Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat this Halloween, you’ve come to the right place! These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are not only adorable but also bursting with sweet blueberry goodness. They make a perfect addition to any Halloween gathering or cozy family night at home. Just imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when they see these spooky little ghosts lined up on the table!

This recipe is special because it’s easy enough for kids to help out with, making it a wonderful way to spend time together in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist that flaky pastry and delicious blueberry filling? Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just want a sweet treat for movie night, these hand pies are sure to delight everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these delightful treats ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping to shape the ghostly figures and decorating them with eyes!
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of fresh blueberries and flaky pastry is simply irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Halloween or just a cozy fall evening, these hand pies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the filling in advance so you can whip up these hand pies whenever you’re ready!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just some simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather up these items, and let’s get started on those spooky ghost hand pies!

• 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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your fillings or decorations. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Try Different Fruits: Use raspberries or diced apples instead of blueberries for a different flavor twist.
• Add Spices: Toss in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the filling—perfect for fall!
• Make Them Vegan: Substitute the egg wash with almond milk or plant-based milk for brushing.
• Switch Up the Shape: Use different cookie cutters to create other spooky shapes like bats or pumpkins.

How to Make Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your hand pies are ready to bake. This ensures they become perfectly golden brown!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook this mixture over medium heat while stirring gently until it thickens—this usually takes about five minutes. It’s important to let this cool afterward because nobody wants a hot filling exploding out of their pie!

Step 3: Cut Out Your Ghosts

Roll out those pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of shapes. This is where the fun begins! Just remember that you’ll need pairs of ghost shapes for each hand pie.

Step 4: Assemble Your Hand Pies

Place half of your ghost shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a small amount of that delicious blueberry filling onto the center of each ghost shape. Top them off with their matching ghosts and press down gently along the edges to seal them shut. Crimping with a fork not only seals them better but adds an adorable touch!

Step 5: Get Them Ready for Baking

Brush the tops of your ghostly creations with beaten egg before sprinkling them with coarse sugar. This gives them that lovely golden finish! Now, use mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel to create cute little eyes.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy!

Pop those hand pies into your preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes until they’re golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving—you want everyone to enjoy their sweetness without burning their mouths!

And there you have it—spooky, delicious Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies that will be the star of any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Creating these spooky treats can be a fun experience, and with a few simple tips, you can make them even better!

• Use chilled ingredients: Make sure your pie crust is cold. This helps create a flaky texture that is essential for delicious hand pies.
• Don’t overfill: When adding the blueberry filling, be careful not to overstuff the ghosts. Too much filling can cause the pies to burst open as they bake.
• Seal well: Pressing the edges firmly and crimping with a fork ensures that your filling stays inside during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped ghost hand pies.
• Experiment with shapes: If you don’t have a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, feel free to use other shapes like bats or pumpkins for fun variations!
• Cool completely before serving: Allowing the hand pies to cool slightly after baking will help the filling set and makes them easier to handle.

How to Serve Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Serving these festive hand pies can enhance their appeal at your Halloween gathering. Here are some creative ideas to make them shine!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and creates a ghostly effect.
• Whipped coconut cream: Serve alongside some whipped coconut cream for a delightful dip that complements the blueberry flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Spooky fruit salad: Combine assorted fruits like melon, grapes, and oranges cut into spooky shapes using cookie cutters. This adds a refreshing and healthy contrast to the sweet hand pies.
• Pumpkin soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup pairs wonderfully with these pastries, making for a cozy Halloween meal.
• Caramelized apple slices: Sweet caramelized apples provide an excellent balance of flavors and are easy to prepare ahead of time.
• Cheese platter: A selection of cheeses paired with crackers offers guests savory options that complement the sweetness of the hand pies.

These ideas will not only elevate your presentation but also create an inviting atmosphere for your Halloween festivities! Enjoy every bite of your spooky creations!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them fresh or save for later. With a few simple storage methods, you can keep the spooky spirit alive throughout the Halloween season!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the hand pies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for up to a week for added freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the hand pies are completely cooled and wrapped individually in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped pies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds; however, this may result in a softer crust.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful treats!

Can I use frozen blueberries for Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just thaw them slightly before cooking to make mixing easier.

How do I create eyes for my Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?

You can use mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel to create spooky eyes on your ghost hand pies. Just add them before baking!

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

Yes! You can prepare the filling and pie crust ahead of time, assemble the pies, and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

Are these Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies suitable for kids?

Definitely! These ghostly treats are a fun and delicious way for kids to celebrate Halloween.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these charming Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! They not only taste amazing but also bring delight to your festive gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or sharing them at a party, they’re sure to be a hit. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with laughter and spooky spirit!