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, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. The combination of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, their portable nature makes them an excellent snack for picnics or lunchboxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, these hand pies are perfect for busy days.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of blueberry and lemon gives a refreshing twist that pleases all taste buds.
• Versatile Treats: Serve them warm as a dessert, or enjoy them chilled as a snack.
• Fun to Make: Get the whole family involved in creating these delicious hand pies.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, party, or simply an afternoon treat, they fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies successfully, you will need some essential tools. Proper preparation can enhance your baking experience and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness of the pie crust for consistent baking.
• Biscuit cutter: Helps achieve perfectly shaped hand pies for a professional look.
• Baking sheet: Provides ample space to bake multiple hand pies at once without overcrowding.

Ingredients

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 well blended. Set aside.

Step 3: Cut Out Pie Circles

Unroll pie crusts and cut six circles from each crust using a 4-inch biscuit cutter. You may need to re-roll scraps to achieve the sixth circle.

Step 4: Fill and Seal the Hand Pies

• Using a 1 Tablespoon scoop, place blueberry pie filling in 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 once with a fork to prevent bursting during baking.

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-lined baking sheet (1 inch apart) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze the Hand Pies

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

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want them as a sweet snack or a dessert, serving them with complementary flavors enhances their taste.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top each hand pie with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added creaminess.

Alongside Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm blueberry lemon hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the tartness.

Drizzled with Extra Lemon Glaze

• Enhance the flavor by drizzling more lemon glaze over the top before serving for a zesty kick.

Paired with Fresh Berries

• Serve with a side of mixed fresh berries for added color and freshness on your plate.

Accompanied by Herbal Tea

• Enjoy these hand pies with a cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, to create a soothing experience.

How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

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

• Use chilled pie crusts: Keeping your pie crusts cold will help them remain flaky while baking.
• Don’t overfill: Use just enough filling to prevent the pies from bursting during baking.
• Seal edges well: Pinch and fork-seal the edges tightly to keep the filling from leaking out.
• Poke holes for steam release: Use a fork to poke small holes in the tops of the pies for steam to escape, preventing sogginess.
• Bake until golden brown: Aim for a nice golden color on the crust for that perfect crunchy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Serving side dishes alongside your Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Citrus Salad
   A refreshing salad made with mixed greens and citrus segments, providing a light counterpart to sweet hand pies.

2. Chia Seed Pudding
   This creamy pudding adds a healthy touch and pairs well with the fruity flavors of the pie.

3. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit in a glass for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

4. Fruit Compote
   A warm fruit compote can enhance your pies’ sweetness while adding an extra layer of flavor.

5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses—soft and hard—can create an interesting savory contrast to the sweet hand pies.

6. Mini Fruit Tarts
   These tarts can complement your blueberry lemon hand pies while offering different textures and flavors on the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies can be a breeze, but there are a few mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Using cold pie crusts: Always allow your refrigerated pie crusts to come to room temperature. Cold crusts can crack and become difficult to handle.

• Overfilling the pies: It might be tempting to add more filling, but overfilling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to a tablespoon of filling for each pie.

• Neglecting the seal: Failing to properly seal the edges may lead to leakage while baking. Pinch, fold, and press with a fork for a secure seal.

• Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip it; whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice for that perfect finish.

• Not preheating the oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps achieve that golden-brown crust you desire.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Place unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?

Yes! You can use fresh blueberries mixed with sugar and lemon juice as an alternative to canned pie filling.

How do I prevent my hand pies from leaking?

Make sure to seal the edges well using your fingers or a fork. Also, poke a small hole in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

Can I customize my Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies?

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

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

The total time is around 30 minutes, including both prep and baking time.

What should I serve with these hand pies?

Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a dessert or snack, they can be customized with various fillings based on your preferences. Try making them today for a delightful treat that everyone will love!