Chocolate Cherry Pumpkin Pies

Section: Sweet Dessert Recipes for Every Craving

Experience the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherry filling nestled inside flaky, cocoa-infused pastry shaped like whimsical pumpkins. These hand pies combine smooth cocoa dough with a luscious cherry center, baked to golden perfection. Crafted with a delicate balance of sugar, butter, and flour, they require chilling the dough and careful assembly, making them a delightful treat for Halloween or seasonal events. Enjoy warm or cooled, these pies add a festive touch to your dessert table.

A chef smiles for the camera.
Brought to You By Ryan
Last modified on Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:35:41 GMT
Chocolate cherry pies on a plate. Bookmark
Chocolate cherry pies on a plate. | palatablelife.com

These Halloween Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies offer a delightful twist on classic treats with their rich chocolate crust and sweet cherry filling. Perfectly portioned for festive gatherings, they blend spooky fun with indulgent flavors that guests of all ages will enjoy.

I first made these during a chilly October evening and now they have become a seasonal favorite in my family’s celebrations. The kids especially love carving the jacko'lantern faces on top making the baking process as fun as the eating.

Ingredients

  • Allpurpose flour or glutenfree flour: to create a tender yet sturdy crust choose fresh flour for the best results
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: adds a deep chocolate flavor and beautiful color opt for Dutchprocessed cocoa if you prefer a smoother taste
  • Granulated sugar or coconut sugar: to balance the bitterness of cocoa coconut sugar brings a subtle caramel note
  • Kosher salt or table salt: essential to enhance the sweetness and chocolate flavor make sure it is fresh for optimal taste
  • Salted butter or unsalted butter: with a pinch of added salt for richness and flakiness highquality butter really elevates the crust
  • Icecold whole milk or halfandhalf: cream or almond milk for moisture cold liquid prevents the butter from melting and keeps the dough flaky
  • Canned cherry pie filling: or an alternative like chocolate ganache Nutella or pumpkin filling for a festive filling option
  • Large egg or flaxseed/chia egg: as a binder and to help with crisp and color on the crust use flax or chia for a veganfriendly option
  • Water: to thin the egg wash so it brushes on smoothly without clumping

Instructions

Synthesize the dough:
Combine the flour cocoa powder sugar salt and cubed butter in a food processor. Pulse just enough for the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs. Gradually add the icecold milk and pulse again until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the crust tender. Shape the dough into two discs wrap tightly and chill in the fridge for 2 hours. Chilling firms the butter and helps the dough roll out easily.
Prepare your workspace:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking. Roll out one disc of chilled dough to about one quarter inch thick. Using pumpkin shaped cutters cut out shapes and arrange them on the prepared sheet. Gently press the dough but do not stretch it.
Add the filling:
Spoon one to two tablespoons of cherry pie filling into the center of each pumpkin shape. Be generous but avoid overfilling as it will be difficult to seal and may leak.
Shape the tops:
Roll out the second disc of dough similarly and cut out matching pumpkin shapes. With a sharp knife carve jacko'lantern faces for a spooky look. Brush the edges of the bottom crust shapes lightly with egg wash this helps the top crust stick firmly. Carefully place the carved shapes over the filling and seal edges by pressing them together with a fork. Make small holes for steam to escape if necessary.
Bake the hand pies:
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges look golden and set. The cocoa dough will deepen in color and become slightly crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes to set the filling and prevent burns.
A plate of chocolate cherry pies.
A plate of chocolate cherry pies. | palatablelife.com

My favorite ingredient is the cocoa powder as it perfectly balances the sweetness and adds a hint of indulgence. I still remember my kids' wide eyes as they helped me carve the little faces on these pies one Halloween making the entire celebration sweeter and more memorable.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep crust crisp. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven instead of a microwave for best texture. For longer storage freeze baked pies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use glutenfree flour blends in place of allpurpose flour for gluten intolerance note that texture may vary slightly. Swap canned cherry filling with fresh cherry preserves or homemade compote for a fresher taste. Substitute coconut sugar with brown sugar or regular granulated sugar in recipes where caramel notes are not desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Pair with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for a cozy autumn treat. Decorate with a dusting of powdered sugar or edible glitter for added festive charm.

Chocolate cherry pies on a plate.
Chocolate cherry pies on a plate. | palatablelife.com

These hand pies are a festive and delicious treat perfect for Halloween gatherings. Enjoy baking and sharing them with loved ones.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of flour can I use for the crust?

You can use all-purpose flour or substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-sensitive option while maintaining the dough’s texture.

→ How do I make a dairy-free version?

Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk instead of whole milk or cream to keep the dough dairy-free.

→ Can I use different fillings besides cherry?

Absolutely! Chocolate ganache, Nutella, or pumpkin filling are excellent alternatives to customize flavors.

→ Why should the dough be chilled before baking?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll out and helps maintain flaky layers during baking.

→ How do I create the pumpkin shapes and faces?

Roll out the dough and cut shapes with a pumpkin cutter or knife; carve jack-o'-lantern faces carefully with a sharp knife before baking.

→ What temperature and time are best for baking?

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until the edges are set and lightly crisp for an ideal texture.

Chocolate Cherry Pumpkin Pies

Festive chocolate and cherry hand pies shaped like pumpkins, ideal for autumn celebrations and gatherings.

Prep Time
120 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
Total Time
138 minutes
Brought to You By: Ryan

Recipe Category: Dessert

Skill Level: Requires Some Experience

Culinary Inspiration: American

Yields: 12 Portion Size (12 hand pies)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

→ Pastry Crust

01 2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
02 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or table salt
05 1/2 cup salted butter or unsalted butter with slight salt increase
06 6 tablespoons ice cold whole milk or half-and-half or cream; almond milk for dairy-free

→ Filling and Assembly

07 1 can cherry pie filling or chocolate ganache, Nutella, or pumpkin filling
08 1 large egg or flaxseed/chia egg for vegan alternative
09 1 tablespoon water for thinning egg wash

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

In a food processor, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and cubed butter. Pulse until coarse crumbs form. Gradually add ice cold milk until a shaggy dough forms. Wrap and chill for 2 hours.

Step 02

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc and cut into pumpkin shapes. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 03

Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling into the center of each shape. Roll out second dough disc and cut matching pumpkin shapes. Carve jack-o'-lantern faces on these pieces with a sharp knife. Brush edges of bottom crusts with egg wash and seal with top crusts using a fork.

Step 04

Bake pies for 15-18 minutes until edges are set and slightly crisp. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Handy Tips

  1. Ensure dough stays cold throughout preparation to maintain a flaky texture.

Must-Have Tools

  • Food processor
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife

Potential Allergens

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if needed.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts depending on filling choice; vegan and gluten-free options available

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional information is provided for reference and shouldn’t replace expert guidance.
  • Calories: 250
  • Fats: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams