.
- Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of half the circles. Moisten the edges with water, cover with the other half, and seal tightly with a fork.
- Create a decorative design with the fork or use stencils for jack-o-lantern faces on top.
Baking
- Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the hand pies cool before serving, best enjoyed warm.
Notes
Chill the dough well for flakier pies. Get creative with fillings beyond pumpkin; think savory cheese and meat or sweet berries. Make sure to seal the pies well to keep the filling inside.