As I sift through my pantry, the thrill of anticipation hits me—Halloween is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to whip up some spooky delights! These Halloween Hand Pies are a delicious way to celebrate this festive season, featuring enchanting flavors like sweet blueberry ghosts, spiced pumpkin jack-o’-lanterns, and tart cherry mummies. What I love most is that they’re not just adorable treats bursting with seasonal goodness; they’re also quick to prepare and a fun bonding activity for the whole family. Whether you’re entertaining trick-or-treaters or hosting a cozy movie night, these charming hand pies will steal the show. Ready to fill your kitchen with the magic of Halloween? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe! Why Are Halloween Hand Pies So Irresistible? Fun for All Ages: These hand pies are perfect for the whole family to get involved in the kitchen, making memories while shaping their favorite spooky figures. Customizable Fillings: Whether you prefer sweet blueberry, spiced pumpkin, or tart cherry, these hand pies can easily cater to everyone’s taste buds. Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a festive treat ready in no time—ideal for last-minute Halloween gatherings! Mouthwatering Flavors: The combination of flaky pastry with delightful fillings creates a satisfying bite that leaves everyone craving more. Pair them with a warm cup of cider for the ultimate festive experience, similar to my Apple Hand Pies. Visually Appealing: Their spooky designs will be a hit at your Halloween party, making them a centerpiece that draws everyone in. Don’t forget to check out different shapes and variations to keep things exciting! Halloween Hand Pie Ingredients For the Pie Crusts • Pie Crusts – Use homemade or store-bought for a quick and flaky base that holds all that yumminess inside. For the Pumpkin Filling • Pumpkin Puree – Adds luscious moisture and rich flavor; opt for pure and unsweetened for the best results. • Brown Sugar – Sweetens your filling beautifully; substitute with coconut sugar if you want a healthier twist. • Pumpkin Pie Spice – Brings those cozy fall flavors; a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can step in if you’re out. • Ground Cinnamon – Intensifies the warmth and depth in your pumpkin filling. • Egg – Helps bind everything together; you’ll need one yolk for the filling and the white for brushing. For the Cherry & Blueberry Fillings • Cherry Pie Filling – Tart and sweet, this adds an exciting contrast in your mummy hand pies; homemade gives you more control over the flavor. • Blueberry Pie Filling – Sweet and fruity, perfect for your ghostly creations. For the Glaze • Powdered Sugar – Finishes off your pies with a sweet, glossy coating. • Heavy Whipping Cream – Creates a rich, luscious glaze that sets beautifully; steer clear of milk for the best texture. Whether you’re making spooky pumpkin jack-o’-lanterns or cute blueberry ghosts, these Halloween Hand Pie ingredients will ensure your treats are festive and delicious. Enjoy crafting these delightful pastries! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Halloween Hand Pies Step 1: Prepare Pumpkin Filling In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and the egg yolk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully blended, creating a rich, spiced filling. Set this delicious pumpkin filling aside while you roll out your pie crusts. Step 2: Roll Out Dough On a lightly floured surface, roll out two pie crusts to a thickness of ⅛ to ¼ inch. Using cookie cutters, cut out fun shapes like pumpkins, ghosts, and mummies to give your Halloween Hand Pies a festive flair. Lay the shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets for easy assembly. Step 3: Assemble Pies Once your shapes are ready, take half of them and place a dollop of the prepared fillings in the center. Leave enough space at the edges to seal the pies. Top with the remaining shapes and gently crimp the edges with a fork to secure the delicious fillings inside, ensuring no gooey goodness escapes during baking. Step 4: Add Bandages for Mummies For the mummy hand pies, take some leftover dough and cut it into thin strips to mimic bandages. Lay these strips over the filled mummies in a crisscross pattern, ensuring that some of the filling peeks through for that authentic spooky look. Step 5: Chill Carefully place the assembled hand pies in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This chilling step helps the dough firm up, ensuring that your delightful Halloween Hand Pies hold their shape and prevent shrinkage during baking. Step 6: Bake Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the pies with the reserved egg white for a glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-25 minutes until the crusts turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your dough type. Step 7: Glaze Once your Halloween Hand Pies are out of the oven and cooled slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Drizzle or brush the glaze over the warm pies to create a sweet and glossy finish, enhancing their festive charm just before serving. Expert Tips for Halloween Hand Pies Always Chill Dough: Working with cold pie dough is essential for achieving that flaky texture, so don’t skip the chilling step! Secure the Edges: Make sure to crimp the edges well to avoid leakage. Sealing the pies tightly keeps all that yummy filling inside. Use Quality Fillings: Opt for pure fruit fillings, like homemade cherry or blueberry, for better flavor. It makes a noticeable difference in your Halloween Hand Pies! Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overload your pies with filling; a spoonful is enough. Too much filling can cause them to burst during baking. Watch the Bake Time: Since baking times vary by dough type, keep an eye on your pies to ensure they’re perfectly golden brown, not burnt! Make Ahead Options These Halloween Hand Pies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time while still creating a delicious treat! You can prepare the pie crusts and fillings up to 24 hours in advance. Simply roll out the dough and cut your shapes, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the fillings, mix the pumpkin and set it aside in a sealed container (to prevent browning). When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the hand pies and bake them according to the recipe. This way, you’ll have fresh, warm Halloween Hand Pies that are just as delightful, all with minimal last-minute effort! Halloween Hand Pies: Customizable Delights Get creative with these festive hand pies by personalizing their flavors and designs to suit your taste! Savory Twist: Swap sweet fillings for savory options like a chicken and vegetable mix. Perfect for a cozy dinner vibe! Seasonal Fruits: Replace pumpkin with fresh apple or pear fillings for a delightful fall twist; think of it as a crowd-pleasing variation. Chocolate Surprise: Mix in chocolate chips with berry fillings for a sweet and decadent addition that’s sure to please the chocolate lovers. