Deliciously Spooky Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies to Try

Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies always show up in my kitchen when fall is (finally) in the air. Maybe you want a not-too-fancy but super cute Halloween treat, right? Something that honestly doesn’t care if you use a store-bought pie crust in your pajamas with a horror movie on in the background. If you fell in love with these, you’ll totally dig making melted jack-o-lantern brownies or these apple pumpkin streusel muffins too. So, let’s get things “spookily” delicious in a pretty simple way.

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

I have this memory—my little cousin giggling, holding up her crooked pumpkin hand pie, proud as a parade. That’s kind of the magic here. Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies are as much about fun as food. These are flaky little pies shaped like pumpkins, complete with silly or spooky faces. They’re totally kid-friendly, but nobody’s stopping you from making them for just yourself.

The real charm? You can go wild with faces. Sometimes mine look like they want to eat ME, honestly. The filling for Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies is pumpkin, obviously, but you can add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer vibe. Try a little maple syrup. Just saying. Even better, they’re way less messy than carving real pumpkins—plus, you get to eat these!

How to Make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Okay, so here’s what you want: pie dough (store-bought or homemade, I don’t judge), canned pumpkin (not the pie mix, please), some brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon or pumpkin spice. That’s it for basics. Roll out the pie dough and use a pumpkin-shaped cutter—a glass and a knife in a pinch—to cut pairs of pumpkin shapes. Then, cut out simple jack o’ lantern faces from half of them.

Spoon a bit of that pumpkin filling (don’t overdo it, or they will explode like mini pumpkin volcanos) onto the plain shapes. Pop the face-cut pieces on top, and crimp around the edges with a fork. Brush with egg wash—unless you forget, which is what I do half the time. But it DOES help the pies bake up glossy! Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes or so. The moment your kitchen smells like a fall festival? You’re doing it right.

“These Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies are now a Halloween tradition at our house! My daughter loves helping with the silly faces—even when they’re lopsided.”
—Maggie R.

Related Recipes

Speaking as a pumpkin-obsessed human, there’s no shortage of similar treats to bring up the festive autumn mood. If you’re really into this flavor (I mean, who isn’t, once fall arrives?), there’s plenty more to try once your Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies are gone. Like those rich delicious pumpkin cheesecake truffles you’ll love to make. Or, for something you can sneak into lunchboxes, you’ve gotta do soft and chewy pumpkin cookies.

And let’s not forget the other side of fall—cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread mini loaves are messy, sure, but so dang worth it. People come back asking how you made them. Pumpkin everything? I say roll with it.

More Baking Recipes to Try

Sometimes cravings hit after you’re already knee-deep in flour. I always keep a mental list of “next time” projects:

• Warm up to autumn mornings with pumpkin spice overnight oats.
• Craving cozy? Pumpkin cheesecake cookies are basically hugs in cookie form.
• For the kids or your inner child, deliciously fun rice krispie treat pumpkins for Halloween make snack time a party.
• Sweet breakfast alert: Pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon butter. You won’t regret it.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Pie Dough	1 package	Store-bought or homemade, thaw if frozen
Canned Pumpkin	1 cup	Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling
Brown Sugar	1/2 cup	You can adjust to taste
Spices (Cinnamon/Nutmeg)	1 tsp each	Adjust to flavor preference
Egg (for wash)	1	Beaten for brushing on top
Raw Sugar (optional)	1-2 tbsp	For added sparkle on top

Tips for Perfect Hand Pies

I’ve made Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies every possible wrong way, so here are my top tips. Don’t overload the filling—tempting, but a little goes a long way. Seal really well, or you’ll wind up with filling leaking out all over the baking sheet, like Halloween carnage. Wanna impress the neighbors? Use a pastry brush for that egg wash, and sprinkle with a pinch of raw sugar for extra sparkle. If the faces look weird, just remember, the weirder the better around Halloween.

You can make these ahead but they taste best fresh—warm, gooey, and straight from the oven. Oh, and if you save a couple for yourself after the trick-or-treaters go home? Pure happiness.

Common Questions

Can I use pre-made pie dough?
Oh, absolutely—do it. No one will know, and it saves a mountain of time.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?
Nope! Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced. For these little pies, use plain canned pumpkin for best results.

How do I keep the faces from getting too weird?
Practice helps. Or just embrace the chaos. Crooked smiles taste the same!

Can I freeze hand pies?
Sure. Just cool them and freeze in a single layer, then pop them in a bag. Warm them in the oven for a treat later.

Any idea for a no-pumpkin version?
Try apple butter or even Nutella! Get wild.

Dig In and Have Fun

I always think homemade Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies are the best kind of messy fun you can have in the kitchen around Halloween. They’re not fancy, but honestly—no one’s judging, they just want to eat! You really can’t mess these up, and hey, if you’re craving more pumpkin goodness, definitely try out these irresistible brown butter pumpkin chocolate chip cookies or even whip up some baby lemon impossible pies for a citrus twist. Grab your spooky cutters, crank up the tunes, and let yourself play. Your kitchen’s about to smell like Fall Central—and your only regret will be not making more.

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