Jack O Lantern Hand Pies are cute little treats perfect for fall! They’re made with flaky pastry and filled with sweet pumpkin goodness, making them a delightful snack.
You can’t help but smile when you see those happy faces! I love packing these in lunchboxes or serving them at parties—everyone loves the fun shape and tasty filling!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crusts: Refrigerated pie crusts make this recipe super easy, but you can use homemade pie crust if you prefer. A flaky, buttery crust enhances the flavor. If you’re gluten-free, consider using gluten-free pie crusts available at most grocery stores.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is convenient, but you can use fresh pumpkin if you have it. Just steam or bake the pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth. Make sure to drain excess moisture for a thicker filling!
Spices: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm fall flavor. If you’re short on some spices, you can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute. Just 1 teaspoon can replace all the individual spices!
Egg Wash: An egg wash gives a nice golden color on the crust. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, use milk or a non-dairy milk to brush the tops. This will still provide a nice finish!
How Do I Make Sure My Hand Pies Are Well-Sealed?
Sealing the edges of your hand pies is crucial for keeping the filling inside while baking. Here are steps to ensure a good seal:
- After placing the filling, wet the edges of the crust with a little water. This helps the top and bottom crust stick together.
- Carefully place the top crust over the filling. Align the edges properly to avoid gaps.
- Use a fork to gently press down around the edges. This not only seals the pies but also adds a decorative touch!
Being patient during this step helps avoid leaks of delicious pumpkin filling!
Jack O Lantern Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For The Crust:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- For The Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- For The Egg Wash:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 20-25 minutes to bake. After that, let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to enjoy these festive treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth. Set this delicious filling aside while you prepare the crust.
3. Roll Out the Crust:
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the refrigerated pie crusts. Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out an even number of rounds (about 8 to 10 will do). These will be the base for your hand pies!
4. Cut the Faces:
Take half of the round crusts and carefully cut out jack o lantern faces using a small knife or a pumpkin-shaped stencil. This will add fun and character to your pies!
5. Assemble the Pies:
On the remaining whole rounds, place about a tablespoon of the pumpkin filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill them! Next, lightly brush the edges of these rounds with water to help them seal better.
6. Create the Top Crust:
Place the cut-out face crusts on top of the filled rounds, aligning the edges. Press firmly around the edges with a fork to seal and create a lovely decorative edge.
7. Egg Wash and Sugar:
Place your adorable pies on the prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush it generously over the tops of the pies for a beautiful golden finish. If you like, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for extra crunch and sparkle!
8. Bake the Hand Pies:
Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the crusts are golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling a bit out of the face openings.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once golden and delightful, take the pies out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your festive, flaky, pumpkin-filled Jack O Lantern Hand Pies with family and friends!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Filling Instead of Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, you can use store-bought pumpkin pie filling, but be mindful that it’s usually sweeter and spiced. Adjust the sugar and spices in the recipe accordingly to taste, as the filling already contains flavoring.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness or microwave for a quick snack, though they’ll be softer.
Can I Freeze These Hand Pies?
Definitely! To freeze, place uncooked assembled hand pies on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I Make These Hand Pies Vegan?
Yes, you can make these vegan by using a plant-based pie crust and replacing the egg wash with almond or coconut milk for brushing on top. The pumpkin filling is already vegan, so you’re good to go!
