Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies
If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to celebrate Halloween, these Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are just the treat! They’re not only adorable but also packed with sweet blueberry goodness wrapped in flaky pastry. I love making these little ghostly delights for family gatherings, school parties, or even just a cozy night in with my loved ones. They add a festive touch to any occasion and are surprisingly easy to whip up!
What makes this recipe extra special is how it brings everyone together in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking with kids or simply enjoying the process solo, these hand pies are sure to bring smiles all around. Plus, they’re perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, these hand pies come together quickly, making them perfect even for beginner bakers.
- Family-friendly fun: Shaping the dough into little ghosts is a blast for kids and adults alike!
- Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to bake.
- Deliciously spooky: The combination of flaky crust and sweet blueberry filling is a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for any Halloween gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need for these delightful treats!
- 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
- Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel (for eyes)
Variations
This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to get creative! Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Mix up the fruit: Swap blueberries for raspberries or chopped apples to create your own unique flavor.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to the blueberry filling for an autumn twist.
- Try different shapes: Use cookie cutters in various spooky designs like bats or pumpkins for added fun.
- Go vegan: Substitute the egg wash with almond milk and skip the egg entirely for a plant-based version.
How to Make Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat while stirring until the mixture thickens—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Allow it to cool before moving on!
Step 2: Shape the Ghosts
Roll out your pie crusts on a floured surface. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many shapes as you can from each sheet. Remember, you’ll need an even number so that each pie has a top and bottom!
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
Place half of your ghost shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of that delicious blueberry filling onto the center of each ghost shape. Top with another ghost shape and press down around the edges to seal them tightly. Use a fork to crimp the edges—this adds both decoration and ensures no filling escapes while baking!
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
Brush the tops of each ghost with beaten egg; this gives them that beautiful golden color as they bake. Then sprinkle coarse sugar on top for an extra crunch! Finally, use mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel to create little eyes that will bring your ghosts to life.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!
Pop those spooky hand pies into your preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving—trust me, they’ll be hard to resist!
Now you’re ready to enjoy these enchanting Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself if you prefer!
Pro Tips for Making Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies
These tips will help you elevate your hand pie game and make sure they turn out perfectly spooky and delicious!
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Chill the pie crust: Keeping the pie crust cold before baking helps it remain flaky and prevents it from shrinking during the cooking process.
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Use fresh blueberries when possible: Fresh blueberries give a vibrant taste and color. If using frozen, ensure they’re thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
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Don’t overfill: Adding too much blueberry filling can cause the pies to burst while baking. A tablespoon of filling per ghost shape is usually just right!
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Seal edges well: Properly sealing the edges of your hand pies will keep the filling inside. Use a fork to crimp them securely, ensuring no deliciousness escapes!
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Experiment with shapes: If you don’t have a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, feel free to get creative! You can use other Halloween-themed shapes like pumpkins or bats to keep things festive.
How to Serve Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies
Presenting your Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to make them shine on your spooky dessert table.
Garnishes
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Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a delightful creaminess that pairs well with the tart blueberry filling.
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Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar can give your ghost pies a lovely, ethereal look—perfect for Halloween!
Side Dishes
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Pumpkin Soup: This warm and comforting soup brings a cozy fall flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the hand pies.
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Apple Cider Salad: Crisp apples tossed in a tangy vinaigrette create a refreshing balance alongside these sweet treats.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the blueberries while providing a hearty side dish.
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Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These crunchy chips are great for scooping up any leftover blueberry filling and add an extra sweet touch to your Halloween spread.
Now you’re ready to impress your guests with these adorable hand pies! Enjoy serving them at your next Halloween gathering or cozy family night. Happy baking!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat anytime! You can make them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later, making your Halloween festivities even easier.
Storing Leftovers
- Place any leftover hand pies in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To maintain crispiness, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
Freezing
- Allow the hand pies to cool completely before freezing.
- Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frozen or refrigerated hand pies on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
FAQs
Got questions? No problem! Here are some common inquiries about these delightful Halloween treats.
Can I use frozen blueberries for Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a soggy filling.
How do I make the dough for Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies from scratch?
If you’d prefer homemade dough, you can easily make a simple pie crust using flour, butter (or plant-based alternative), and cold water. Roll it out as you would with store-bought crusts!
What can I use instead of egg wash for Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?
You can use a mixture of milk (plant-based options work too) and maple syrup as an egg wash alternative. It gives a nice shine and helps the sugar stick!
How long does it take to bake Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?
These delightful hand pies typically bake for about 18-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in creating these spooky yet scrumptious Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! They’re not only fun to make but also bring a festive spirit to your gatherings. Enjoy every bite, share them with friends, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your ghostly designs! Happy baking!
Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Get ready to celebrate Halloween with these delightful Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! These charming pastries are the perfect blend of spooky fun and delicious flavor, making them an ideal treat for family gatherings, school parties, or cozy nights in. Each flaky pastry is filled with sweet blueberry goodness that will leave everyone smiling. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, inviting bakers of all skill levels to join in the kitchen excitement. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a batch of these ghostly delights that are sure to impress your friends and family. The combination of flaky crust and vibrant blueberry filling makes these hand pies a festive addition to any Halloween celebration!
Ingredients
- 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 plant-based egg wash alternative
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
- Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel (for eyes)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat until thickened (about 5 minutes). Let cool.
- Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface and use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
- Place half of the shapes on the baking sheet, spoon filling onto each ghost shape, then top with another ghost shape and crimp edges with a fork.
- Brush tops with plant-based egg wash alternative and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Use mini chocolate chips for eyes.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ghost hand pie (70g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
