Jack-O’-Lantern Hand Pies 🎃 – A Spooktacular Halloween Dessert!

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and easy Halloween treat, Jack-O’-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect spooky dessert! These adorable pumpkin-shaped hand pies are flaky, golden brown, and filled with sweet pumpkin or fruit filling. Whether you’re baking with kids, throwing a Halloween party, or just getting in the fall spirit, these treats are a total crowd-pleaser.

They’re as fun to make as they are to eat. With a few store-bought ingredients and some creative carving, you can whip up a batch of Jack-O’-Lantern Hand Pies in no time. Bonus? They’re freezer-friendly and perfect for making ahead!

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🎃 Why You’ll Love These Jack-O’-Lantern Hand Pies

• Festive & fun: Shaped like mini pumpkins with cute (or creepy!) faces.
• Kid-friendly: Great for baking with little hands.
• Versatile filling: Choose pumpkin, apple, Nutella, or even marshmallow fluff.
• Portable: Great for school parties, fall bake sales, or Halloween movie nights.
• Make-ahead friendly: Bake and freeze to enjoy later.

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👻 Ingredients You’ll Need

These hand pies are easy to assemble with just a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pastry:

• 2 packages refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk or water

For the Filling (choose one):

Option 1: Pumpkin Pie Filling

• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Option 2: Apple Filling

• ½ cup apple pie filling, chopped finely
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

Option 3: Nutella or Chocolate Spread

• ½ cup Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread

Optional:

• Coarse sugar for sprinkling
• Cinnamon sugar for a sweet crust

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🧁 Equipment Needed

• Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter (about 3–4 inches wide)
• Small paring knife or X-Acto knife (to carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

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📝 How to Make Jack-O’-Lantern Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Make the Filling

If using pumpkin:

• Mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla in a small bowl. Set aside.

If using apple or Nutella:

• Prepare as-is or chop apple filling finely for even distribution.

Step 3: Cut Out the Pumpkins

• Roll out the pie dough slightly on a floured surface.
• Use the pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out an even number of shapes (you’ll need two for each hand pie).
• Use a small knife to cut Jack-O’-Lantern faces into half of the cutouts (these will be the tops).

Step 4: Fill the Hand Pies

• Place the solid (uncarved) pumpkins on the baking sheet.
• Add about 1–2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each.
• Brush the edges with egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tablespoon water or milk).
• Carefully place the Jack-O’-Lantern face tops over each filled bottom.
• Press edges gently to seal, then crimp with a fork.

Step 5: Bake

• Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar if desired.
• Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

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🧡 Customization Ideas

Want to get creative? These hand pies are super adaptable.

🎃 Different Fillings

• Cherry, raspberry, or blueberry pie filling
• Cinnamon cream cheese
• Salted caramel & apple
• Mini marshmallows + chocolate chips

👀 Face Designs

• Try silly, spooky, or goofy faces.
• Use a toothpick or small cookie cutter for precision.
• Let kids create their own designs for added fun.

🍫 Add a Glaze

• Mix powdered sugar with milk and drizzle for sweetness.
• Add orange food coloring for a Halloween vibe.

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🥣 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Storing

• Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a crisp crust.

Freezing

• Freeze before or after baking:
  • Before baking: Assemble and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.
  • After baking: Let cool completely and freeze. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed.

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🎃 Perfect for Halloween Celebrations

Jack-O’-Lantern Hand Pies are ideal for:

• Halloween parties
• Trick-or-treat night treats
• School snacks
• Baking with kids
• Fall-themed brunches

Serve them on a platter with candy corn, gummy worms, or pumpkin-themed napkins for an unforgettable spooky display.

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📊 Nutrition Information (Per Hand Pie, approx.)

• Calories: 180–220
• Carbs: 22g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 2g

(Varies by filling and crust type

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📌 Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overfill! Too much filling will leak out.
• Chill the hand pies before baking for a cleaner edge and design.
• Brush with egg wash for golden brown color.
• Use a thin, sharp knife for carving detailed faces.

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🙋‍♀️ FAQs

Can I make these hand pies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure your fillings are gluten-free too.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

Absolutely! Puff pastry gives a flakier, buttery finish. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.

Can I make these savory?

Yes! Fill with mashed sweet potatoes, cheese, or spinach and feta for a savory Jack-O’-Lantern pie!

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Jack-O’-Lantern Hand Pies – A Halloween Family Favorite

These festive, flaky hand pies are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pack them in Halloween lunchboxes, they bring spooky sweetness to every bite.

So grab your cookie cutter, gather the kids, and get creative in the kitchen—because Halloween baking just got a lot more fun (and delicious)!

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