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 gatherings or as a sweet treat, these hand pies bring a delightful burst of blueberry flavor paired with zesty lemon. Each bite is a journey of textures and tastes, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up delicious hand pies that will impress your family and friends.
• Flaky Crust: The use of refrigerated pie crust ensures a light and flaky texture without the hassle of homemade dough.
• Fruity Filling: Bursting with blueberry flavor, each pie is filled with sweet pie filling enhanced by fresh lemon zest.
• Versatile Dessert: These hand pies are perfect for picnics, parties, or as an easy dessert after dinner.
• Easy Glaze: The simple lemon glaze adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the overall taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, you’ll need some essential tools that will streamline the process. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie crust cutter
• Shallow bowl
• Small whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie crust cutter: A good cutter ensures even circles for uniform hand pies, which helps them bake evenly.
• Shallow bowl: Mixing your filling in a shallow bowl allows for easy access when scooping into the pie crusts.
• Parchment paper: This prevents sticking during baking, making clean-up a breeze while ensuring your hand pies come out perfectly.

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. Remove the pie crusts from their packaging and allow them to come to room temperature while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

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

Step 3: Cut Out Circles from Pie Crusts

Unroll the pie crusts:
1. Use a 4-inch biscuit cutter to cut out six circles from each crust.
2. Reroll any scraps as needed to create enough circles.

Step 4: Fill and Seal the Hand Pies

For each circle:
1. Using a tablespoon scoop, drop blueberry pie filling into the center.
2. Brush the edges with egg yolk.
3. Fold in half and pinch edges tightly together.
4. Fold pinched edges over and press with a fork’s tines to seal completely.
5. Poke one hole in each hand pie with a fork to prevent bursting during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Hand Pies

In a small bowl:
1. Beat the egg white until frothy.
2. Brush over the tops of each hand pie.

Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about one inch apart:
– Bake for approximately 15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze Your Hand Pies

While pies are baking:
1. Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Once cooked, remove pies from baking sheet while warm and drop into glaze to coat completely using two forks for easy handling.
3. Return to parchment paper and allow to set for about five minutes before enjoying!

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a dessert or a snack, these hand pies bring zest and sweetness to any occasion.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve with a side of fresh berries for added texture and flavor.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully with the tartness of the lemon and sweetness of the blueberries.

Drizzled with Extra Glaze

• For an extra sweet touch, drizzle more lemon glaze over the top just before serving.

Paired with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or lemon ice cream complements the hand pies wonderfully, making it a perfect dessert option.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include these hand pies in a brunch buffet along with other pastries and fruits for variety.

How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Creating the perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies involves a few key steps. Here are some tips to ensure your pies turn out flawless every time.

• Use chilled pie crust: Keeping your pie crust cold helps achieve that flaky texture when baked.

• Seal edges tightly: Ensure you pinch the edges well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.

• Brush tops generously: Applying egg wash helps create a golden-brown finish on your hand pies.

• Don’t overfill: Use just enough filling to allow for expansion but avoid overflow, which can make sealing difficult.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Bake until golden brown; this ensures they are cooked through without burning.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

These hand pies shine when paired with complementary sides. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad
   A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the pies.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layered yogurt, granola, and fruits make for a tasty contrast and add creaminess alongside the hand pies.

3. Chilled Lemonade
   The refreshing citrus flavor enhances the lemon in the hand pies while providing a thirst-quenching drink.

4. Herbal Tea
   A warm cup of herbal tea can be soothing and complements the flavors of blueberry and lemon nicely.

5. Cheese Platter
   An assortment of mild cheeses offers a savory contrast that highlights the sweetness of the hand pies.

6. Pecan Pie Bars
   For those who love variety, these bars provide another dessert option that contrasts nicely with fruit-based sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold pie crust: Cold crusts can lead to tough hand pies. Always allow the pie crust to come to room temperature for better flakiness.
• Overfilling the pies: Filling too much can cause the pies to burst while baking. Stick to 1 tablespoon of filling per pie to ensure they seal properly.
• Skipping the egg wash: An egg wash creates a beautiful golden color on the crust. Don’t skip this step; it enhances both appearance and flavor.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Preheat your oven to 425°F for consistent results.
• Neglecting glaze timing: Glazing your hand pies while warm ensures better adherence. Delay, and the glaze may not stick well.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

Freezing Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• To freeze, wrap each hand pie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place hand pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one at a time on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, but expect a softer crust.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?

Yes! If using fresh blueberries, combine them with sugar and lemon juice before filling the crusts.

How do I know when my hand pies are done?

Your hand pies should be golden brown and puffy when finished baking. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary.

Can I customize the filling for Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for unique flavors.

How long do these hand pies stay fresh?

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies last up to three days in the refrigerator or two months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. Their flaky crust combined with sweet blueberry filling makes them irresistible! Feel free to customize your fillings or experiment with different glazes for a fun twist. Try making them today!