Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies

These Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their flaky crust and sweet blueberry filling, they offer a delicious way to enjoy fresh blueberries. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, celebrating a birthday, or just satisfying a sweet tooth, these hand pies will impress everyone. The use of pre-made pie crust makes this recipe quick and easy, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Using pre-made pie crust saves time without sacrificing flavor.
• Bursting with Flavor: Fresh blueberries create a sweet and tangy filling that’s irresistible.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to mix in other berries or spices for unique variations.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Involve kids in the prep for a fun baking activity together.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Circle cutter (about 3 1/2 diameter)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking the blueberry filling evenly and thoroughly.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining ingredients efficiently before adding them to pies.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out dough to the perfect thickness for easy handling.

Ingredients

These Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies are made with a fresh filling that comes together in a snap and kept on the easy side with pre-made pie crust. Each bite is bursting with sweet blueberry flavor!

For the Filling

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons corn starch
• pinch salt
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

For the Crust and Topping

• 1 package of pie crust (2 in a pack)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Drizzle

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

How to Make Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies

Step 1: Cook the Blueberries

Place the blueberries in a medium saucepan and turn heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally until they become soft and juices are released (about 9 minutes).

Step 2: Thicken the Filling

Combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt then add to the cooked blueberries. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until mixture is thickened.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice

Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Let cool slightly while you preheat your oven.

Step 4: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Cut Dough Circles

Cut 16 circles out of the dough using a circle cutter (about 3 1/2 diameter). You may need to gather scraps and re-roll.

Step 7: Assemble Hand Pies

Place half of the circles on parchment paper. Add about 1 tablespoon of blueberry filling on each circle. Place remaining circles on top, crimp edges with a fork, and make a few slits on top for steam.

Step 8: Brush with Egg Wash

Combine the egg and water then brush tops of hand pies with this mixture.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown – it’s okay if some filling starts to ooze out.

Step 10: Drizzle with Icing

Once cool, combine powdered sugar and milk to desired consistency then drizzle over pies before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies!

How to Serve Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies

These Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few creative serving suggestions. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these ideas will make your hand pies even more delightful.

Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the sweet blueberry filling perfectly. The contrast in temperature adds an enjoyable element.

Drizzle with Lemon Glaze

• A simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice enhances the tartness of the blueberries. Just drizzle it over the warm pies for added sweetness.

Serve with Fresh Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream offers a lovely touch to each bite. You can sweeten it lightly to balance the flavors of the pie.

Accompany with Fresh Berries

• Serving fresh blueberries or mixed berries on the side brings freshness and color to your plate. They can also enhance the overall berry experience.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoying these hand pies with a cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy afternoon treat. The warmth of the beverage complements the pastry beautifully.

Add a Sprinkle of Powdered Sugar

• Dusting your hand pies with powdered sugar before serving creates an eye-catching finish. It adds a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the flavor.

How to Perfect Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies

Making perfect Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies is all about attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to help you achieve that ideal result.

• Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide the best flavor and texture for your filling. Frozen berries can work, but they may release more juice during cooking.

• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, overfilling can lead to messy hand pies. Stick to about one tablespoon per pie for best results.

• Seal Properly: Ensure that you crimp the edges well to prevent any filling from leaking out while baking. This keeps your hand pies intact and looking great.

• Chill Before Baking: If time allows, chill your assembled hand pies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape.

• Check for Doneness: Bake until golden brown; this ensures a flaky crust. A lighter color may indicate undercooking, while too dark could mean burnt edges.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies

Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies are versatile and can be paired with various side dishes for an even more satisfying meal or snack. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt adds richness and protein, making it a nutritious pairing. Consider adding honey for extra sweetness.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the hand pies. Include seasonal fruits like strawberries and melon for variety.

3. Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts like blueberry hand pies, adding complex flavors.

4. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option offers a unique texture that contrasts nicely with flaky pastry while providing additional nutrients.

5. Coconut Whipped Cream: For those seeking dairy-free options, coconut whipped cream is an excellent choice that adds tropical notes alongside your dessert.

6. Tea Cakes: Lightly flavored tea cakes provide a lovely accompaniment, offering different textures and flavors without overpowering the main dish.

7. Savory Scones: Pairing these sweet treats with savory scones creates an interesting blend of flavors on your plate, appealing to both sweet and savory lovers alike.

8. Coffee Cake: This classic breakfast item complements blueberry flavors beautifully, making it a delightful addition to any brunch spread featuring hand pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls you should watch out for.

• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the filling to cool slightly before sealing the pies helps prevent soggy crusts. If you skip this, your crust may become too wet.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause spills during baking. Stick to about 1 tablespoon of filling per pie to ensure they seal properly.
• Not sealing edges well: Failing to crimp the edges tightly may lead to leaks. Use a fork or your fingers to press and ensure a tight seal.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture. Always preheat your oven and double-check the temperature for best results.
• Using old berries: Fresh blueberries make a big difference in flavor. Make sure your berries are ripe and free from bruises for the best taste.
• Forgetting slits on top: These allow steam to escape during baking. Without them, your pies might burst open unexpectedly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep leftover hand pies at room temperature if consuming within a day.

Freezing Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies

• Freeze uncooked hand pies for up to 2 months by placing in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• Cooked hand pies can be frozen as well; just wrap them individually in plastic wrap.

Reheating Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to avoid sogginess; check and add time as needed.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

What if I don’t have pie crust?

You can use puff pastry or even biscuit dough as alternatives. Just roll it out thinly for best results.

How do I know when my hand pies are done?

Look for a golden-brown crust. If they are lightly browned and puffed, they should be ready.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer before baking.

What are some variations I can try?

Consider adding lemon zest or spices like cinnamon to your blueberry filling for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Blueberry Hand Pies are delightful treats that bring joy with each bite. Not only are they easy to make with pre-made crusts, but they also offer plenty of customization options—try different fruits or spices! Enjoy this recipe with family and friends for any occasion!