As the chill of autumn sets in and the leaves turn crisp, I’m filled with excitement for all things Halloween. There’s something truly magical about gathering in the kitchen, rolling up my sleeves, and delighting friends and family with festive treats. This year, I wanted to create something that captures the spirit of the season while indulging our sweet tooth. Enter my Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies!

These little delights are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a visual feast, shaped like playful jack-o’-lanterns and brimming with a luscious cherry filling. The rich chocolate pastry adds that perfect touch of decadence, making them a crowd-pleaser at any Halloween gathering. Best of all, they’re easy to whip up, ensuring that even those of us juggling busy schedules can enjoy homemade goodies. So, let’s dive into this fun and spooky recipe that’s bound to become a cherished tradition!

Why Will You Adore Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies?

Fun and Festive: Shaped like cheerful jack-o’-lanterns, these hand pies bring a spirited touch to any Halloween party.

Decadent Yet Easy: The chocolate pastry crust offers rich flavor without requiring advanced baking skills.

Versatile Fillings: Feel free to swap the cherry filling with nutella or pumpkin for a personal twist!

Perfectly Portable: Ideal for on-the-go snacking, they’re easy to pack for spooky outings.

Crowd-Favorite Treat: Both kids and adults will love these delightful desserts, making them a must-have at gatherings.

Explore more creative desserts with my simple tips in this article!

Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pie Ingredients

For the Pastry Crust

All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the pie crust; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds a rich chocolate flavor to the pastry; no substitutions are necessary.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough slightly; you may use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic alternative.
Kosher salt – Enhances flavors in the dough; table salt may be used in the same quantity.
Salted butter – Creates a flaky texture in the dough; use unsalted butter and increase the salt slightly if needed.
Ice cold whole milk (or half-and-half/cream) – Moistens the dough for the right consistency; substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free version.

For the Filling and Assembly

Canned cherry pie filling – Provides a sweet and fruity center; can be swapped with chocolate ganache, nutella, or even pumpkin filling for different flavors.
Large egg – Used for the egg wash to help seal the pies; replace with a flaxseed or chia egg for a vegan option.
Water – Helps thin the egg wash for better application.

These Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies are sure to delight your taste buds and add a spooky touch to your gatherings!

How to Make Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies

Make the Dough:
Combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and cubed butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice-cold milk until a shaggy dough forms. Chill for 2 hours.
Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one disc of chilled chocolate dough on a floured surface and cut into whimsical pumpkin shapes. Place these shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then spoon 1-2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling into the center of each.
Assemble the Hand Pies:
Roll out the second disc of dough and cut out more pumpkin shapes. Use a sharp knife to carve playful jack-o’-lantern faces into these. Brush the edges of the bottom crusts with egg wash, and gently place the top crusts over the filling, sealing them with a fork.
Bake:
Bake the hand pies for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly crisp. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack before diving in!

Optional: Dust your warm hand pies with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pie Variations

Embrace your creativity and make this recipe your own with these fun twists and substitutions!

Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk to keep the dough delicious and dairy-free. You’ll hardly miss the creaminess!
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make these treats accessible to everyone, ensuring the flaky texture remains delightful.
Chocolate Ganache: Replace cherry filling with rich chocolate ganache for a truly decadent experience that chocolate lovers will rave about.
Spiced Pumpkin Filling: For a festive fall twist, use pumpkin puree mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg. These hand pies become a celebration of autumn in every bite!
Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the hand pies for an enticing sweet touch that takes them over the top.
Nutella Surprise: Fill the hand pies with Nutella instead of cherry filling for a creamy, chocolatey explosion that kids and adults alike will adore.
Apple Cinnamon: Use canned apple pie filling combined with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate crust.
Mini Hand Pies: For bite-sized fun, roll the dough thinner and cut smaller shapes. These mini hand pies are perfect for parties or quick treats!

Let your imagination soar and enjoy these variations to create a seasonal delight that reflects your unique taste!

Make Ahead Options

These Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy Halloween season! You can prepare the chocolate pastry dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. Additionally, the cherry filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to assemble and bake your hand pies, simply roll out the chilled dough, fill with your prepared cherry mixture, and follow the baking instructions. This makes it easy to have a deliciously festive dessert with minimal last-minute effort, ensuring your treats are just as delightful as when freshly baked!

Storage Tips for Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies

Room Temperature: Store hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezer: You can freeze unbaked hand pies for up to 3 months. Assemble them, then place between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating: To enjoy leftover hand pies, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. These Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies are best served fresh, but with these tips, you can savor them even longer!

What to Serve with Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies?

Create a spooktacular spread that pairs perfectly with these delightful hand pies.

Pumpkin Spice Latte: A warm, creamy drink that enhances the cozy fall vibes while complementing the chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Its creamy sweetness creates a lovely contrast with the rich chocolate crust, making each bite a delicious experience.
Caramel Apple Slices: Fresh apples drizzled with warm caramel add a fruity crunch that balances the indulgent hand pies perfectly.
Hot Chocolate: This classic drink enhances the chocolate notes of the hand pies, making it an ideal pairing for a chilling Halloween evening.

Comforting and delightful, this duo will keep the festive spirit alive during your celebrations!

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The freshness and slight tartness of strawberries contrast nicely with the richness of the hand pies, offering an elegant touch to your dessert table.
Cheese Platter with Brie: Soft, creamy brie and fruit preserves harmonize beautifully with the chocolate cherry filling, adding a savory element to your spread.

Enjoy these delicious pairings alongside your Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies for a festive feast that delights everyone!

Tips for the Best Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies

Cold Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and milk, are chilled. This helps achieve a flaky, tender pastry for your hand pies.
Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to add too much cherry filling, as it can ooze out during baking. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons for the perfect ratio.
Sharp Tools: Use a sharp paring knife to carve jack-o’-lantern faces on the top crusts. This allows for precise cuts that help steam escape as they bake.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only stores it but also makes it easier to roll out and shape, preventing any shrinkage during baking.
Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal of your Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies and to avoid sticking.

Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate should I use for the crust?
You’ll want to use unsweetened cocoa powder for the crust, as it provides a rich chocolate flavor without adding sweetness. If you’re looking for a sweeter alternative, you might consider using Dutch-process cocoa, which gives a slightly different flavor profile but can enhance the overall taste!

How do I know when the dough is the right consistency?
After combining your dry ingredients, you should pulse the mixture with the cold cubed butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. When you gradually mix in the ice-cold milk, the dough should come together as a shaggy mass. It shouldn’t be sticky; if it feels too wet, you can add a little more flour until it’s manageable.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough up to two days ahead. Once you’ve chilled it for the recommended 2 hours, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out to avoid cracking.

What is the best way to store leftover hand pies?
Store your Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, the fridge is a good option for up to a week. Just ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture from building up!

Can I freeze the hand pies?
Yes, you can freeze both unbaked and baked hand pies. For unbaked, assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper between pies to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Are these hand pies suitable for those with allergies?
Good question! The recipe does contain common allergens like wheat (gluten) and dairy. For gluten-free options, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and for a dairy-free treat, use almond milk and non-dairy butter. Always check your filling ingredients, especially with alternatives like Nutella, to ensure they meet your dietary needs!