Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies : Spooky Good for Your Gothic Halloween Feast

When the crisp autumn air rolls in and Halloween is around the corner, it’s time to bring out the treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are flaky, sweet, and filled with festive charm—making them the perfect centerpiece for your next spooky gathering. Whether you’re throwing a Coraline-themed party, hosting a Wednesday Addams-inspired dinner, or simply embracing the Halloween aesthetic food trend, these adorable hand pies will steal the show.

With a flaky golden crust and sweet jam or fruit filling, they’re an easy yet eye-catching dessert that belongs in every home baker’s gothic bakery collection.

Want more creepy bakes? You’ll also love our Black Velvet Halloween Cake and Halloween Vampire Bite Cupcakes.

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Why You’ll Love These Spooky Baked Goods

There’s a lot to love about these Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies beyond their adorable appearance:

• Perfectly portioned: Ideal for parties, classroom treats, or a dessert board
• Customizable filling: Use your favorite jam, nut butter, or chocolate spread
• Kid-friendly: Little ones will love helping shape and decorate the pies
• Visually impressive: These look like they came from a high-end gothic bakery
• Portable and mess-free: Great for Halloween goodie bags or snack tables

Pair them with some Bloody Red Velvet Popcorn or Spooky 7-Layer Taco Dip for a party spread to remember.

Perfect For: Halloween Parties, Coraline Fans, and Gothic Bakers

These pies are more than just dessert—they’re a vibe. From Wednesday Addams food ideas to Coraline snacks, they blend playful creepiness with elegant detail.

You’ll love them if you’re:

• Hosting a spooky movie night
• Decorating a Halloween dessert board
• Creating a Coraline or Tim Burton-themed table
• Wanting Halloween style food that’s creative and unique
• Baking with your kids or friends in the fall

These pies pair beautifully with our Pumpkin Maple Blondies for a rich and autumnal dessert combo.

Ingredients Needed for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To make about 8 hand pies, you’ll need:

• 2 store-bought pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
• ⅓ cup fruit preserves or jam (apricot, raspberry, or strawberry work well)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
• Flour, for dusting
• Pumpkin cookie cutter (with a Jack-O-Lantern face, or carve your own)

Want to go fully DIY? Our Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips make another fun, kid-friendly Halloween snack!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hand Pies with a Halloween Twist

1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Your Pie Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts. Use a pumpkin cookie cutter to cut as many shapes as possible—aim for an even number so you can create tops and bottoms.

3. Carve Jack-O-Lantern Faces
On half of the cutouts, use a small knife to carve eyes and a mouth, like a Jack-O-Lantern face.

4. Fill and Seal
Place about 1 teaspoon of jam or filling in the center of the whole (uncarved) pumpkins. Top each with a Jack-O-Lantern cutout and gently press edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges closed.

5. Add Egg Wash and Sugar
Whisk the egg with milk and brush the tops of the pies. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for added texture and shine.

6. Bake
Transfer to your prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Cool and Serve
Let cool on a wire rack before serving. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature.

Looking for something sweet and spooky to sip with these? Try our Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups for a fall-themed brunch dessert.

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Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

• Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small knife (for carving faces)
• Pastry brush
• Fork for sealing edges
• Wire rack for cooling

For an easier snack version of this, check out our Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts—no carving required!

Tips for Baking and Shaping Your Hand Pies

• Use cold dough to keep the shapes firm and prevent spreading
• Cut the vents small to maintain the Jack-O-Lantern expression
• Seal edges firmly with a fork to avoid jam leakage
• Chill the assembled pies for 10 minutes before baking for clean edges
• Get creative with expressions—happy, scary, or surprised faces

Want to pair these with more bite-sized goodies? Our Air Fryer Churro Bites are another crowd-pleaser.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Halloween Hand Pies

1. Overfilling – leads to bursting and leaking
2. Not sealing properly – use egg wash and fork to ensure closure
3. Skipping vents – steam needs to escape or the pies puff unevenly
4. Warm dough – makes the shapes melt and lose definition
5. Baking at too low a temp – 375°F ensures crisp and golden crusts

Serving Ideas and Presentation for Halloween Style Food

• Arrange on a black cake stand or wooden board with candy eyeballs and mini pumpkins
• Serve with dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or vanilla glaze
• Create a spooky baked goods dessert buffet with themed signage
• Use a Coraline or haunted dollhouse theme for creative table decor
• Serve with warm cider or pumpkin smoothies for a kid-friendly drink pairing

Looking for savory options too? Our Halloween Chicken Parm Sliders will balance out the sweetness on your table.

How to Store and Reheat Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Storage:
Let pies cool fully before storing. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheating:
To re-crisp the crust, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave to preserve texture.

Freezing:
Freeze unbaked pies for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to the bake time.

Fun Variations: Coraline-Inspired or Wednesday Addams Style

Get creative with these spooky themes:

• Coraline Snacks: Add blueberry filling and stitch-like crust lines for a button-eye effect
• Wednesday Addams Food Ideas: Use dark cherry jam and shape into skulls or moons
• Savory version: Fill with cheese and herbs or roasted veggies for a twist
• Colorful dough: Tint crusts with beet or pumpkin purée for dramatic effect

For more gothic baking ideas, explore our Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas as a bold and flavorful plant-based meal.

What to Serve With These Creepy Desserts (No Alcohol)

• Warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks
• Pumpkin spice lattes or steamed vanilla oat milk
• Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal for a comforting fall brunch
• Caramel corn or Bloody Red Velvet Popcorn
• Sweet Potato Toast for a savory-sweet balance

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FAQs About Spooky Hand Pies and Coraline Snacks

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pies a day in advance and bake fresh before serving.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?
Absolutely, just reduce the baking time slightly and watch for golden edges.

What fillings work best?
Fruit preserves, Nutella, pumpkin butter, or even peanut butter and chocolate chips.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust or dough substitute.

How do I make them vegan?
Use a plant-based pie crust and brush with non-dairy milk instead of egg wash.

Why These Are the Ultimate Gothic Bakery Halloween Treat

These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies combine the whimsy of Halloween with the charm of homemade pastry. They’re part craft project, part dessert, and all delicious. Whether you’re planning a moody Wednesday Addams dinner party or just want to bake something adorable with your kids, these pies are an unforgettable addition to your seasonal menu.

Looking for a breakfast option with the same cozy vibes? Try our Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a warm, protein-packed start to your Halloween morning.

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