A Fun and Spooky Halloween Treat
Halloween baking doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes the most memorable treats are the simplest ones. These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect example. With just a few pantry staples and some creativity, you can turn flaky pastry into festive little pumpkins that are as fun to make as they are to eat.
When I first tried these, I wasn’t sure if the faces would bake up clearly, but they turned out even cuter than expected. They instantly became a hit at a small family gathering—the kids couldn’t stop pointing out which Jack-O-Lantern looked the silliest. These pies are a wonderful reminder that food isn’t just about taste—it’s about joy, playfulness, and sharing moments with people you love.
Ingredients
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or pie filling (apple, peach, cherry, or pumpkin butter all work well)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prep the crusts
Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter, about 4 inches wide, to cut out circles. - Create the Jack-O-Lantern faces
On half of the circles, carefully cut out triangle eyes and a mouth using a small knife. These will be the top crusts. - Fill the pies
Place a spoonful of jam or pie filling in the center of the plain circles (the bottom crusts), leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges. - Seal them
Place a Jack-O-Lantern face crust on top of each filled circle. Press the edges with a fork to seal. - Brush and sprinkle
Brush tops with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle lightly with sugar if desired for a golden sparkle. - Bake
Place pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown. - Cool and serve
Allow to cool slightly before serving. The filling will be hot, but once cooled, the flaky crust and sweet filling are hard to resist.
Tips and Variations
- For a savory option, replace the fruit filling with cheese and pepperoni for a pizza-inspired hand pie.
- Kids can help by cutting out the Jack-O-Lantern faces—it’s like pumpkin carving but edible.
- For extra flaky crusts, chill the assembled pies in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a cozy fall flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are everything that makes seasonal baking fun—simple, festive, and guaranteed to bring smiles. Whether you’re making them for a Halloween party, a school bake sale, or a cozy night at home, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
