If you are looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors wrapped in flaky pastry, this Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These hand pies are bursting with juicy blueberry filling brightened up by fresh lemon zest and a luscious lemon glaze, making each bite a comforting little celebration. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them as a solo indulgence, these pies come together easily and deliver that just-baked homemade feel everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible hand pies. Each element plays an important role, from the buttery pie crust that forms the perfect flaky shell to the fresh lemon zest that lifts the flavors with a zesty punch.
- Refrigerated pie crust (2 boxes, 14.1 oz each): Convenient and flaky base that saves time while providing amazing texture.
- Blueberry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): Sweet and juicy filling that’s ready to use and perfectly complements the lemon.
- Lemon (1, zested): Adds that vibrant citrus aroma and brightness to balance sweetness.
- Egg (1, separated): Egg yolk seals the pies, while egg white gives a shiny, golden top.
- Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups): Creates a sweet glaze that adds a delicate sparkle and extra flavor.
- Lemon juice (1/4 cup): Mixed into the glaze for a fresh, tangy finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your pies are assembled. This high heat will help create a beautifully golden and flaky crust.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, gently combine the canned blueberry pie filling with freshly grated lemon zest. This simple mix adds that extra burst of citrus flavor that and elevates the sweet berries to a whole new level.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Roll out each refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface, then use a biscuit cutter to cut six circles from each sheet. These circles will be the perfect size for handheld pies that are easy to enjoy on the go.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pies
Place a generous tablespoon of the blueberry lemon filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges with egg yolk to help seal the pies. Fold each circle over to form a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly with the tines of a fork. Don’t forget to poke a few small holes on top to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Brush the tops of your assembled hand pies with beaten egg white for a glossy finish. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown, signaling that flaky perfection.
Step 6: Glaze While Warm
Once out of the oven, prepare a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth. While the pies are still warm, dip or brush them lightly with the glaze to add a sweet, tangy shine that makes them irresistible.
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few delicate lemon zest strands on top can add a pretty finishing touch. Fresh mint leaves also add a nice pop of color and refreshing aroma that complements the pies beautifully.
Side Dishes
These hand pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience. For a lighter option, serve with a small bowl of mixed fresh berries to keep things bright and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a colorful serving plate for a charming presentation. Adding edible flowers around the platter can also make your dessert table truly stand out and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover hand pies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust crispy and the filling fresh for snacking anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked pies by assembling them and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pies into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust flaky and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I make these hand pies with fresh blueberries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using fresh blueberries will give a lighter filling, but be sure to cook them down with a little sugar and cornstarch to get the right texture and consistency for baking.
Is it okay to use frozen pie crust instead of refrigerated dough?
Yes, frozen pie crust works just as well; just thaw it completely before rolling out and assembling your hand pies for best results.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The lemon glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before glazing the pies to ensure it spreads smoothly.
What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?
No worries! You can use a round drinking glass or any circular object about 3 to 4 inches in diameter to cut out your dough circles.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Make sure to brush the edges with egg yolk and press firmly with a fork to seal. Also, avoid overfilling the pies and give the steam vents a few small holes on top to prevent bursting.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies Recipe enough for anyone looking to whip up a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels truly special. These hand pies are delightfully flaky, bursting with bright blueberry and lemon flavors, and so easy to make that you’ll be reaching for the ingredients again and again. Give it a go, and soon enough, it might just become one of your all-time favorite treats to bake and share.
Print
Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Blueberry Lemon Hand Pies are perfectly sized for a sweet snack or dessert. Featuring a flaky refrigerated pie crust filled with a tangy blueberry and lemon zest filling, then baked to golden perfection and glazed with a lemon-infused powdered sugar icing, they offer a refreshing burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal for parties, picnics, or a simple homemade treat.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 boxes refrigerated pie crust (14.1 oz each)
Filling
- 1 can blueberry pie filling (21 oz)
- 1 lemon (zested)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg (separated into yolk and white)
Glaze
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for a crisp, golden crust.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the blueberry pie filling with the lemon zest to incorporate fresh citrus flavor throughout the filling. Set aside.
- Cut Dough Circles: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out six circles from each crust sheet for a total of 12 circles.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Place about one tablespoon of the blueberry-lemon filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges of the circles with egg yolk to help seal them. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together, sealing with the tines of a fork. Poke a few holes on the top for steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg White and Bake: Brush the tops of the sealed hand pies with the beaten egg white to create a shiny finish. Arrange the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the crusts are golden brown and cooked through.
- Glaze and Serve: While still warm, dip each hand pie into a glaze made from powdered sugar combined with lemon juice for a sweet and tangy finishing touch. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure edges are well sealed to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrus flavor in the filling.
- Allow pies to cool slightly before glazing to avoid melting the glaze completely.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness.