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to your pumpkin filling for a sweet and spicy combination that excites the palate. Gluten-Free Option: Utilize gluten-free pie crusts for a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary needs. Mini Bites: Create miniature hand pies using smaller cutters for bite-sized treats that are excellent for parties or lunchboxes—fun for kids! Shapes Galore: Instead of classic shapes, use cookie cutters to craft bats, spiders, or any spooky character for an extra festive touch that kids will love! Sweet Glaze Alternatives: Use a maple syrup glaze instead of powdered sugar for a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with all fillings. These variations not only enhance our festive Apple Hand Pies but also invite warmth and joy into every bite as we embark on our Halloween celebrations! Storage Tips for Halloween Hand Pies Room Temperature: Store baked Halloween Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delicious flaky texture. Refrigerator: For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to 9 days. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent absorbing odors. Freezer: Unbaked Halloween Hand Pies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheating: To enjoy baked pies from the fridge, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they stay crispy and delightful! What to Serve with Halloween Hand Pies Elevate your spooky celebration with delightful accompaniments that perfectly enhance the flavors of these festive treats. Spiced Apple Cider: Infused with cinnamon and cloves, this warm drink adds a cozy touch, complementing the spices in your hand pies beautifully. Caramel Dipping Sauce: A rich and creamy sauce for dipping brings a sweet contrast to the tartness of the blueberry and cherry fillings. Perfect for a dessert experience! Pumpkin Soup: This velvety soup echoes the silky pumpkin filling, creating a comforting, seasonal connection that feels like a warm embrace. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of homemade whipped cream pairs wonderfully with both sweet fillings and adds a touch of elegance to your serving platter. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic and beloved, these chewy cookies offer a different texture and flavor that will delight guests while remaining in the festive spirit. Ginger Snap Cookies: Their spicy crunch harmonizes with the flavors of fall and adds another layer of warmth, perfect for sharing alongside your hand pies. Mixed Berry Salad: A fresh and vibrant side, this salad features seasonal berries that balance out the richness of the hand pies while bringing color to your presentation. Festive Punch: A bubbling punch with fruit slices and spices will keep the energy lively, setting the mood for a fun-filled Halloween gathering where treats and tricks abound! Halloween Hand Pies Recipe FAQs What kind of pumpkin puree should I use for the pumpkin filling? It’s best to use pure and unsweetened pumpkin puree for the filling in your Halloween Hand Pies. This will give you the most authentic flavor and richness. Avoid any pumpkin pie filling that comes pre-sweetened or spiced, as these can throw off the balance of your recipe. How should I store leftover Halloween Hand Pies? Store your baked Halloween Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 9 days. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid any unwanted odors. Can I freeze unbaked Halloween Hand Pies? Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked Halloween Hand Pies for up to 3 months. To do this, assemble the pies as directed but before the chilling step, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them individually until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. What do I do if my pie crust shrinks during baking? If your crust is shrinking, it’s likely due to the dough being too warm before baking. To prevent this, make sure that you chill the assembled hand pies for about 10 minutes before baking. Additionally, handling the dough as little as possible and ensuring that it’s rolled out to the correct thickness can help maintain its shape. Are these Halloween Hand Pies safe for pets? While the fillings like pumpkin, blueberries, and cherries are generally safe for dogs in small amounts, it’s best to avoid giving them pie crust, as it may contain ingredients like butter and salt that aren’t suitable for pets. Always consult with your veterinarian before sharing any human food with your furry friends. How can I ensure a shiny glaze on my Halloween Hand Pies? To achieve a glossy glaze, mix powdered sugar with heavy whipping cream until smooth and drizzle or brush it over the warm pie immediately after they come out of the oven. This not only adds a beautiful finish but also enhances the sweetness and flavor of your Halloween Hand Pies! Delicious Halloween Hand Pies: Spooky Treats for Everyone These Halloween Hand Pies are a delightful and quick way to enjoy spooky flavors like blueberry, pumpkin, and cherry. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsChilling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 12 piesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pie Crusts2 crusts Pie Crusts homemade or store-boughtFor the Pumpkin Filling1 cup Pumpkin Puree pure and unsweetened1/2 cup Brown Sugar substitute with coconut sugar if desired1 tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice or a cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger mix1 tsp Ground Cinnamon1 large Egg 1 yolk for filling and white for brushingFor the Cherry & Blueberry Fillings1 cup Cherry Pie Filling homemade or store-bought1 cup Blueberry Pie Filling homemade or store-boughtFor the Glaze1 cup Powdered Sugar1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream avoid milk for best texture Equipment Mixing bowlRolling Pincookie cuttersBaking Sheetswhisk Method Prepare Pumpkin FillingIn a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and the egg yolk. Stir until smooth.Roll Out DoughRoll out the pie crusts to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.Assemble PiesPlace filling on half of the shapes, leaving space at the edges. Top with remaining shapes and crimp edges.Add Bandages for MummiesCut leftover dough into strips and lay over filled mummies in a crisscross pattern.ChillPlace assembled pies in the freezer for about 10 minutes.BakePreheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush with egg white and bake for 15-25 minutes until golden brown.GlazeWhisk together powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Drizzle over warm pies. Nutrition Serving: 1pieCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesAlways chill dough for best results. Use quality fillings and don’t overfill your pies. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
