Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to celebrate Halloween, these Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are just what you need! Not only are they adorable, but they also burst with sweet blueberry goodness that will delight both kids and adults alike. I love making these little ghostly treats for family gatherings or spooky get-togethers; they always steal the show and add a touch of whimsy to any occasion!

These hand pies are easy to whip up, making them perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss. Plus, they’re a great way to involve the whole family in the kitchen—everyone loves helping to shape those cute ghost faces!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 50 minutes, so you can make them even on a busy day!
• Family Fun: Shaping the ghost pies is a fantastic activity for kids, turning baking into a playful experience.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of juicy blueberries and flaky pastry creates an irresistible dessert that everyone will enjoy.
• Festive Presentation: These spooky little hand pies are not just tasty; they’ll be the highlight of your Halloween spread!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the pies when you’re ready—perfect for parties!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for these delightful Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Ghost Pastry

• 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust

For the Blueberry Filling

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
• Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel (for eyes)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Change the Fruit: Swap out blueberries for raspberries or chopped apples for different flavors.
• Add Spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg with the filling for a warm, spiced twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pie crusts to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Vegan Version: Replace the egg wash with almond milk and use a plant-based pie crust.

How to Make Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine your blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat while stirring gently until it thickens—this should take about 5 minutes. Let it cool afterward; this step is crucial because it prevents your pie crust from getting soggy.

Step 3: Cut Out Your Ghost Shapes

Now it’s time to roll out those pie crusts! Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of shapes. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; each ghost has its own personality!

Step 4: Assemble Your Pies

Place half of your ghost shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of blueberry filling onto the center of each one—make sure not to overfill them! Top with the remaining ghost shapes and press down around the edges to seal them tight. A fork works wonders here; crimping adds both charm and helps keep all that delicious filling inside.

Step 5: Add Some Spooky Touches

Brush the tops of your ghost hand pies with beaten egg for that lovely golden finish. Then sprinkle some coarse sugar over them—it adds sweetness and sparkle! Use mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel to give each ghost its spooky eyes; this part is where you can really have fun!

Step 6: Bake Them Up!

Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake these delightful treats for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible! Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving—you don’t want anyone burning their tongue on that hot blueberry filling.

Enjoy making these Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies; they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Making these delightful hand pies is a breeze with just a few helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold pie crust: Starting with cold pie crust helps achieve that flaky texture we all love. If your dough warms up, it can become harder to work with and might not puff up as nicely during baking.

• Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to add extra blueberry filling, overfilling can cause the pies to burst open while baking. Stick to a tablespoon or so of filling per pie for a neat seal.

• Seal well: Make sure to press the edges firmly and crimp them with a fork. This prevents any filling from leaking out and ensures a beautifully presented pie.

• Experiment with shapes: While ghost shapes are fun, feel free to get creative! Use other Halloween-themed cookie cutters like pumpkins or bats for variety and fun.

• Chill before baking: If you have time, chill the assembled hand pies in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking and results in an even flakier crust.

How to Serve Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

These playful ghost hand pies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present them for maximum festive flair.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy element that complements the blueberry filling beautifully.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar gives your ghost hand pies an enchanting touch and makes them look extra special for your Halloween gathering.
• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few mint leaves on the side provides a pop of color and freshness that pairs well with the sweetness of the pies.

Side Dishes

• Spooky salad: A mixed greens salad topped with orange segments and toasted pumpkin seeds not only adds color but also brings in some healthy elements that balance out the sweetness of the pies.

• Pumpkin soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup is perfect for fall gatherings. Its savory flavor complements the sweet blueberry hand pies wonderfully.

• Caramelized cinnamon apples: Tender apples sautéed in cinnamon provide a delightful contrast to the hand pies’ berry filling, making for an inviting autumn dessert spread.

• Ghoulish veggie platter: Serve an assortment of fresh veggies cut into spooky shapes alongside a creamy dip. This adds some crunch and healthy options for your guests while keeping with the Halloween theme.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies will be both delightful and delicious, making your celebration unforgettable! Enjoy crafting these spooky treats for family and friends; they’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are not only a delight to make, but they also hold up wonderfully for meal prep! You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pies when you’re ready for a spooky treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover hand pies in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness before enjoying.

Freezing

• Allow the baked hand pies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen hand pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake from frozen for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• For refrigerated hand pies, bake at the same temperature for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies.

Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries for these ghost hand pies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries, cherries, or apples. Just adjust the sugar and cornstarch amounts according to the fruit’s sweetness and juiciness.

How do I make Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies without using egg wash?

If you’re looking for an egg-free alternative, brush the tops with a little non-dairy milk or a mixture of water and maple syrup. This will help achieve a lovely golden color!

Can I make Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies ahead of time?

Yes! The filling can be made in advance, and you can assemble and bake the pies whenever you’re ready. They also freeze well for later enjoyment!

What should I serve with Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?

These hand pies are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies as much as I do! They’re not only fun to create but also bring joy to any festive gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a cozy dessert at home, these ghostly treats are sure to impress. Happy baking, and may your Halloween be filled with sweet moments!