Ghost Hand Pies: Cute & Delicious Halloween Dessert

This ghost hand pies recipe was first published on September 23rd, 2024.

Typically, Halloween is not something that is common around Italy but how could you resist these ghost hand pies anyway? They are absolutely adorable and so easy to make with bits and bobs you pick at the supermarket in no time. So if this year you’re about to host your first kid Halloween party, you know these ghost hand pies are the way to go.

You don’t need to be much of a baker unless you decide to make your own puff pastry, and you don’t need much time either. Pick your favourite jam flavour, grab that cookie cutter and let’s start making these cute little ghost hand pies.

Get ready to add a spooky yet adorable touch to your Halloween celebrations with these cute ghost hand pies! These little delights are the perfect combination of fun and delicious, making them an ideal treat for parties, family gatherings, or even a surprise dessert for friends. Shaped like playful ghosts, these hand pies bring a festive and slightly eerie flair to your Halloween spread, but they’re far from scary when it comes to flavour. Each one features a buttery, flaky crust that’s filled with a sweet jam surprise.

Not only are these ghost hand pies irresistibly cute, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and fun, making it a great project to do with kids or family members. Imagine their excitement as they help cut out the ghost shapes, add the filling, and seal the edges, all while getting into the Halloween spirit. Once baked to golden perfection, the ghosts come to life with just a few simple decorating touches.

Let’s get some spooky baking happen with these adorable ghost hand pies

These ghost hand pies are more than just a treat, they’re a delightful Halloween activity that’s sure to leave everyone smiling this October. Serve them at your next Halloween bash, pack them up for trick-or-treating adventures, or enjoy them with a cosy fall drink while watching your favourite spooky movie. However you serve them, these ghost hand pies are sure to be a hit, bringing both flavour and festive fun to your Halloween season.

If you fancy a few extra recipes for the spookiest time of the year, check these out too:

• let’s start with this mummy pot pie, delicious and easy, but also very scary;
• wash it down with some scary good margaritas, black as my soul;
• these Halloween cookies are as delicious as they look, but not as scary as these poisoned apple cookies;
• simple and easy appetizers like these mini mummy garlic bread;
• then we got these monster mash rice krispy treats;
• or if you are after more halloween food recipes like mummy hand pies, halloween face pies and more;
• lastly, here is a list of some Halloween food ideas for a party.

What is puff pastry?

Puff pastry is a light, airy, and buttery dough known for its delicate layers and irresistible flakiness. Made through a process called lamination, puff pastry is created by repeatedly folding and rolling dough with layers of cold butter, resulting in hundreds of thin layers. When baked, the moisture in the butter creates steam, causing the dough to rise and puff up, giving it its signature light, crispy texture. This versatile pastry can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury recipes, from pies and tarts to turnovers, croissants, and appetizers.

The origins of puff pastry are often traced back to France, where it is known as pâte feuilletée, meaning leafed dough, due to its many layers resembling thin, leaf-like sheets. The technique is believed to have been perfected by French chefs in the 17th century, though some sources suggest earlier versions of the pastry were made in Spain and the Middle East (Wikipedia).

In France, puff pastry became a foundational component in classical French patisserie, and it remains a staple in many beloved dishes today, such as mille-feuille and vol-au-vent. The labour-intensive process of making puff pastry from scratch requires precise temperature control and patience, as the butter must remain cold to ensure the proper formation of layers.

For home bakers like us, the good news is that high-quality, pre-made puff pastry is widely available in stores, allowing for the convenience of making impressive dishes without the time-consuming preparation. Whether you’re whipping up a savoury ghost appetizers or a sweet dessert like these ghost hand pies, puff pastry adds an elegant touch and a satisfying crunch that elevates any dish.

What are hand pies?

Hand pies are small, individual-sized pastries that are filled with either sweet or savoury ingredients and baked or fried until golden and flaky. These portable pies are made by placing a filling in the centre of a piece of dough, folding it over, and sealing the edges to enclose the filling. The result is a perfectly portioned, handheld treat like these ghost hand pies that can be enjoyed on the go.

