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 treats are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. The combination of sweet blueberry filling and zesty lemon adds a unique flavor that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these delicious hand pies in no time.
- Flaky Crust: The use of refrigerated pie crust ensures a perfectly flaky texture without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
- Versatile Flavors: The blend of blueberry and lemon makes these hand pies an ideal dessert for summer picnics or holiday feasts.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 24 hand pies, making them great for parties or family gatherings!
- Easy Glaze: The simple lemon glaze adds a delightful finish that enhances the overall flavor without complicating the process.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth, gather the essential tools needed for this recipe. Each tool plays a crucial role in achieving the best results when making Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Biscuit cutter (4-inch)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Biscuit cutter: Ensures all hand pies are uniform in size, which promotes even baking.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier after baking.
Ingredients
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 pie crusts from their package and let them come to 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 for later use.
Step 3: Cut Out Pie Circles
Unroll the pie crusts on a floured surface. Use a 4-inch biscuit cutter to cut out six circles from each crust. If needed, re-roll any scraps to get an additional circle.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Hand Pies
Using a 1 Tablespoon scoop, drop blueberry pie filling into the center of each pie crust circle. Brush the edges with egg yolk. Fold each circle in half and pinch edges securely. Fold over pinched edges and press with a fork’s tines to seal. Poke each hand pie once with a fork to prevent bursting during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Hand Pies
Beat the egg white in a small bowl until frothy. Brush over the tops of each hand pie before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping them about one inch apart. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Step 6: Glaze Your Hand Pies
While the pies bake, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Once baked, remove hand pies from the oven and drop them (while warm) into the glaze, ensuring they are fully coated. Use two forks to flip them gently in the glaze before returning them to parchment paper to set for about five minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies!
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies
These delightful Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, they can be served in various ways to enhance your experience.
Casual Snack
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve warm alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
Dessert Platter
- Include on a dessert platter with other pastries for an appealing visual mix.
- Drizzle with extra lemon glaze for added sweetness and flavor.
Breakfast Treat
- Enjoy as a quick breakfast option with fresh fruit on the side.
- Add yogurt for a creamy complement to the tangy pies.
Picnic Delight
- Pack in lunchboxes for a fun picnic treat.
- Pair with lemonade or iced tea to keep it refreshing.
Festive Gathering
- Present them at parties as bite-sized desserts.
- Garnish with mint leaves for an added touch of elegance.
How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies
Creating perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies is all about attention to detail. Here are some handy tips to ensure your pies turn out beautifully every time.
- Use chilled ingredients: Keeping your pie crust cold helps achieve that flaky texture.
- Seal edges properly: Ensure no filling escapes by sealing the edges well with fork tines.
- Poke holes: Poking holes on top allows steam to escape, preventing bursting during baking.
- Brush with egg wash: For a golden finish, brush the tops with egg white before baking.
- Cool before glazing: Allow pies to cool slightly before dipping in glaze for better adherence.
- Experiment with fillings: Try mixing different fruits or adding spices like cinnamon for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies
To complement your Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, consider these delightful side dishes. Each will enhance the overall dining experience and provide balance to the sweet flavors.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries and citrus adds brightness and freshness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and sweet, it pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon flavor.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a satisfying treat that balances sweetness.
- Lemonade: A refreshing beverage that ties in the lemon flavor beautifully.
- Coffee or Tea: Warm beverages create a comforting atmosphere when enjoying these hand pies.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses can add a savory contrast to the sweet hand pies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Zest: Not adding lemon zest can lead to bland pies. Always include it for that bright citrus flavor.
- Overfilling the Crust: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst. Use just a tablespoon of filling for perfect hand pies.
- Ignoring the Sealing Technique: Failing to seal edges properly may result in leaks during baking. Pinch and fork-seal edges to keep filling inside.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven affects texture and cooking time. Always preheat your oven before placing the hand pies inside.
- Rushing the Glaze Process: Not glazing while warm can lead to uneven coating. Ensure you glaze your pies immediately after they come out of the oven for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individually for 15-20 seconds, but this may make them soggy.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies.
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh blueberries! Just add sugar and lemon zest for sweetness and flavor.
How do I customize my Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies?
Feel free to mix in other fruits like raspberries or strawberries with the blueberries for a unique twist.
What can I serve with these hand pies?
These delicious treats pair well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
How do I know when my hand pies are done?
Look for a golden-brown color on the crust, which typically takes about 15 minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
These Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them with different fruits or spices, making them your own. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy a taste of homemade goodness!
Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, a perfect treat for any occasion. These hand pies feature a flaky, golden crust and a luscious filling made from sweet blueberry pie filling combined with zesty lemon zest. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up 24 of these charming pastries that are great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on your own. Topped with an easy-to-make lemon glaze, they offer a refreshing burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether served as a dessert, snack, or picnic treat, these hand pies are bound to impress everyone around the table!
Ingredients
- 2 boxes refrigerated pie crust (14.1 oz each)
- 1 can blueberry pie filling (21 oz)
- 1 lemon (zested)
- 1 egg (separated)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- In a bowl, mix blueberry pie filling with lemon zest and set aside.
- Roll out pie crusts and cut into 4-inch circles using a biscuit cutter.
- Place one tablespoon of the filling in the center of each circle, brush edges with egg yolk, fold, and seal securely.
- Brush tops with egg white and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze.
- Once baked and slightly cooled, dip each hand pie in the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie (45g)
- Calories: 141
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
