Vegan Nutella Halloween Mummy Hand Pies: Spooky & Delicious!

Vegan Nutella Halloween Mummy Hand Pies are not just a spooky treat; they’re a delightful combination of flaky pastry, rich chocolate-hazelnut filling, and playful Halloween fun! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, golden-brown hand pie, the buttery crust giving way to a gooey, decadent center that tastes just like Nutella, but entirely plant-based.

Hand pies, in general, have a long and fascinating history, dating back to medieval times when they were a practical way to transport and preserve food. These individual pies were often filled with meat and vegetables, providing sustenance for travelers and laborers. Today, hand pies have evolved into a beloved treat enjoyed worldwide, with countless variations in fillings and crusts.

What makes these Vegan Nutella Halloween Mummy Hand Pies so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The crisp, flaky crust contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy vegan Nutella filling. Plus, the adorable mummy design adds a touch of whimsy that makes them perfect for Halloween parties or a fun baking project with kids. The convenience of individual portions also makes them a great grab-and-go snack or dessert. So, get ready to impress your friends and family with these spooktacular and delicious hand pies!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Vegan Nutella:
• 1 ½ cups roasted hazelnuts, skin removed
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil (like sunflower or canola)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For the Pie Crust:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) vegan butter, very cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• For the Mummy Decoration:
• 1 sheet vegan puff pastry, thawed
• Vegan egg wash (1 tablespoon plant-based milk + ½ teaspoon maple syrup)
• Vegan chocolate chips or candy eyes

Making the Vegan Nutella (Homemade Hazelnut Chocolate Spread)

1. Roast the Hazelnuts (if not already roasted): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the skins are cracked and the nuts are fragrant. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.
2. Remove the Hazelnut Skins: Place the roasted hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel. Rub the hazelnuts vigorously within the towel to remove as much of the skins as possible. Don’t worry if you can’t get all of the skins off.
3. Grind the Hazelnuts: Place the skinned hazelnuts in a food processor. Process until a smooth butter forms. This may take several minutes, and you may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally. Be patient; it will eventually come together. The mixture will go through several stages, from coarse crumbs to a thick paste, before becoming smooth hazelnut butter.
4. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, oil, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor. Process until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Adjust Consistency (if needed): If the Nutella is too thick, add a little more oil, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the Nutella and adjust the sweetness or chocolate flavor to your liking. You can add more powdered sugar for sweetness or more cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
7. Store the Nutella: Transfer the vegan Nutella to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It will thicken slightly in the refrigerator, so you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using it.

Making the Pie Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Vegan Butter: Add the cold, cubed vegan butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small, pea-sized pieces. Keeping the butter cold is crucial for a flaky crust.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. You want the dough to be moist enough to hold its shape but not sticky.
4. Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a disc.
5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust.

Assembling the Mummy Hand Pies

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Pie Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
3. Cut Out Hand Shapes: Use a sharp knife or a hand-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hand shapes from the pie dough. You should be able to get about 6-8 hand shapes, depending on the size of your cutter.
4. Add the Nutella Filling: Place half of the hand shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the vegan Nutella onto the center of each hand shape, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Top with Second Layer: Gently place the remaining hand shapes on top of the Nutella-filled hand shapes.
6. Seal the Edges: Use a fork to crimp the edges of the hand pies, sealing them tightly. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
7. Prepare the Mummy Strips: Unfold the vegan puff pastry sheet. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into thin strips, about ¼-inch wide.
8. Decorate with Mummy Strips: Arrange the puff pastry strips across the top of each hand pie, creating a mummy-like effect. Don’t worry about being perfect; the more haphazard the strips, the more authentic the mummy look! Leave a small space near the top of each hand pie for the eyes.
9. Apply Vegan Egg Wash: Brush the mummy strips with the vegan egg wash (plant-based milk and maple syrup mixture). This will help them brown nicely in the oven.
10. Add the Eyes: Place two vegan chocolate chips or candy eyes in the space you left at the top of each hand pie to create the mummy’s eyes.
11. Bake the Hand Pies: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and the puff pastry strips are cooked through.
12. Cool and Serve: Let the hand pies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success:

• Keep Ingredients Cold: The key to a flaky pie crust is to keep the butter and water as cold as possible. This prevents the butter from melting into the flour, which would result in a tough crust.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the pie dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust.
• Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to crimp the edges of the hand pies tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Get Creative with Decorations: Have fun with the mummy decorations! You can use different widths of puff pastry strips or add other spooky details, like edible glitter or sprinkles.

Variations:

• Different Fillings: You can use other fillings besides vegan Nutella, such as vegan jam, apple pie filling, or pumpkin puree.
• Different Shapes: Get creative with the shapes! You can use cookie cutters to make other Halloween-themed shapes, such as ghosts, bats, or pumpkins.
• Add Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

These Vegan Nutella Halloween Mummy Hand Pies are a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for Halloween parties or a spooky movie night. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

These Vegan Nutella Halloween Mummy Hand Pies are truly a must-try this spooky season! They’re not just adorable; they’re incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make. The flaky, golden crust paired with the rich, chocolatey hazelnut filling is a match made in dessert heaven. Plus, knowing they’re entirely vegan means everyone can enjoy a guilt-free treat. What’s not to love?

I know Halloween can be a whirlwind of sugary sweets, but these hand pies offer a homemade touch that’s sure to impress. They’re perfect for parties, bake sales, or even just a fun afternoon activity with the kids. Imagine the delight on their faces as they help wrap the “mummy” bandages around each pie! It’s a fantastic way to get them involved in the kitchen and create lasting memories.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. While the vegan nutella is the star of the show, you could easily swap it out for other vegan-friendly options like peanut butter, almond butter, or even a homemade fruit jam. For a little extra flair, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweetness and add a delightful salty-sweet contrast.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These mummy hand pies are fantastic served warm, straight from the oven. A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on the side would elevate them to a truly decadent dessert. Alternatively, you can let them cool completely and enjoy them as a grab-and-go treat. They’re also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking on picnics.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different shapes and sizes. Instead of hand pies, you could create one large mummy pie. Or, use cookie cutters to make mini mummy bites – perfect for little hands! You could even use different colored icing to create unique mummy designs. The possibilities are endless!

Don’t Forget the Eyes!

And of course, don’t forget the eyes! I used vegan chocolate chips, but you could also use candy eyes or even a dab of white icing with a chocolate chip in the center. The eyes are what really bring these mummies to life (or should I say, un-life?).

I truly believe that these Vegan Nutella Halloween Mummy Hand Pies will be a hit with everyone who tries them. They’re fun, festive, and utterly delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some spooky-sweet magic!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? Did you have any challenges? What did your family and friends think? Please share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking, and Happy Halloween! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help. I hope you enjoy this vegan nutella recipe as much as I do!