Halloween Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that’s easy to make yet irresistibly delicious, let me introduce you to this Halloween Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe. Trust me, these little pockets of pumpkin spice goodness are fan-freaking-tastic – perfect for sharing with friends, handing out at parties, or just indulging in a cozy night at home. I’ve tried plenty of pumpkin desserts, but these hand pies hold a special spot in my autumn recipe book. Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find pantry staples for minimal prep time.
- Perfectly Portable: Hand pies are grab-and-go, making them great for parties or snacks.
- Fun & Festive Design: The Jack O’ Lantern faces add that perfect Halloween vibe without much fuss.
- Flexible Baking Options: You can bake them in the oven or pop them in the air fryer for faster results.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Choosing the right ingredients is half the battle won for these Halloween Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe. The refrigerated pie crust keeps things effortless, and the pumpkin pie mix brings in all those cozy fall flavors balanced just right. Read on for my little tips about each ingredient!
- Refrigerated pie crust: Ready-made crust saves you the fuss, and keeps the pies flaky and tender.
- Pumpkin pie mix: Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s packed with pumpkin puree and spices for that classic autumn taste.
- Egg wash: A simple egg beaten with water or milk gives these pies that gorgeous golden sheen and helps seal the edges.
- Optional cinnamon sugar: Adds a sweet, spicy finishing touch—sprinkle just before or after baking for a crowd-pleaser.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Halloween Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I often switch up the shapes or add a personal twist — and you can too! Don’t be shy about playing around with fillings or toppings to suit your tastes.
- Variation: I once swapped pumpkin pie mix for apple cinnamon filling and it turned out just as delightful; the hand pies are so versatile.
- Dietary tweak: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive friends—just watch your baking times.
- Extra spice: For a bolder kick, sprinkle a bit more cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg to your pumpkin mix.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Halloween Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Get Ready to Cut
Start by preheating your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. I like to keep my second pie crust chilled while I work with the first one—that helps it stay firm and easier to cut out those cute pumpkin shapes. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, no worries! A cardboard template works just as well, and I’ve included tips on how to make one down below.
Step 2: Cut and Fill Your Pumpkins
Gently unroll one pie crust on your lined surface and cut out eight pumpkin shapes. I usually fill four of them with about 2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie mix—leaving a good ⅓-inch border for sealing is key here. Brush that border with egg wash; this little trick prevents filling from sneaking out during baking.
Step 3: Top and Decorate
Now for the fun part! You can carve little Jack O’ Lantern faces into the remaining four pumpkins or opt for simple vertical slits that mimic the natural ridges of a pumpkin—both let steam escape so your pies bake perfectly. Once topped, press the edges together with a fork to crimp them nicely, then brush the tops with egg wash for that golden finish.
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Pop your hand pies in the oven at 400 °F (200 °C) for 16 to 19 minutes until they’re golden brown, or use the air fryer at 350 °F (180 °C) for 13 to 16 minutes. Side note: I love how the air fryer crisps them up faster and almost evenly every time, but the oven is best if you’re making a big batch at once.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Keep Dough Cold: I always chill the pie dough before cutting to get cleaner edges and prevent sticking.
- Seal Well: Brushing egg wash on the edges before sealing keeps those pies beautifully intact and mess-free.
- Carve Carefully: Using a small sharp knife or mini cutters for the faces helps your pies look festive without tearing the dough.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause leaks; stick to about 2 tablespoons for best results.
How to Serve Halloween Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top right after baking—it melts slightly into the warm crust and adds a lovely sparkle and extra warmth. Sometimes a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is all you need to elevate these hand pies into pure fall magic.
