Description
These delightful Jack-o’-Lantern Hand Pies bring a touch of autumn magic to your kitchen. Each portable pastry features a flaky, buttery crust filled with spiced apple goodness and carved with expressive faces that let steam escape while baking. They are the perfect individual treat for seasonal gatherings, offering a nostalgic flavor profile that appeals to all ages. Easy to handle and fun to decorate, these pies turn a simple baking session into a heartwarming tradition of creativity, connection, and festive, harvest-inspired joy.
Ingredients
2 pie crusts, chilled
1 can (21 oz) cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons orange sanding sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled pie dough on a floured surface and cut out an even number of circles using a round cookie cutter or a small bowl.
On half of the circles, use a small paring knife to carve out two triangles for eyes and a jagged mouth to create a jack-o’-lantern face.
Place a generous spoonful of apple pie filling into the center of the remaining plain circles, leaving a small border around the edge.
Brush the edges of the filled circles with the egg wash (egg beaten with water), then place a carved top piece over each filling.
Press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal the hand pies completely.
Brush the entire surface of each hand pie with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with the orange sanding sugar.
Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure the dough stays cold; if it gets too soft, chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before carving or baking. You can use a kitchen scale to ensure even filling distribution. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or reheat in the oven for a crispy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg