Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

If you’re looking for a treat that brings both sweetness and a touch of spookiness to your Halloween festivities, you’re in the right place! These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are not just adorable; they are filled with a luscious blueberry filling that will delight both kids and adults alike. I love this recipe because it combines the fun of Halloween with delicious flavors, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up during a busy weeknight, so there’s no reason to skip the celebrations!

What makes these hand pies even more special is how customizable they are. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply want to surprise your loved ones with something festive, these ghostly treats will surely be a hit. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have these spooky treats ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping shape the ghosts and decorating them with chocolate chip eyes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Halloween or just an ordinary day, these hand pies add a festive touch to any dessert table.
• Deliciously Sweet Flavor: The combination of blueberries and flaky pastry creates a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pies when you’re ready to bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies is easy because the ingredients are simple and wholesome. You likely have most of them on hand already! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pastry

• 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust

For the Filling

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

For Finishing Touches

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

Variations

This recipe offers plenty of room for creativity. Here are some fun ideas if you want to mix things up!

• Change the Fruit: Swap out blueberries for other fruits like raspberries or cherries for a different flavor.
• Add Spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth in the filling.
• Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based egg substitute like aquafaba for brushing and choose vegan pie crusts.
• Try Different Shapes: Instead of ghosts, use other cookie cutters to create pumpkins, bats, or whatever suits your spooky theme!

How to Make Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your pies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Blueberry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat while stirring until the mixture thickens—about 5 minutes should do it! Letting this filling cool slightly before using it helps prevent soggy pastry.

Step 3: Cut Out Ghost Shapes

Roll out your pie crusts on a floured surface and use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of shapes. Having equal pieces is key so every ghost gets its fair share of filling!

Step 4: Assemble Your Ghost Hand Pies

Place half of your ghost shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of blueberry filling onto each one—don’t overdo it! Top with another ghost shape and press down on the edges to seal them tight. Use a fork to crimp around the edges; this adds decoration while keeping all that yummy filling inside.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Brush the tops of your hand pies with beaten egg for that beautiful golden color as they bake. Then sprinkle coarse sugar on top—this gives them a sweet crunch! Use mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel to create cute little ghost eyes.

Step 6: Bake until Golden Brown

Pop those adorable ghost hand pies into your preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving; this way, you’ll avoid burns from that deliciously gooey filling!

Now you’re ready to serve up these delightful Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! Enjoy every spooky bite!

Pro Tips for Making Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Making these spooky treats can be a fun and rewarding experience! Here are some pro tips to ensure your hand pies turn out perfectly.

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your pie crust and filling cold helps create a flaky texture in the pastry. If the dough becomes too warm, it may become difficult to handle and won’t bake up as nicely.

• Don’t overfill: It might be tempting to add a lot of that delicious blueberry filling, but overfilling can cause the pies to burst open during baking. Stick to about a tablespoon of filling for each ghost to maintain their shape.

• Seal the edges well: Make sure to press down firmly on the edges of the pastry and crimp with a fork. This not only enhances the appearance but also keeps the filling from leaking out while baking.

• Experiment with shapes: While ghosts are perfect for Halloween, feel free to use other cookie cutters like bats or pumpkins! This way, you can add variety and fun shapes to your holiday dessert table.

• Let them cool before serving: Allowing the hand pies to cool slightly after baking helps set the filling and makes them easier to handle. Plus, they’re still warm and delightful without being scalding hot!

How to Serve Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Serving your Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies in style can make them even more enjoyable! Here are some creative presentation ideas that will wow your guests.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, airy touch that complements the sweetness of the blueberry filling beautifully.
• Edible glitter: Sprinkling some edible glitter over the tops of your ghost pies adds a festive sparkle that fits right in with Halloween celebrations.

Side Dishes

• Spooky salad: A mixed green salad topped with black olives (cut into spider shapes) and orange bell peppers provides a fresh contrast to the sweet hand pies.
• Pumpkin soup: A creamy pumpkin soup makes for a cozy pairing and ties in wonderfully with the fall theme.
• Apple cider: Serve warm apple cider on the side. Its slight sweetness perfectly balances out the tangy blueberry filling and adds seasonal charm.
• Cheese platter: A selection of cheeses paired with crackers and fruit can create a nice savory contrast on your dessert table, making it a well-rounded spread for your guests.

These ideas will not only enhance your Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies but also create a memorable dining experience for everyone involved. Enjoy your spooky baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are not only a fun treat to make but also perfect for meal prep. You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making them an easy grab-and-go dessert for your spooky celebrations!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will keep fresh for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the hand pies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the hand pies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the frozen hand pies on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• If reheating refrigerated hand pies, bake at the same temperature for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delightful treats, you’re in the right place!

Can I use other fruits for the Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute blueberries with your favorite fruits like raspberries or cherries. Just ensure that the fruit is sweet enough or adjust the sugar accordingly.

How do I make the filling for Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies thicker?

To achieve a thicker filling, increase the cornstarch by an additional teaspoon. This will help absorb more liquid during cooking and keep your filling nice and firm.

Can I make these Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies vegan?

Yes! You can easily replace the egg wash with a plant-based alternative like almond milk or coconut cream. You can also use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute if desired.

What occasions are perfect for serving Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?

These ghostly treats are perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or simply as a fun family dessert while watching spooky movies!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these whimsical Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! They’re not only delicious but also add a playful touch to your festivities. Enjoy crafting each little ghost and sharing them with friends and family; they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!