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 pastries are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Their combination of sweet blueberry filling and zesty lemon flavor truly makes them a standout treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these hand pies in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The sweet blueberries combined with the fresh lemon zest create a deliciously refreshing taste.
• Versatile Treats: Perfect as a dessert, snack, or even a breakfast option, these hand pies suit any time of day.
• Easy to Make: Using refrigerated pie crust simplifies the process, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Portable Snacks: Their hand-held size makes them easy to take on-the-go, ideal for picnics or lunchboxes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a fun baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the hand pies, ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. It also helps achieve a crisp crust.
• Biscuit cutter: Ensures uniformity in pie sizes for even cooking and a professional appearance.

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Ingredients

For the Pie 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 your oven to 425°F. While it heats up, remove the pie crusts from their packaging and let them sit at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a shallow bowl:
1. Pour in the blueberry pie filling.
2. Add the lemon zest.
3. Mix until well blended and set aside.

Step 3: Cut Out Pie Circles

Unroll both pie crusts:
1. Use a 4-inch biscuit cutter to cut out 6 circles from each crust.
2. If needed, re-roll scraps to make additional circles.

Step 4: Fill and Seal Each Pie

For each circle:
1. Place 1 tablespoon of blueberry filling in the center.
2. Brush egg yolk along the edges.
3. Fold the circle in half and pinch edges tightly to seal.
4. Use a fork to press down on the sealed edges and poke one hole on top to prevent bursting.

Step 5: Bake the Hand Pies

In a small bowl:
1. Beat egg white until frothy.
2. Brush over each hand pie’s top.

Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one:
– Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze Your Hand Pies

While pies are baking:
1. Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

Once baked:
1. Remove hand pies from the oven and quickly dip each warm pie into the glaze using two forks to flip it carefully.
2. Return them to parchment paper and let set for about 5 minutes before enjoying!

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are deliciously versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance their delightful flavors. Whether for a casual gathering or a special occasion, these hand pies will surely impress your guests.

As a Dessert Option

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
• Drizzle with extra lemon glaze for added sweetness and tang.

At Breakfast or Brunch

• Pair with fresh fruit and yogurt for a refreshing morning meal.
• Serve alongside pancakes or waffles to complement your brunch spread.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Pack them in lunchboxes for kids as a sweet surprise at school.

For Parties and Gatherings

• Arrange on a dessert platter for parties, garnished with mint leaves.
• Serve with whipped cream or custard on the side for dipping.

How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

To ensure your Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh blueberries or high-quality pie filling for the best flavor.
• Keep crust cold: Make sure your pie crusts are chilled before working with them to maintain flakiness.
• Seal properly: Pinch edges tightly and use the fork method to avoid leaks during baking.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave space between each hand pie so they bake evenly and get crispy.
• Glaze while warm: Coating the pies in glaze when warm allows it to adhere better, enhancing flavor and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies pair wonderfully with several side dishes that can complement their sweet and tangy flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.

3. Lemonade
   Refreshing lemonade enhances the citrus notes of the hand pies.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream
   Creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm, flaky pies.

5. Coffee or Tea
   These beverages provide warmth and richness that pairs well with desserts.

6. Whipped Cream
   Light and airy whipped cream adds an indulgent touch when served on the side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Crust Mistake: Using a crust that is too cold can lead to tough hand pies. Allow the pie crusts to come to room temperature before working with them.

• Bold Overfilling: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst. Use just 1 tablespoon of filling for each circle to ensure they seal properly.

• Bold Egg Wash Error: Skipping the egg wash on top can lead to pale hand pies. Brush with egg white for a beautiful golden finish after baking.

• Bold Sealing Gaps: Not sealing the edges well may result in leaking during baking. Pinch edges tightly and use a fork to create a strong seal.

• Bold Glazing Cold Pies: Coating cooled hand pies in glaze will not give you the desired look. Glaze while warm for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Bold Microwave: Warm individual pies on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet for approximately 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies that may help you along the way.

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh blueberries! Cook them with sugar and lemon juice until soft, then cool before filling your hand pies.

How do I make these Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies vegan?

To make them vegan, substitute the egg with a plant-based alternative like flaxseed meal mixed with water and use vegan pie crusts.

What else can I fill these hand pies with?

Feel free to get creative! Other fruit fillings such as cherry or peach work wonderfully. You could also try cream cheese or chocolate fillings.

How do I prevent my hand pies from bursting?

Make sure to poke a small hole in each pie before baking. This allows steam to escape and prevents bursting.

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize them with different fruit fillings or glazes. Give this delightful recipe a try and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!