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 a sweet treat at home, these hand pies combine the delightful flavors of blueberries and fresh lemon. Their portable nature makes them an excellent dessert option for any occasion, and the bright glaze adds a beautiful finish that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These hand pies come together in just 30 minutes, making them an ideal last-minute dessert.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet blueberry filling paired with zesty lemon creates a refreshing taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for brunch, snacks, or dessert.
• Portable Treats: Easy to carry and eat on the go—perfect for picnics or road trips!
• Appealing Presentation: The shiny lemon glaze gives these hand pies a beautiful look that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: This tool helps you achieve an even thickness when rolling out the pie crust, ensuring consistent baking.
• Biscuit cutter: Using a cutter allows you to create perfectly shaped circles for your hand pies, giving them a professional look.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet provides even heat distribution, helping your hand pies bake uniformly.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Filling

• 2 boxes refrigerated pie crust (14.1 oz each)
• 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 package and let them come to room temperature while you prepare 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 Pie Crust Circles

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

Step 4: Fill and Seal Hand Pies

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

Step 5: Bake the Hand Pies

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

On a parchment-lined baking sheet:
1. Place hand pies one inch apart.
2. Bake for about 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.
2. Once baked, remove pies from baking sheet while warm and dip into glaze completely.
3. Use two forks to flip in the glaze then carefully return to parchment paper to set for about five minutes.

Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies!

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some tasty serving suggestions that elevate their flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Light and airy, homemade whipped cream adds a sweet touch that complements the tart lemon and blueberries beautifully.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the flaky crust and fruity filling, making for a delicious dessert combo.

Pair with a Lemon Zest Tea

• A warm cup of lemon zest tea brings out the citrus notes in the hand pies, creating a refreshing experience.

Add a Side of Fresh Berries

• A medley of fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries not only looks appealing but also enhances the overall berry flavor.

Drizzle with Extra Lemon Glaze

• For those who love citrus, an extra drizzle of lemon glaze on top offers a sweet-tart punch that takes these hand pies to the next level.

How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Creating perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pies come out flaky and flavorful every time.

• Use chilled pie crust – Keeping the pie crust cold before baking helps achieve a flaky texture.
• Don’t overfill – Use just enough blueberry filling to prevent leaking during baking. About one tablespoon per pie works well.
• Seal edges properly – Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to keep the filling contained while baking.
• Poke holes – Poking holes in the tops allows steam to escape, preventing bursting and ensuring even baking.
• Glaze while warm – Coating hand pies in glaze while still warm helps it stick better for a beautiful finish.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Adding side dishes can enhance your dessert experience with Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies. Consider these delicious options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness that perfectly complements the hand pies.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layered with granola and berries, this parfait provides creaminess and crunch alongside your hand pies.

3. Coconut Macaroons
   Chewy coconut macaroons bring an additional layer of sweetness and texture that pairs well with fruit flavors.

4. Lemon Sorbet
   A refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and balances the sweetness of the hand pies.

5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   Rich chocolate-covered strawberries create an indulgent treat that contrasts nicely with the tartness of blueberry pies.

6. Simple Green Salad
   A light salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the sweetness of dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how you can avoid them.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt pies. Always preheat your oven to 425°F for perfect results.
• Overfilling the Pies: Filling the hand pies too much can cause them to burst while baking. Use only 1 tablespoon of filling per pie to ensure they seal properly.
• Not Sealing Edges Well: If you don’t seal the edges completely, the filling may leak out. Make sure to pinch and fork-seal the edges securely before baking.
• Skipping the Glaze: The glaze adds a delightful finish and sweetness. Don’t skip this step; whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice for that perfect coating.
• Using Cold Crusts: Working with cold pie crusts can make them difficult to handle. Allow your refrigerated crusts to come to room temperature before cutting and filling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

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

Reheating Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, but they may become soft.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies.

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh blueberries! Combine them with a bit of sugar and lemon zest to create a filling.

How can I customize my Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies?

Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for different flavors.

What is the best way to serve these hand pies?

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are delicious warm or at room temperature. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

How long does it take to prepare Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies?

The total time is around 25 minutes, including prep and bake time, making it a quick dessert option.

Final Thoughts

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. Their flaky crust paired with sweet blueberry filling makes them a delightful treat any time of day. Feel free to customize your hand pies with different fruits or glazes based on your preference!