Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to celebrate Halloween, you’ve come to the right place! These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are not only adorable but also deliciously sweet. The flaky pastry is filled with a delightful blueberry filling that kids and adults alike will adore. Whether you’re preparing for a spooky gathering or just want to add some whimsy to your weeknight dessert, this recipe will surely be a hit!

What makes these ghost hand pies truly special is their playful shape and vibrant color. They’re perfect for Halloween parties, family gatherings, or even as an after-school snack. The best part? You can whip them up in no time with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can create these delightful hand pies without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and they’ll have a blast decorating these spooky treats!
• Make Ahead: These pies can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving, saving you time on busy days.
• Delicious Flavor: The combo of sweet blueberries and flaky pastry is irresistible and sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Halloween but delicious enough to enjoy year-round!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! These ingredients are easy to find and make this recipe approachable for everyone.

For the 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, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Change the Filling: Swap blueberries for raspberries or cherries for a different fruity flavor.
• Use Different Shapes: If ghosts aren’t your thing, use other cookie cutters like pumpkins or bats!
• Add Spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist that complements the blueberries beautifully.
• Try Vegan Options: Use plant-based butter for the crust and replace the egg wash with almond milk for a vegan-friendly version.

How to Make Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheating ensures that your ghost hand pies bake evenly and get that lovely golden brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat while stirring until the mixture thickens—about five minutes should do it! This step brings out all those lovely flavors in the blueberries while creating a thick filling that won’t leak out during baking.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Crusts

Roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of shapes. It’s always fun to see how many ghosts you can create! Remember, you’ll need two shapes per pie.

Step 4: Assemble the Pies

Place half of the ghost shapes on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of blueberry filling onto the center of each shape—don’t overfill them! Top with the remaining ghost shapes and press the edges firmly to seal them shut. Using a fork to crimp the edges gives them that classic hand pie look while ensuring they stay sealed during baking.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Brush the tops of your ghost hand pies with beaten egg for that golden finish. Then sprinkle with coarse sugar for some extra sweetness! Use mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel to give your ghosts their spooky eyes—let your creativity shine here!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown

Pop those adorable ghost hand pies into your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving; this will help prevent anyone from burning their mouth on hot filling!

Enjoy these delightful Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with family and friends—they’re sure to be a memorable treat this spooky season!

Pro Tips for Making Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Making these delightful ghost hand pies is a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some suggestions to ensure your spooky treats turn out perfectly every time.

• Use chilled pie crusts: Keeping your pie crusts cold helps create that flaky texture we all love. If the dough warms up while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.

• Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to add lots of delicious blueberry filling, too much can cause the pies to burst open during baking. A tablespoon or so per pie is just right!

• Seal well: Make sure to seal the edges tightly before baking. You can use a fork to crimp them, which not only looks cute but also prevents any filling from leaking out.

• Experiment with shapes: While ghosts are fun, feel free to use other Halloween-themed cookie cutters like pumpkins or bats for added variety at your spooky gathering!

• Cool before serving: Let them cool slightly after baking. This not only helps prevent burns but also allows the filling to set a bit more, making them easier to handle.

How to Serve Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are as delightful to look at as they are delicious! Presenting them in fun and festive ways can make your dessert table even more inviting.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and gives those ghostly figures an ethereal look.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve these hand pies with a dollop of whipped coconut cream on the side for dipping—it’s creamy and complements the blueberries beautifully!

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup adds seasonal flavor and pairs wonderfully with the sweet hand pies, creating a cozy meal.
• Apple cider: Serve warm apple cider alongside for a comforting drink that enhances the fall vibes of your dessert.
• Salad with cranberries and nuts: A fresh salad featuring mixed greens, dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the hand pies, balancing out your dessert spread.
• Cheese platter: Include a cheese platter with assorted cheeses and crackers for those who enjoy a savory touch alongside their sweets.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies will be the star of your spooky celebrations! Enjoy this festive treat that’s sure to delight friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are great for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or even freeze them for later.

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; just be aware that they may become a bit softer.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the baked ghost hand pies cool completely.
• Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label your containers with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 20-30 seconds, but this may result in a softer crust.

FAQs

Here’s some helpful information about Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies!

Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?

Absolutely! You can substitute with raspberries, blackberries, or even diced apples. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.

How do I make Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies vegan-friendly?

To make these hand pies vegan, simply replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk and omit it altogether, or use a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup.

What can I do with leftover pie crust?

You can roll out any leftover pie crust scraps to create mini cookies or cutouts. Just sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and bake until golden!

Are Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies good for parties?

Yes! These spooky treats are perfect for parties and gatherings. Their fun shape will delight guests of all ages!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these adorable Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! They not only taste delicious but also add a charming touch to your festive celebrations. Enjoy making these little ghostly treats, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with friends and family. Happy baking, and have a spooktacular Halloween!