Side Dishes
Pairing these hand pies with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or a creamy chai latte makes a lovely autumnal snack or dessert. For a Halloween party, they go great alongside a cheese platter with nuts and fruit for a sweet and savory balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, I sometimes arrange the pies on a platter decorated with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins. You can also serve them in cute Halloween-themed paper cups or stack them in a tiered dessert stand for a fun party centerpiece. If you have little ones, letting them help carve faces on the pies is a memorable way to add joy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, I store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 4 days. When I make a big batch, this is a lifesaver for snacking throughout the week without losing that fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these before, both before and after baking. If freezing raw pies, freeze them on a tray first and then transfer to a sealed bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Baked pies freeze well too; I wrap them individually to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
To keep these hand pies tasting freshly baked, I reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat, around 300 °F (150 °C), for 8-10 minutes. It brings back that crisp crust and warm filling better than a microwave, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make these Halloween Pumpkin Hand Pies without a cookie cutter?
Absolutely! You can create a simple cardboard template to cut out pumpkin shapes. Just draw your pumpkin silhouette on sturdy cardboard, cut it out, then use it as a stencil on the dough. With a sharp knife, carefully cut around the template for cute, customized pies.
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What can I substitute for the pumpkin pie mix?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie mix, you can make a quick filling by combining canned pumpkin puree with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. I often mix it with a little cream or evaporated milk to mimic the creamy texture of the mix.
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Can I prepare these hand pies in advance?
Yes! You can assemble them ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking, or freeze them as described above. This is perfect for busy days when you want fresh-baked pies without the same day effort.
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How do I prevent the pumpkin filling from leaking?
Keep the filling amount moderate—about 2 tablespoons per pie is ideal. Brushing the edges with egg wash before sealing creates a better glue between dough layers. Also, make sure the edges are pressed firmly with a fork to secure the pies well.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe has brought so much warmth and fun to my fall celebrations, and I’m confident it will in yours too. There’s something magical about bit-sized pumpkin treats that just feel like a cozy hug on a crisp autumn day. Whether you’re making them to impress at a party or just craving a sweet seasonal snack, these hand pies won’t disappoint. So grab your rolling pin and pumpkin cutter—or your trusty template—and make some magic happen in your kitchen! I’d love to hear how your pies turn out.
PrintHalloween Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Halloween Pumpkin Hand Pies featuring flaky pie crust filled with spiced pumpkin pie mix, perfect for festive snacks or desserts. These handheld treats are ideal for sharing and can be baked or air fried for convenience.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 2-count package refrigerated pie crust
Filling
- 1 cup pumpkin pie mix
Egg Wash
- 1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water or milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Cut Out Pumpkin Shapes: Unroll the first sheet of pie crust onto parchment paper. Cut out 8 pumpkin shapes using a 4-inch pumpkin cookie cutter or a 4×3.5-inch cardboard template. Keep the second dough sheet refrigerated.
- Fill the Pies: Place about 2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie mix in the center of four pumpkin cutouts. Leave a ⅓-inch border around the edges. Brush egg wash on the edges to help seal the pies.
- Create Pie Tops: On the remaining four pumpkin cutouts, carve Jack O’ Lantern faces or make 4 vertical slits to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Assemble the Pies: Place the pie tops onto the filled bottoms, align the edges, and crimp them with a fork. Brush the remaining egg wash over the tops for a glossy finish.
- Repeat Assembly: Repeat filling, topping, sealing, and brushing steps with the second sheet of dough.
- Bake in Oven: Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 400 °F (200 °C) for 19 minutes or until golden to dark brown according to preference.
- Air Fry Option: Alternatively, air fry 4 hand pies at 350 °F (180 °C) for 16 minutes until golden brown. Air fry the second batch which will cook faster.
Notes
- Use a 4-inch wide by 3.5-inch tall cardboard template or a pumpkin cookie cutter to cut perfect pie shapes.
- Keep the pie dough chilled to make carving Jack O’ Lantern faces easier. Mini cookie cutters or a small knife can be used for creative designs.
- Optional cinnamon sugar topping: mix 1 tablespoon cinnamon with 4 tablespoons baker’s sugar and sprinkle before baking or serving for added sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in a toaster oven for best taste.
- You can reroll dough scraps to make a few extra pies if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg