Mini Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies are a delightful and festive treat perfect for Halloween. These hand pies are not only cute but also delicious, combining the classic flavors of pumpkin pie with the buttery goodness of puff pastry. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply looking for a fun baking project, these hand pies are sure to impress.
Ingredients and Tools :
To make these Mini Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies, you’ll need a variety of ingredients and kitchen tools. Here’s a detailed list:
Ingredients:
- 4 sheets puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp half and half
Kitchen Tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Preparation Tips:
- Thawing Puff Pastry: If your puff pastry sheets are frozen, allow them to thaw for up to 40 minutes until they become pliable. This step is crucial for easy handling and cutting.
- Working with Puff Pastry: To prevent sticking, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Keep the puff pastry cold as it is easier to handle when chilled.
- Cutting Shapes: Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the puff pastry shapes. Ensure you have enough dough to create both the base and the top layer for each hand pie.
Preparing the Pumpkin Filling :
The filling is the heart of these hand pies, offering a rich and flavorful pumpkin experience. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Mixing the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 egg, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp half and half. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Consistency: The filling should be smooth and well-blended. If you find it too thick, you can add a bit more half and half to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving and Storage :
Once your Mini Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies are baked, allow them to cool before serving. These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container to keep the puff pastry flaky and fresh. If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated as needed.
Assembling the Hand Pies :
Assembling Mini Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies is where the fun truly begins. This process allows for creativity and personalization in carving out Jack O’ Lantern faces.
Carving Jack O’ Lantern Faces :
- Creative Designs: Use a sharp knife to carve out unique Jack O’ Lantern faces on half of the pumpkin shapes. You can experiment with different expressions to make each hand pie distinct.
- Using Scraps: Utilize any leftover puff pastry scraps to add small details like stems or leaves to your Jack O’ Lanterns.
Filling the Pumpkin Shapes :
- Adding the Filling: Place about 1 tablespoon of the prepared pumpkin filling onto the center of each uncut pumpkin shape.
- Sealing the Edges: Brush the edges with a little water, which will act as a glue to help seal the edges when the top layer is added.
- Applying the Top Layer: Carefully place the carved pumpkin shapes over the filling. Press down the edges gently to seal.
For more creative ideas on carving Jack O’ Lantern faces, check out DIY Jack O’ Lantern Crafts on Pinterest.
Preventing Leakage :
- Proper Sealing: Ensure that the edges are properly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pies with an egg wash made from 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water. This helps to give the pies a golden, glossy finish.
Baking the Hand Pies :
The baking process is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and color for your Mini Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies.
- Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sprinkling Sugar and Spice Mix: Before baking, sprinkle the tops of the pies with a mixture of 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
- Baking Time: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
Serving and Storage :
Cooling the Hand Pies :
Allow the hand pies to cool on a wire rack before serving. This will help the puff pastry to set and remain crisp.
Serving Suggestions :
- Presentation: Serve the hand pies warm, either on their own or with a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Halloween Party: These pies make a perfect addition to a Halloween party spread. Arrange them on a festive platter for an eye-catching display.
Storing Leftovers :
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to three days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the hand pies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to a month.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the frozen pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs Section :
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree. Just make sure it is well-drained and has a similar consistency to canned pumpkin puree.
What can I use instead of pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own using ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Alternatively, mixed spice can be a good substitute.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
To prevent leakage, ensure that the edges are properly sealed with water and that the top layer is pressed down firmly. An egg wash can also help to seal the edges.
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hand pies ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake. You can also freeze them and bake directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Are there gluten-free alternatives for the puff pastry?
Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry available in stores or make your own using gluten-free flour blends.
Print
Mini Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pie
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
4 sheets puff pastry
1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp half and half
Instructions
1️⃣ If frozen, thaw puff pastry sheets for up to 40 minutes until pliable. 🥶
2️⃣ Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). 🔥
3️⃣ Mix 2 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; set aside. 🥄
4️⃣ In a bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, 1 egg, brown sugar, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, salt, and half and half until well combined. 🥣
5️⃣ Roll out puff pastry to about 13 inches long. Cut into pumpkin shapes using a cookie cutter. 🎃
6️⃣ On half of the pumpkins, carve out Jack O’ Lantern faces using a sharp knife. 👻
7️⃣ Spoon 1 tbsp pumpkin mixture onto each uncut pumpkin. Brush edges with water and place Jack O’ Lantern faces on top, pressing edges together. 💧
8️⃣ Whisk egg yolk with 1 tbsp water and brush over pastries. Sprinkle with sugar and spice mix. 🍬
9️⃣ Bake for 15 minutes until puffed and golden. Enjoy! 🍽️
- Prep Time: 40min
- Cook Time: 15min
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 hand pies
- Calories: 501 Kcal
