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 bursting with sweet blueberry goodness wrapped in flaky pastry. Every bite is like a little celebration of fall flavors, making them perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night at home. I love making these with my kids; it’s an easy way to get everyone involved in the kitchen while creating something spooky and delicious!

What makes these ghostly treats special is how simple they are to whip up. You can have them ready in under an hour! Plus, they’re a delightful surprise for trick-or-treaters or anyone who stops by for some Halloween fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create these delightful hand pies without feeling overwhelmed.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved! Shaping these ghostly figures is a fantastic activity for all ages.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble them right before baking for fresh ghost pies anytime.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of blueberries with a hint of lemon and vanilla makes every bite irresistible.
• Perfect Presentation: These cute ghost shapes add a touch of whimsy to your Halloween table or dessert spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand! They come together beautifully to create that perfect spooky treat we all adore.

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 Topping

• 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 and tailor it to your taste.

• Change Up the Berries: Swap blueberries for other fruits like raspberries or cherries for a different flavor profile.
• Add Spices: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the blueberry filling for a warm spice kick that’s perfect for fall.
• Try Different Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create other fun shapes like pumpkins or bats for more variety on your dessert table.
• Make Them Vegan: Substitute the egg wash with almond milk or non-dairy cream for a vegan-friendly option while keeping that golden finish.

How to Make Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your ghost hand pies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine those fresh or frozen blueberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat while stirring until the mixture thickens—this should take about 5 minutes. Allow it to cool afterward so it doesn’t make your pastry soggy when you assemble!

Step 3: Roll Out Your Pie Crusts

Next, roll out your pie crusts on a clean surface. Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of shapes. Remember, you need pairs—one for the bottom and one for the top!

Step 4: Assemble Your Ghost Hand Pies

Place half of those ghost shapes on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of blueberry filling onto each center. Top them with the remaining ghost shapes and press down the edges securely. Crimp those edges with a fork; this not only seals in your filling but also adds charm!

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg (or almond milk if you’re going vegan), then sprinkle them with coarse sugar for that extra sparkle. Don’t forget to give your ghosts their eyes using mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel—this is where they come to life!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown

Finally, pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes until they’re gloriously golden brown. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy sharing these whimsical Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with friends and family—they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Making these ghostly treats can be a fun and stress-free experience with a few handy tips! Here are some suggestions to ensure your Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies turn out spooktacularly.

• Use cold pie crust: Starting with chilled pie crust helps achieve that flaky texture. If the dough is too warm, it may become difficult to handle and lose its shape.
• Don’t overfill: A little blueberry filling goes a long way! Overfilling can cause the pies to burst during baking, so keep the filling in the center and leave some room around the edges.
• Seal well: Make sure to press the edges firmly and crimp them with a fork. This prevents any blueberry goodness from leaking out while baking, ensuring you get all that delicious flavor in each bite.
• Experiment with shapes: While ghosts are the theme, feel free to use other cookie cutters for variety! Pumpkins, bats, or even spooky stars can add an extra festive touch to your dessert table.
• Cool before serving: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly after baking. This will make them easier to handle and help avoid burns while enjoying your hauntingly good treat.

How to Serve Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

These charming little ghost hand pies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can enhance their festive spirit at any Halloween gathering. Here are some ideas for serving them up:

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy contrast that complements the fruity filling perfectly.
• Edible glitter: For a magical touch, sprinkle some edible glitter over the pies just before serving—this will make them sparkle like stars on Halloween night!
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint not only add color but also a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness of the blueberry filling.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup adds an autumnal flair to your dessert spread. Its savory flavors create a lovely contrast with the sweet hand pies.
• Crispy apple slices: Fresh apple slices drizzled with honey or caramel make for a crunchy side that pairs wonderfully with the soft textures of the hand pies.
• Caramel popcorn: Serve up some sweet and salty caramel popcorn for an easy finger food option that guests can munch on between bites of pie.
• Spooky cheese platter: Assemble a selection of cheeses cut into fun shapes alongside crackers and fruits. This savory addition provides balance for those who want something different than sweets.

With these tips and serving ideas in mind, your Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies will surely delight both kids and adults alike! Happy haunting!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are not only fun to make but also fantastic for meal prep! You can easily whip them up in advance, making your Halloween celebrations even sweeter without the last-minute stress.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for about 4 days.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• For best results, reheat frozen hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating from the refrigerator, bake for about 10-15 minutes at the same temperature or microwave for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers may have about these delightful treats.

What are Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?

Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are flaky pastries filled with a sweet blueberry filling, shaped like spooky ghosts—perfect for Halloween festivities!

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

Absolutely! You can substitute blueberries with other fruits like cherries, apples, or mixed berries. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your chosen fruit.

How do I make Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and shape the pies in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake right before serving for fresh, warm treats!

Are there any alternatives to using egg wash on my ghost hand pies?

Yes! You can brush the tops with a mixture of milk or plant-based milk and a bit of syrup as a vegan alternative to achieve that golden finish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these charming Halloween Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies as much as I do! They are not just delicious but also add a fun touch to your Halloween spread. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or family or treating yourself, these little ghostly delights are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking and enjoy every spooky bite!