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 little treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic in the park, or simply a comforting dessert at home. With their vibrant blueberry filling and zesty lemon glaze, these hand pies offer a unique blend of flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these delicious hand pies, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings.
• Flaky and Buttery Crust: The refrigerated pie crust ensures that every bite is flaky and light without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect as a dessert or snack, these hand pies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
• Bright Flavor: The combination of blueberries and lemon creates a refreshing taste that delights the palate.
• Easy for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a novice baker or an expert, this recipe is straightforward and fun to make.

Tools and Preparation

To make Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: This tool helps roll out the pie crust evenly, ensuring a uniform thickness for each hand pie.
• Biscuit cutter: A 4-inch biscuit cutter makes it easy to create perfectly round pastry circles for filling.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet provides even heat distribution while baking your hand pies.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies:

For the Hand Pies

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

For the Glaze

• 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. Remove the pie crusts from their packaging and let them come to room temperature while preparing 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 this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cut Out Pie Crust Circles

Unroll both pie crusts on a clean surface. Using a 4-inch biscuit cutter, cut out six circles from each crust. You may need to re-roll any scraps to get your sixth circle.

Step 4: Fill and Seal the Hand Pies

Using a tablespoon scoop, drop blueberry pie filling into the center of each circle. Brush the edges with egg yolk before folding each circle in half. Pinch edges completely to seal. Fold over the pinched edges again and press with a fork’s tines for extra security. Don’t forget to poke a small hole in each hand pie with a fork to prevent bursting!

Step 5: Brush and Bake

In a small bowl, beat the egg white until frothy. Brush this over the tops of each hand pie before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced an inch apart. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze Your Hand Pies

While your pies are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Once baked, remove pies from the oven and drop them (while still warm) into the glaze, fully coating them. Use two forks to flip them gently in the glaze before returning them to parchment paper to set for about five minutes.

ENJOY your homemade Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies!

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with several accompaniments, making them perfect for any occasion.

Pair with Fresh Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream enhances the sweetness of the pies, creating a delightful contrast.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances the tartness of the lemon in the hand pies.

Enjoy with a Fruit Salad

• A refreshing fruit salad provides a healthy and colorful side that complements the flavors of blueberry and lemon.

Drizzle with Extra Lemon Glaze

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

Accompany with a Cup of Tea

• A warm cup of herbal or black tea makes for a comforting pairing, perfect for afternoon snacks or dessert time.

Garnish with Fresh Mint Leaves

• Add a touch of freshness by garnishing your hand pies with mint leaves for an appealing look and taste.

How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Creating the ideal Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game:

• Use chilled pie crust – Keeping your crust cold helps achieve that flaky texture once baked.
• Avoid overfilling – Use just one tablespoon of filling per pie to prevent bursting during baking.
• Seal edges well – Make sure to pinch and fork-seal edges tightly to keep filling contained.
• Brush tops thoroughly – Brushing egg white on top before baking gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color.
• Cool slightly before glazing – Let your pies cool for a couple of minutes before glazing to ensure it adheres properly.
• Experiment with flavors – Don’t hesitate to mix in other fruits or spices into the filling for unique variations.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

To enhance your experience with Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, consider these delicious side dishes. They complement the flavors beautifully while adding variety to your meal.

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   A creamy Greek yogurt parfait layered with fruits and granola provides a nutritious balance alongside the pies.

2. Coconut Rice Pudding
   This creamy dessert adds tropical flavors that harmonize well with blueberry and lemon notes.

3. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
   These sweet treats offer a rich contrast, making them an indulgent pairing for hand pies.

4. Lemon Sorbet
   The refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate, enhancing the citrus notes in your hand pies.

5. Mixed Berry Compote
   A warm berry compote drizzled over each pie adds extra juiciness and flavor depth.

6. Chilled Cucumber Salad
   A light cucumber salad dressed in vinaigrette brings a crispness that balances out the sweetness of the hand pies.

7. Almond Biscotti
   Crunchy almond biscotti makes for an excellent snack alongside tea or coffee while enjoying your hand pies.

8. Roasted Nuts Medley
   A bowl of spiced roasted nuts offers salty crunchiness that contrasts nicely with the sweet pastry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not using room temperature crust: If the pie crust is too cold, it can crack when rolled out. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a bit before use.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst open during baking. Stick to about one tablespoon of filling per pie.
• Skipping the egg wash: An egg wash gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color and shine. Don’t skip brushing the tops before baking!
• Ignoring baking times: Baking for too long or too short can affect texture. Keep an eye on them, removing when they’re lightly browned.
• Forgetting to poke holes: Failing to poke holes in the top of the pies can cause them to explode in the oven. Remember to do this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual pies for about 30 seconds on high, but they may lose some crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies:

What is the best way to ensure my hand pies are flaky?

Using chilled ingredients and not overworking the dough helps create that perfect flaky crust.

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?

Yes! You can use fresh blueberries mixed with sugar and lemon juice for a fresher taste.

How can I customize my Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies?

Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in other fruits such as raspberries or strawberries.

How do I know when my hand pies are done?

They should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary.

Can I make these hand pies vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the egg with a plant-based egg alternative and use vegan pastry crusts.

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor that everyone will love. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings or glazes as you wish! Try making these delightful treats today; they’re perfect for any occasion!