Hand pies are incredibly versatile, allowing for endless flavour combinations, from fruit-filled varieties like apple or berry to savoury versions stuffed with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

The concept of hand pies can be found in many cultures around the world, each with its own twist. For example, Cornish pasties from England are a savoury form of hand pie filled with meat and potatoes, while Latin American empanadas come with a range of fillings, from spiced meats to cheese or fruit. Sweet hand pies are often a popular dessert option, with fillings like apple, cherry, or peach encased in a buttery, flaky crust.

Hand pies are popular because they are easy to make, customizable, and convenient for serving at parties or as a quick snack. Their portable nature makes them a favourite for picnics, lunches, or even casual gatherings, as they don’t require utensils or plates. Whether baked or fried, sweet or savoury, hand pies are a delightful way to enjoy your favourite flavours in a compact and delicious form.

What ingredients do I need to make these ghost hand pies?

The ingredients for these spooky hand pies are simple yet come together to create a deliciously spooky treat. First, puff pastry is the foundation of these hand pies, offering a light, flaky, and buttery texture that complements the sweet filling. Store-bought puff pastry works wonderfully here, saving time while still delivering that perfect, golden crunch when baked.

For the filling, berry jam adds a burst of sweet and tart flavour that contrasts nicely with the crisp pastry. The deep colour of the jam also adds a fun, ghoulish look once the ghost hand pies are cut open, fitting right in with the Halloween theme.

To assemble the ghost hand pies, plant based milk acts as a handy glue to stick the layers of puff pastry together, sealing in the jam and ensuring they hold their shape. Brushing the tops with plant based milk also helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown finish during baking. (If you want a non vegan version, you can use an egg wash instead).

A light dusting of caster sugar before baking gives the pies an extra touch of sweetness and a subtle sparkle, making them even more irresistible. Finally, for decoration, icing sugar mixed with a bit of lemon juice creates a simple, tangy icing. This icing is perfect for giving those ghosts a paler hue, giving them their spooky yet adorable personality. The lemon juice in the icing adds a bright, zesty contrast to the sweetness of the jam, making these ghost hand pies not only cute but also perfectly balanced in flavour.

How do I make these vegan ghost hand pies?

Start off by unrolling your puff pastry sheet over a lightly floured surface and, with a ghost shaped cookie cutter, cut out 12 ghosts. Then repeat the same with the second sheet of puff pastry, and using a straw, cut out the eyes on 12 of them and set them aside.

Set the bottom part of the ghosts (the ones with no eyes) on a lined baking sheet. Then spoon some berry jam in the middle of each ghost.

Brush all the sides with plant based milk and then place the second ghost shape with eyes on top. Seal using your thumbs. brush the top pf each ghost with some extra plant based milk, and then dust a little caster sugar.

Bake at 180C for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. In the meantime, make the icing by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice. Let them cool down to room temperature before covering them in icing.

If your icing goes inside the eyes of the ghosts, pipe some boo berry jam on top to make them shiny and red again. Enjoy your vegan hand pies!

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As you finish decorating your blueberry ghost hand pies, step back and admire the spooky creations you’ve brought to life. These treats are the perfect blend of festive fun and deliciousness, offering that classic flaky puff pastry alongside a sweet, fruity filling and a zesty icing finish. They’ll be a hit at any Halloween gathering, whether you’re hosting a party, treating trick-or-treaters, or simply enjoying some themed baking time with family and friends. Not only are they tasty, but they also add a playful touch to the holiday with their charming ghostly faces.

What’s great about these ghost hand pies is how versatile they can be. You can easily swap the berry jam for any other filling you love, from other fruit preserves to chocolate or even a savoury option like pumpkin. And with puff pastry as your base, you know you’re getting that perfect balance of crispy and soft in every bite.

Serve them warm for the best experience, where the contrast between the flaky pastry and the gooey, sweet filling is at its peak. Pair them with a cup of hot cider or cocoa for a cozy autumn treat. These ghost hand pies are not only a great dessert but also a fun and creative way to celebrate Halloween. Enjoy the process, and more importantly, enjoy sharing these deliciously spooky treats with your loved ones.

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