If you have a sweet tooth and love handheld desserts, you are going to adore this Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe. These delightful treats combine a golden, flaky crust with a juicy, bursting blueberry filling, all wrapped into perfectly portable little pies. They’re so much easier to make than a full blueberry pie, yet every bite delivers that same comforting feeling of homemade goodness. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these pies are bound to bring smiles and a bit of blueberry magic to your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe lies in its simple and straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a key role—from the flaky pie crust providing the perfect crispy shell, to the tart-sweet blueberries that give these hand pies their signature refreshing flavor.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: Using ready-made crusts saves time while ensuring a flaky, buttery base.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries work perfectly, bringing a vibrant burst of fruitiness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the berries.
- Lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness gracefully.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma, enhancing the blueberry flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling so it holds nicely inside the pies.
- Egg: For brushing and creating a shiny, golden crust.
- Milk: Mixed with egg to form the perfect egg wash for browning.
- Coarse sugar: Turbinado or sanding sugar adds a delightful sparkle and crunch on top.
How to Make Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and lining a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This step gets everything ready so you can focus on shaping and filling your pies without any hassle later on.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pie Crust
Lightly dust a smooth surface with flour and roll out the refrigerated pie crusts. Use a 2-inch round cutter (floured so it doesn’t stick) to cut as many circles as possible. Gather the leftover dough, roll it out once more, and cut again, but avoid rolling scraps too many times to keep the crust tender.
Step 3: Mix the Blueberry Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the blueberries with sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch. This mixture thickens during baking and turns into a luscious, jammy filling that is full of fresh, tangy flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies
Spoon a small amount of blueberry filling onto the center of half the pie circles, leaving a ¼-inch border all around. Then, brush the edges with egg wash to help seal, place a second circle on top, and gently crimp the edges with a fork to lock in that delicious filling.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Don’t forget to cut a few little slits in the top of each pie so steam can escape while baking. Brush the pies with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar—this creates a golden, sparkling crust that is impossible to resist.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown. The smell of warm blueberries and buttery crust filling your kitchen is the best kind of reward.
How to Serve Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
These hand pies shine on their own, but a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze takes the presentation to the next level. For extra indulgence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a warm-and-cool delight.
Side Dishes
Pairing your pies with fresh whipped cream or a simple dollop of mascarpone adds creaminess that balances the fruity brightness. A warm cup of tea or coffee also makes a perfect companion to this handheld dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange the Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries scattered around for a charming, inviting look. Wrapping each pie in parchment paper tied with twine makes them perfect for gifting too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover hand pies tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling fresh so you can enjoy them again later.
Freezing
You can freeze baked hand pies for up to 2 months. Simply cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop the pies in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This restores the crispy crust while gently warming the juicy filling, making them taste just like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work great—just thaw and drain any excess juice before mixing to avoid soggy crusts.
What can I substitute for the refrigerated pie crust?
If you prefer homemade crust, a classic buttery pie dough recipe works beautifully. Just roll it out to the same thickness and cut as directed.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure to leave a clear border around the filling and seal the edges well with egg wash and a fork crimp. Excess filling can cause leaks while baking.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Absolutely! Kids can help with spooning the filling, crimping the edges, and brushing the egg wash, which makes baking fun and interactive.
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time and bake later?
You sure can. Assemble the pies, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking your own Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe—a little project that delivers big on flavor and comfort. These pies are perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring as a cozy treat at home. Don’t wait to try this recipe; once you taste that flaky crust hugging warm, juicy blueberries, you’ll have a new favorite dessert to add to your baking repertoire.
PrintBlueberry Hand Pies Recipe
Blueberry Hand Pies are delightful handheld desserts featuring a flaky, golden brown exterior and a juicy, sweet blueberry filling. These individual pies are easier to make than a traditional blueberry pie, perfect for a quick treat or serving at gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 14 ounce package of refrigerated pie crusts
Blueberry Filling
- 1 cup blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (turbinado or sanding sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll Out Pie Crust: Lightly flour a smooth work surface and roll out the refrigerated pie crusts to smooth them out. This helps in getting even thickness for the pies.
- Cut Pie Circles: Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out as many circles as possible from the rolled crust. Lightly flour the cutter each time to avoid sticking. Gather leftover dough, roll out again gently (do not reroll more than once), and cut additional circles.
- Prepare Blueberry Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch until well combined. This mixture will thicken during baking and provide a juicy filling.
- Assemble Pies: Spoon the blueberry filling onto the center of half of the pie circles, leaving about a ¼ inch border around the edges to allow sealing.
- Apply Egg Wash and Seal: Whisk the egg and milk together in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the circles with the filling with the egg wash. Place another pie circle on top over the filling. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal completely.
- Vent and Finish: Cut a few slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle evenly with coarse sugar for a sparkling finish.
- Bake: Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, optionally with ice cream, or allow them to cool before serving or storing.
Notes
- Leftover pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Do not reroll the dough scraps more than once to maintain a tender crust.
- Turbinado or sanding sugar adds a nice crunchy texture and sparkle to the top.
- Ensure slits on top pies are made to prevent soggy crusts from steam buildup.
- These pies are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently before serving.
