Craving a delightful mini dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? These Blueberry Hand Pies are individual pockets of sweet, fruity goodness, bringing joy with every bite. You’ll love how simple they are to prepare and how impressive they look.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Pie Crust: Store-bought pie crust saves time; you can also use your favorite homemade recipe.
- Fresh Blueberries: Frozen blueberries work too, just don’t thaw them first.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard; adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the filling; all-purpose flour is a suitable substitute.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; bottled lemon juice is fine in a pinch.
- Egg: For an egg wash, you can use milk or cream for a similar golden finish.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Hand Pies:
- 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts per box)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 mini dessert recipes
- Tools Needed: Rolling pin, 4-inch round cookie cutter (or a glass), baking sheet, parchment paper.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze for your mini dessert recipes.
2. Make the Blueberry Filling
In a medium bowl, gently combine blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the blueberries are evenly coated. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Cut the Pie Crusts
Unroll one pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out as many circles as possible. Repeat with the second pie crust. Gather and re-roll scraps as needed to get more circles.
4. Fill the Hand Pies
Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the blueberry filling onto one half of each pie crust circle. Be sure to leave a small border around the edge for sealing. Don’t overfill, or your mini dessert recipes will burst.
5. Seal the Hand Pies
Fold the empty half of the pie crust over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal, then crimp with a fork. This not only seals but also adds a decorative touch.
6. Bake Your Hand Pies
Transfer the sealed hand pies to your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired. Cut two small slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Variation Ideas:
- Mixed Berry: Combine blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a colorful twist.
- Apple Cinnamon: Use finely diced apples tossed with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar.
- Citrus Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over cooled pies.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Blueberry Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave if you prefer them warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries directly without thawing. The baking time might be slightly longer.
How do you prevent the filling from being too watery?
Using cornstarch (or flour) is key to thickening the filling. Ensure you measure it accurately.
Can you make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and cut the pie crusts a day in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest results.
What if you don’t have a round cutter?
A sharp knife can cut squares, or simply use the rim of a glass to cut circles.
Why are the edges breaking during baking?
This often happens if the crust isn’t sealed well enough or if there’s too much filling. Press firmly when sealing.
Can you freeze unbaked hand pies?
Yes, assemble the hand pies, then flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.