Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

All it takes is 30 minutes to prepare these Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies with their flaky crust and citrus glaze! These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a picnic, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something sweet. The combination of juicy blueberries and zesty lemon creates a flavor explosion that will leave your guests asking for more. With their portable size, these hand pies are easy to enjoy on the go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute dessert needs.
• Flaky Crust: Refrigerated pie crust ensures a crispy texture without the hassle of homemade dough.
• Versatile Filling: Use store-bought blueberry pie filling for convenience or make your own for a personal touch.
• Perfectly Sweet Glaze: The lemon glaze adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the filling beautifully.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These hand pies are sure to impress friends and family with their delicious taste and charming appearance.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Biscuit cutter (4-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Helps flatten the pie crust evenly for consistent thickness and baking.
• Biscuit cutter: Perfectly shapes the pie circles, ensuring uniformity for even cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess, keeping flavors contained.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking on the baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For these delicious Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, you will need:

For the Crust and Filling

• 2 boxes refrigerated pie crust (14.1 oz each)
• 1 can blueberry pie filling (21 oz)
• 1 lemon (zested)

For the Glaze

• 1 egg (separated)
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

How to Make Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. While it’s heating, remove the pie crusts from their package and let them come to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Dump the blueberry pie filling into a shallow bowl. Add the lemon zest and mix until well blended. Set aside while you work on the crust.

Step 3: Cut Out Circles from Pie Crusts

Unroll both pie crusts on a clean surface. Use a 4-inch biscuit cutter to cut out six circles from each crust. If needed, re-roll scraps to make enough circles.

Step 4: Fill and Seal Each Hand Pie

Using a 1 tablespoon scoop, place blueberry pie filling in the center of each circle. Brush the edges with egg yolk. Fold each circle in half and pinch edges firmly together. Use a fork to press down along the edges for an extra seal. Poke each hand pie once with a fork to prevent bursting during baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown

Beat the egg white in a small bowl until frothy and brush it over the tops of each hand pie. Arrange them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your pies bake, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in another bowl until smooth. Once baked, carefully remove hand pies from the sheet while they are warm, then dip them into the glaze completely. Return them to parchment paper allowing them to set for about five minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies!

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these hand pies can be served creatively to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top each hand pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.

Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm hand pies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delicious temperature contrast.

Drizzled with Extra Lemon Glaze

• For added sweetness, drizzle extra lemon glaze over the top just before serving.

Paired with Fresh Berries

• Serve on a plate with a side of fresh blueberries or raspberries to complement the flavors.

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy your hand pies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Perfecting Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies is easy with just a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking game!

• Chill Your Dough – Keeping the pie crust cold helps achieve a flaky texture during baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh lemons and high-quality blueberry filling for the best flavor.
• Seal Well – Ensure edges are tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
• Avoid Overfilling – Use only the recommended amount of filling to prevent bursting while baking.
• Watch the Baking Time – Keep an eye on your pies; they should be golden brown but not overcooked.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Serving side dishes with Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Citrus Salad
   A refreshing mix of citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits adds brightness to your meal.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy option that complements the sweetness of the pies.

3. Fruit Compote
   A warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits can provide delicious contrast and moisture.

4. Cheese Platter
   Pairing sweet hand pies with cheese like brie or goat cheese creates an interesting flavor combination.

5. Chocolate Sauce
   Provide melted chocolate sauce for dipping, adding an indulgent twist to each bite.

6. Mint Tea
   A refreshing mint tea serves as a light beverage option that balances out the sweetness of the pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies can be a breeze, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Not allowing crust to come to room temperature: Cold pie crust can crack and break when you try to roll it out. Always let your crust sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to about one tablespoon of filling per pie for best results.
• Ignoring egg wash: Skipping the egg wash on top will result in pale hand pies. Brush them with egg white for a beautiful golden color.
• Forgetting to poke holes: Not poking holes in the tops can lead to steam buildup and bursting. Remember to poke each pie with a fork before baking.
• Rushing the cooling process: Allowing the pies to cool too quickly can make them soggy. Let them set in the glaze for a few minutes after baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Place cooled hand pies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat until warmed, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies:

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can make your own blueberry filling using fresh blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook them down until thickened.

How do I customize my Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies?

Feel free to mix in other fruits like raspberries or strawberries with blueberries for added flavor!

What if my pie crust is too dry?

If your crust crumbles and is dry, try adding a teaspoon of cold water while mixing until it holds together better.

How can I make these hand pies vegan?

You can substitute the egg with a plant-based milk wash and use non-dairy butter in place of regular butter if desired.

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different fillings or glazes based on your preference. They’re perfect for any occasion and sure to impress everyone who tries them!