Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

Get ready for the perfect little bite of summer with these Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies! Flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet-tart blueberry filling and a zing of fresh lemon—it’s like a warm hug in dessert form. These hand pies are the perfect on-the-go treat, whether you’re packing a picnic, surprising the family with a homemade snack, or just treating yourself to something sweet. Trust me, you’ll be craving these as soon as you take that first bite!

Picture this: a golden, crispy crust that shatters as you bite into it, revealing a warm, bubbling blueberry-lemon filling that’s perfectly sweet and tangy. The balance of flavors is just heavenly, and the convenience of hand pies means no fork or plate needed—just pure, handheld bliss. Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• Portable Treat: These hand pies are perfect for when you want a sweet bite on the go. No need for plates or forks—just pick one up and enjoy!
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of the blueberries and the zesty brightness of lemon make a fantastic duo that’s refreshing and irresistible.
• Flaky, Buttery Crust: The golden, flaky crust is the perfect complement to the juicy, tart filling, and it adds a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of ingredients, these hand pies are easy to whip up and will leave you with a dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.
• Great for All Occasions: Whether it’s a family picnic, a brunch spread, or a sweet treat to end a dinner, these hand pies fit the bill for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies:

For the Pie Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the buttery, flaky crust.
• Cold Butter: Chilled butter is key to creating a flaky texture in the dough.
• Ice Water: Helps bring the dough together without making it too sticky.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the filling.

For the Filling:

• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, blueberries provide that burst of juicy flavor we all love.
• Sugar: Sweetens up the filling and helps it thicken as it bakes.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a refreshing citrus kick to balance the sweetness of the blueberries.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens up the filling and intensifies that lemony flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t leak out of the pies while baking.

For Assembly:

• Egg: Used to brush on the pies for a golden, shiny finish.
• Sugar: To sprinkle on top for a sweet, crunchy topping.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to create these handheld pockets of joy! Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the dough chills, make the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough—around 4 inches in diameter works well for hand pies.

Step 4: Fill the Hand Pies

Place a small spoonful of the blueberry lemon filling in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then press the edges together with a fork to seal. If you want a crimped edge, use your fingers to pinch the dough together.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of the pies. Sprinkle a little sugar on top for extra sweetness and crunch. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the hand pies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before biting into them. The filling will be hot, so give it a little time to set. But once they’re cool enough to handle, you’re in for a treat!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per hand pie (based on 8 hand pies):

• Servings: 8 hand pies
• Calories per serving: 250 calories
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 90mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Vitamin A: 6%
• Vitamin C: 6%
• Calcium: 2%
• Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies

• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: These hand pies are the perfect snack for an afternoon pick-me-up. Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy moment.
• For Breakfast: These hand pies can easily double as a breakfast pastry. Serve them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a sweet start to your day.
• For Dessert: Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• On the Go: Pack them in a lunchbox or take them on a picnic for a portable, delicious dessert.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready, just assemble and bake!
• Freezing: These hand pies freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Both fresh and frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. If using frozen, don’t thaw them before making the filling—this will help keep the pie crust from getting soggy.
• For Extra Shine: Brush the tops of the pies with a little bit of melted butter after baking for an extra glossy finish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different fruit for the filling?

A1: Yes! You can swap out the blueberries for other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Just be sure to adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.

Q2: Can I make these hand pies with store-bought pie crust?

A2: Definitely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crust will work perfectly fine. Just make sure to chill it before rolling it out.

Q3: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

A3: Make sure to seal the edges of the hand pies tightly and don’t overfill them. This will prevent the filling from bubbling out during baking.

Q4: Can I make these gluten-free?

A4: Yes! Use a gluten-free pie crust and make sure the filling ingredients are also gluten-free. This will create a delicious gluten-free version.

Q5: How do I store leftover hand pies?

A5: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q6: Can I add lemon zest to the crust?

A6: Absolutely! Adding a little lemon zest to the pie crust would enhance the citrus flavor and complement the blueberry filling nicely.

Q7: Can I glaze the hand pies?

A7: Yes! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice would add a nice sweet touch to the hand pies. Drizzle it over them once they’ve cooled.

Q8: Can I use a different thickening agent instead of cornstarch?

A8: Yes, you can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or flour if needed. However, cornstarch is the best choice for creating a smooth and thick filling.

Q9: How do I make these hand pies vegan?

A9: To make these hand pies vegan, swap the butter with vegan butter and use a non-dairy milk in place of the egg wash. You can also use a flax egg for the filling if needed.

Q10: Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

A10: Yes, you can make the filling up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the hand pies.

Conclusion

Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are the ideal way to enjoy the vibrant, refreshing flavors of summer in a portable, delicious package. These little pastries are perfect for any occasion, from a casual treat to a special dessert. With a crispy, buttery crust and a sweet, tangy filling, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So, grab your rolling pin and get ready to bake up some handheld happiness!

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