Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

All it takes is 30 minutes to prepare these Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies with their flaky crust and citrus glaze! Perfect for parties, picnics, or a delightful dessert at home, these hand pies are a scrumptious blend of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon. The flaky exterior and tangy glaze make them irresistible, while the simple preparation ensures they can be whipped up in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings or gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: A delightful combination of sweet blueberry filling and zesty lemon glaze that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for any occasion—be it a family get-together, holiday dessert, or a special treat for yourself.
• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can succeed!
• Portable Dessert: These hand pies are easy to take on the go, making them a great option for picnics or lunch boxes.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the pie crust evenly, ensuring a consistent thickness for baking.
• Biscuit cutter: Provides perfectly shaped circles for the hand pies, giving them a professional look.
• Baking sheet: Essential for even cooking; it allows heat to circulate around the pies while they bake.

Ingredients

To make Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 2 boxes refrigerated pie crust (14.1 oz each)

For the Filling

• 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 (220°C). Remove the pie crusts from their packaging and let them sit at room temperature while you prepare the filling.

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.

Step 3: Cut Out Circles

• Unroll both pie crusts on a clean surface.
• Using a 4-inch biscuit cutter, cut out 6 circles from each crust. You may need to re-roll scraps to create enough circles.

Step 4: Fill and Seal

• Place about 1 tablespoon of blueberry pie filling in the center of each circle.
• Brush the edges with egg yolk to help seal them.
• Fold each circle in half and pinch the edges tightly. Press with a fork’s tines along the edges to ensure they are sealed well.
• Use a fork to poke one hole in each hand pie to prevent bursting during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Hand Pies

• Beat egg white in a small bowl until frothy.
• Brush this over the tops of each hand pie.
• Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about an inch apart and bake for approximately 15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While baking, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in another bowl until smooth.
Once baked, remove pies from baking sheet while warm. Dip each pie into the glaze thoroughly using two forks. Return them to parchment paper and let set for about 5 minutes before enjoying!

These Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are sure to be a hit with everyone!

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

These delightful Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are perfect for any occasion. Whether for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream adds a rich and creamy contrast to the fruity filling.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Warm hand pies served alongside vanilla ice cream create a heavenly combination of flavors and textures.

Accompany with Fresh Berries

• Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries enhance the fruity essence and freshness of each bite.

Drizzle with Extra Lemon Glaze

• For those who love a citrus kick, an extra drizzle of lemon glaze on top adds brightness and sweetness.

Add a Side of Yogurt

• A bowl of tangy yogurt provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the hand pies.

How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Creating the perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your hand pies turn out beautifully every time.

• Use chilled ingredients: Keep your pie crusts chilled until ready to use for a flakier texture.
• Don’t overfill: Use just enough filling to prevent spilling during baking, keeping edges clean for sealing.
• Seal edges well: Pinch the edges tightly and use a fork to ensure they stay closed while baking.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on them as they bake; remove when golden brown for best results.
• Let cool before glazing: Allow the pies to cool slightly before dipping in glaze to prevent it from melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Serving side dishes alongside your Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness, complementing the sweet flavors of the hand pies.

2. Lemon Sorbet
   The zesty flavor of lemon sorbet pairs perfectly with the sweet blueberry filling, offering a refreshing palate cleanser.

3. Coconut Whipped Cream
   This dairy-free alternative adds richness and a tropical twist to your dessert spread.

4. Berry Compote
   A warm berry compote drizzled over the pies enhances their fruity essence, making each bite even more flavorful.

5. Nuts and Seeds Mix
   A crunchy mix of nuts and seeds provides texture contrast and adds a nutritious element to your dessert table.

6. Chocolate Sauce
   For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce can add an indulgent twist that pairs well with fruit flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final product. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the chill time: Not allowing the pie crusts to come to room temperature can make them hard to work with. Let them sit out for about 10-15 minutes before using.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to a tablespoon of filling per pie for best results.
• Neglecting the sealing: Failing to seal the edges properly can lead to leaks while baking. Press firmly and use a fork to ensure each pie is well sealed.
• Ignoring glaze timing: Coating the pies in glaze while they are still warm ensures better adherence. Wait too long, and the glaze won’t stick well.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven affects cooking time and texture. Preheat your oven fully before placing in the hand pies for even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Wrap each hand pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each pie on high for about 20-30 seconds, but note that this may make the crust less crisp.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through, which helps retain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, check out these common inquiries:

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?

Using fresh blueberries is possible, but you’ll need to add sugar and lemon juice for sweetness and flavor. Cook them down slightly before filling.

How do I know when my hand pies are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown color on top of the hand pies. They should also feel firm when gently pressed.

Can I make these hand pies vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a plant-based alternative like a flaxseed mixture or aquafaba for sealing and brushing.

What is the best way to serve Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies?

These hand pies are delightful served warm or at room temperature. Pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds extra indulgence!

Final Thoughts

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies offer a delightful combination of fruity sweetness and citrus zing wrapped in a flaky crust. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dessert after dinner. Feel free to customize these hand pies by adding different fillings like other berries or even cream cheese!