The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has always been a part of my life. My grandmother taught me how to create meals full of love, tradition, and flavor. Over the years, I’ve learned that food isn’t just about filling our stomachs it’s about bringing joy and fun into our homes.
Halloween has quickly become one of my favorite times of the year because it allows me to get creative in the kitchen. Last year, while decorating pumpkins with my kids, I decided to try something festive and spooky that would also taste amazing Mummy Hand Pies filled with apple or cherry.
The idea came from wanting a dessert that was easy to grab, fun to decorate, and packed with flavor. These little hand pies are flaky, golden pastries wrapped up like mummies with delicious apple or cherry filling peeking through the “bandages.” When they came out of the oven, my children couldn’t stop giggling at how cute and spooky they looked. Even better, the sweet aroma of baked fruit and warm spices filled the entire house.
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s both festive and easy to make, these Mummy Hand Pies with apple or cherry filling are perfect. They’re not only a fun treat for kids’ parties but also a delightful dessert for adults who love flaky pastry and fruity fillings. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Mummy Hand Pies with Apple or Cherry Filling
For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust (or homemade if you prefer)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Filling (Choose Apple or Cherry):
Apple Filling:
- 2 cups diced apples (peeled)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cherry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional Decorations:
- Candy eyes (store-bought or homemade with icing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Filling
If using apple filling, place diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until apples soften and the mixture thickens.
For cherry filling, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Simmer until the mixture becomes thick and glossy, about 5–6 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out the pie crust sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut out rectangles (about 4×6 inches). Place half of them on a parchment-lined baking tray—these will be the bases. With the other half, use a knife or pastry wheel to cut thin strips for the “mummy bandages.”
Step 3: Assemble the Mummy Pies
Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of filling onto each rectangle base, leaving space around the edges. Lay strips of pastry across the filling in crisscross patterns to resemble mummy bandages, leaving a small opening for the “eyes.” Press edges with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Bake the Mummy Hand Pies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk together egg and water for the egg wash, then brush over the pastry strips for a golden finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and let cool slightly before decorating.
Step 5: Add the Eyes
Once cooled, place candy eyes on top of each pie in the open space between the pastry strips. If you don’t have candy eyes, use a dot of white icing with a smaller dot of melted chocolate to create the same effect.
Serving Suggestions
These Mummy Hand Pies with apple or cherry filling are perfect for Halloween parties, school bake sales, or spooky movie nights at home. Serve them warm for the best flavor, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Arrange them on a platter with fake spider webs or pumpkin decorations for a creepy-cute presentation. The best part? They’re handheld, so no messy slicing needed—just grab, bite, and enjoy!
Conclusion
Halloween is about fun, laughter, and creativity, and these Mummy Hand Pies filled with apple or cherry bring all of that into your kitchen. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and look absolutely adorable on any Halloween table.
Whether you choose the cozy apple filling or the sweet-tart cherry filling, these pies are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. So, put on some spooky music, gather your ingredients, and bake a batch of these festive treats. You’ll create not only tasty pies but also fun memories your family will never forget.
100-Word Personal Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, Greece. I grew up learning how to cook from my grandmother, who showed me the joy of sharing food with family. These Mummy Hand Pies filled with apple or cherry are one of my favorite Halloween recipes because they’re both fun and delicious. The flaky crust, sweet filling, and spooky “bandages” make them perfect for parties or cozy nights at home. My kids love adding the candy eyes, and I love how simple they are to bake. They’re a treat that’s playful, festive, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your Halloween celebrations.