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 simply as a delightful treat at home, these hand pies are a wonderful blend of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon. You’ll love the convenience of their portable size and the burst of flavors in every bite, making them a favorite among all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these hand pies effortlessly.
• Flavorful Combination: The sweet blueberry filling paired with zesty lemon zest creates a refreshing taste that will please your palate.
• Versatile Treat: These hand pies are perfect for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast on-the-go.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings or family events, everyone will enjoy these delightful pastries.
• Fun to Make: Involving the kids in the folding and glazing process makes baking these hand pies an enjoyable family activity.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Biscuit cutter: Ensures uniform pie circles for even baking and a professional appearance.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking your delicious hand pies.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for preparing fillings and glazes without any mess.

Ingredients

All it takes is 30 minutes to prepare these Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies with their flaky crust and citrus glaze!

For the Crust:

• 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 oven to 425°F. Remove pie crusts from package and allow them to come to room temperature while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Dump blueberry pie filling into a shallow bowl. Add lemon zest and mix until blended. Set aside.

Step 3: Cut the Pie Crusts

Unroll pie crusts on a clean surface. Use a 4-inch biscuit cutter to cut out 6 circles from each crust. You may need to re-roll scraps to get the sixth circle.

Step 4: Fill the Crusts

Using a 1 tablespoon scoop, drop blueberry pie filling into the center of each pie crust circle. Brush edges with egg yolk. Fold in half and pinch edges completely. Fold pinched edges over and press with the tines of a fork to seal. Poke each hand pie with a fork once to prevent bursting.

Step 5: Bake the Hand Pies

Beat egg white in a small bowl until frothy. Brush over the tops of each hand pie. Bake on a parchment paper lined baking sheet (1 inch apart) for about 15 minutes, until browned.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While pies are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Once cooked, remove pies from baking sheet and drop them (while warm) into glaze, coating completely. Use two forks to flip them in the glaze carefully. Return to parchment paper and allow them to set for about 5 minutes. ENJOY!

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 gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, these hand pies can be served in ways that enhance their deliciousness.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Serve your hand pies warm, topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added richness and texture.

A Side of Ice Cream

• Pair them with vanilla or lemon ice cream for a refreshing contrast. The creamy texture balances the tartness of the blueberries perfectly.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Garnish with fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries. This adds a vibrant color and extra fruity flavor to your dessert plate.

Drizzled with Extra Glaze

• For those who love sweetness, drizzle additional lemon glaze over the top just before serving for an extra zesty kick.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange them on a platter alongside other pastries. This makes for an appealing display that’s perfect for parties or gatherings.

How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Achieving the perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your hand pies turn out delicious every time.

• Chill the Dough: Keeping the pie crust cold helps maintain its flakiness during baking, resulting in a better texture.

• Seal Edges Well: Pinch and fork the edges firmly to prevent leakage during baking, ensuring all that delicious filling stays inside.

• Don’t Overfill: Use just enough filling to avoid spills while baking. A tablespoon per pie is usually perfect.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the hand pies as they bake; remove them once they’re golden brown for best results.

• Serve Warm: Hand pies taste best right out of the oven when they’re warm and gooey inside.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

When serving Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, consider complementing them with some tasty side dishes. Here’s a list of options that pair beautifully with these sweet treats.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the tart filling of the hand pies.
2. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits can provide freshness and lightness alongside the rich flavors of the pie.
3. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a healthy side that contrasts well with sweet pastries.
4. Lemonade – A refreshing drink that enhances the citrus notes of your dessert while keeping things light.
5. Coconut Macaroons – These chewy treats add an interesting texture and flavor contrast to your dessert experience.
6. Coffee or Tea – Serving hand pies with a warm beverage can elevate your dessert moment, making it feel cozy and indulgent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can elevate your Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:

• Ignoring Pie Crust Temperature: Using pie crusts that are too cold can make them hard to work with. Let them sit at room temperature before rolling out.
• Overfilling the Pies: Adding too much filling can lead to messy pies that burst open during baking. Stick to 1 tablespoon of filling per pie.
• Neglecting Egg Wash: Skipping the egg wash can result in dull-looking hand pies. Brush the tops with egg white for a beautiful, golden finish.
• Not Sealing Properly: Failing to seal the edges well can cause the filling to leak out. Pinch and press the edges firmly with a fork.
• Skipping Glaze Application: Missing out on the glaze means losing out on added sweetness and tang. Coat warm pies in glaze right after baking for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Freeze unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before baking when ready to enjoy.

Reheating Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one pie at a time for about 20-30 seconds, but this may soften the crust.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I know when my hand pies are done?

Look for a golden-brown color on top and a bubbly filling peeking out from the edges.

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?

Yes! Combine fresh blueberries with sugar and a bit of lemon juice for a homemade filling.

What can I substitute for lemon juice?

You can use lime juice or orange juice as alternatives, but they will change the flavor profile slightly.

How long do these hand pies last?

They last about 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer if stored properly.

Can I make these hand pies gluten-free?

Certainly! Use gluten-free pie crusts available at most grocery stores for a gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are not only easy to make but also deliciously versatile. You can customize them by experimenting with different fillings like cherry or peach. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!