Imagine a treat that wraps the pure joy of blueberries in a flaky, golden crust, perfectly sized to hold in your hand. That’s exactly what you get with Blueberry Hand Pies—the ultimate fruity dessert that’s as fun to share as it is to eat. These little beauties capture all the vibrant flavors of summer in one portable, irresistible package, ideal for picnics, parties, or a quick bite on the go. If you’re searching for a way to celebrate blueberries or just want to bake up something memorable, Blueberry Hand Pies definitely belong at the top of your list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Blueberry Hand Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Filling
Start by mixing the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture frequently as the berries soften, their juices bubble, and the cornstarch works its magic to thicken everything up. In about 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll have a luscious, jammy filling that smells as good as it looks. Be patient—let it cool completely so the filling won’t leak out when you assemble your Blueberry Hand Pies.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pie Crusts
While your filling cools, unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cutter to punch out as many circles as you can—this creates the perfect size for hand pies. If you have scraps, re-roll them to squeeze out a couple more circles. Each round will later cradle a dollop of that gorgeous blueberry filling.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Blueberry Hand Pies
Place half of your pie crust circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon about a tablespoon of the cooled blueberry filling onto the center of each round, being careful not to overfill. Brush the edges of the pastry circles with water to help them seal, then top with a second pie crust round. Carefully press the edges with a fork to create a classic crimped design and ensure none of that blueberry magic escapes during baking.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle
Whisk together the egg and milk to make a rich egg wash. Brush it gently over the tops of each hand pie—this is the secret to that beautiful, glossy finish. For dazzling sparkle and an extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar over each pie. Don’t forget to cut a small slit in the top of every pie so steam can escape and the crust stays perfectly flaky.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you haven’t already. Pop the tray into the oven and let those Blueberry Hand Pies bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crusts turn golden brown and irresistibly crisp. Let them cool on a wire rack—this helps the filling set so every bite stays inside that perfect, hand-held crust.
How to Serve Blueberry Hand Pies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze can take your Blueberry Hand Pies from bakery-style to downright showstopping. A sprig of fresh mint or a handful of extra blueberries on the plate adds a pop of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart filling.
Side Dishes
These hand pies shine all on their own, but you can elevate dessert time by serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt. Each of these sides complements the fruity filling and buttery crust, creating a mini dessert feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, tuck individual pies into parchment sleeves or bakery bags for the ultimate grab-and-go treat. Stack them in a vintage pie tin for a rustic look, or arrange them on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in. No matter how you serve them, Blueberry Hand Pies always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Blueberry Hand Pies keep beautifully for up to three days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their flaky crust—just be sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up to avoid any sogginess from trapped steam.
Freezing
To freeze, let the baked hand pies cool entirely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to two months. You can also freeze unbaked assembled pies—just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Blueberry Hand Pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes (if thawed) or 15 minutes (if frozen). This method restores the crispness of the crust far better than a microwave and makes them taste oven-fresh.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh in this recipe. You don’t even need to thaw them—just cook as directed. The flavor will be just as bright and delicious.
Can I make Blueberry Hand Pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pies and refrigerate them, covered, for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked and bake straight from the freezer whenever you crave a fresh batch.
What other fruits can I use for hand pies?
Once you master these Blueberry Hand Pies, try swapping in raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, apples, or even peaches for fun flavor twists. Adjust the sugar as needed if your chosen fruit is more or less sweet than blueberries.
How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure your filling is fully cooled before assembling, avoid overfilling, and crimp the edges well with a fork for a tight seal. Cutting a slit on the top of each pie also helps steam escape and reduces the risk of leaks.
Can I make my own pie crust?
Definitely! While store-bought crust is a convenient option, a homemade butter pie crust takes these Blueberry Hand Pies to the next level. Just make sure to chill your dough and roll it to about â…›-inch thickness for best results.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Blueberry Hand Pies is such a rewarding way to bring a taste of summer into your kitchen, no matter the season. Every bite is sweet, tangy, and wrapped in flaky goodness—bound to make friends and family alike swoon. Don’t wait for a special occasion, just gather your ingredients and let the aroma of these delightful hand pies fill your home. Happy baking!
Print
Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious Blueberry Hand Pies are a delightful treat with a flaky crust and a sweet blueberry filling. Perfect for dessert or a snack on the go!
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Filling: In a saucepan, cook blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until thick. Cool.
- Assembly: Cut out circles from pie crusts. Spoon filling onto half the circles, top with remaining circles, seal edges, and brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pie crusts.
- These hand pies are delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
