Okay, friends, gather ‘round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s pure sunshine in every bite! Imagine pie crusts bursting with blueberries and flaky crust. What would you do with them? What are some of the best single-serving treats?Blueberry hand pies are delicious.Are *exactly* that. If you’re a fan of blueberry muffins but crave something sexier, then this is the recipe for you. *definitely* the recipe for you. I always turn to this recipe when I want to impress with minimal effort.
What is blueberry hand pie?
Essentially, blueberry hand piesAre mini, individual pies. What is the best version of blueberry pie? Think of it as a rustic, less fussy version of traditional pie. I think the name comes from the fact that they’re perfectly sized to hold in your hand, and the quality of the product. What are flaky crusts? What are pie doughs made of? What is the blueberry mixture, and then baked to golden brown perfection. What is the perfect mix of comfort and convenience?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?Blueberry hand pies are made with are destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
• Flavor:The combination of tart blueberries and buttery crust is just heavenly. The glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness, balancing everything out perfectly.
• Simplicity:Don’t let “pie” intimidate you. Seriously, this is way easier than making a full-sized pie. How do I make a dough and filling? What are some tips for making a perfect pie crust?
• Cost- Blueberries are often on sale, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. You can easily make a batch of these without breaking the bank.
• Versatility: These aren’t just for dessert! They make a fantastic breakfast treat, a lovely addition to brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. I’ve even been known to sneak one (or two!) late at night. And you know what? These freeze beautifully! If you’re comparing this to maybe a blueberry crumble, this is just easier to eat on the go and packs so much better! What I love most about this is that it elevates blueberries to a whole new level of deliciousness.
How do I make blueberry hand pie?
Quick Overview
Making these Blueberry hand pies are delicious.Is it surprisingly simple? How do you whip up a quick pie dough, make pies, and assemble them? Bake until golden brown. What is the best thing about these shoes? They look amazing, but they’re actually super forgiving. Don’t worry about perfection, embrace the rustic charm!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
I like to use unbleached for the best flavor, but bleached works too.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Don’t skip it!
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Make sure it’s COLD! This is the key for flaky crusts.
• 12 cup ice water: Again, ICE cold! Add it gradually until the dough just comes together.
For the Filling:
• 4 cups fresh blueberries: Fresh is best, but frozen (thawed and drained) works in a pinch.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to your sweetness preference.
• 14 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and adds a touch of acidity.
• 12 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds depth of flavor.
For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sift it for a smoother glaze.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk: Add gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• 12 teaspoon vanilla extract: Optional, but adds a lovely flavor.
What are some step by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to distribute salt evenly?
Step 3: Cut in Butter
How do you cut the butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse powder. What is butter and how do you use it?
Step 4: Add Water
Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten, which can result in a tough crust. If it’s too dry add more little by little don’t make it too soggy. Also I always do this when I’m mad at something or stressed, it makes it so much easier!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust.
Step 6: Prepare Filling
In a large bowl, gently mix together the blueberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Be gentle so you don’t crush the blueberries!
Step 7: Assemble the Pies
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut out circles or squares (about 4 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of the blueberry filling in the center of each dough circle or square. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape or simply press another dough circle or square on top.
Step 8: Seal & Vent
Crimp the edges of the pies with a fork to seal. Cut a few slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. This prevents the pies from bursting in the oven.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them – ovens vary!
Step 10: Cool & Glaze
Let the pies cool slightly on a wire rack. While they’re cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pies. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely touch of sweetness and shine.
Step 11: Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
These blueberry hand pies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for how to elevate your serving experience:
For Breakfast: Serve with a cup of strong coffee or a latte. The bitterness of the coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pies. Place one on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream for a little extra indulgence.
For Brunch: Arrange the hand pies on a platter with fresh berries and a bowl of yogurt or whipped cream. Offer a selection of teas or mimosas for a truly festive brunch. Consider cutting them in half to create a stunning visual.
As Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a touch of elegance. I love to put them on a cute dessert plate with a little sprig of mint!
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa. These are perfect for snuggling up on the couch on a chilly evening. Honestly, my family has been known to just grab them straight from the cooling rack, but I don’t recommend that (unless you want to risk a burnt tongue!). These are great when you are craving something sweet at 10pm but dont wanna bake a whole cake.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Blueberry Hand Pies
Want to take your blueberry hand pies to the next level? Here are some of my top tips, learned from years of baking these little beauties:
Butter Prep: Use *very* cold butter and cut it into small cubes. The colder the butter, the flakier the crust. I sometimes even put the cubed butter in the freezer for 15 minutes before using it.
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing develops the gluten, which results in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together. Trust me on this one!
Filling Customization: Feel free to experiment with the filling. Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of almond extract for a different flavor profile. You can also use other berries, like raspberries or blackberries, or even a combination of berries.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use lime juice instead. For a vegan version, use vegan butter and plant-based milk for the glaze. I even tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Baking Tips: If the pies start to brown too quickly, tent them with foil. This will prevent them from burning.
Glaze Variations: For a lemon glaze, use lemon juice instead of milk. For a maple glaze, use maple syrup instead of milk and add a pinch of cinnamon. You could also top it with a crumble instead!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These blueberry hand pies are best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to store and reheat them if you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!):
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The crust may soften slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The crust will be softer, but the filling will stay fresh.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. I recommend glazing them *after* thawing to prevent the glaze from getting soggy.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the pies, it’s best to glaze them *after* thawing. This will prevent the glaze from getting sticky or dissolving in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These blueberry hand pies are more than just a recipe; they’re a little bite of happiness. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, or for enjoying all by yourself (I won’t judge!). The combination of the flaky crust, the sweet and juicy blueberries, and the simple glaze is just irresistible. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pie recipes for more deliciousness! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
blueberry hand pies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- 0.5 cup ice water
- 3 cups fresh blueberries
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Make the pie crust: Whisk together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough just comes together.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Roll out the dough and cut out circles. Fill each circle with blueberry filling, fold over to form a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
