When it comes to delicious and easy-to-make desserts, blueberry hand pies are a perfect choice. These handheld treats are made with a flaky pie crust filled with sweet and tart blueberry filling, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.
To make these blueberry hand pies, start by preparing the pie crust. You can either make your own from scratch or use store-bought pie dough for convenience. Roll out the dough into circles and place a spoonful of blueberry filling in the center. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork. Then, bake the pies until golden brown and let them cool before serving.
What makes these hand pies even more irresistible is the homemade blueberry filling. Made with fresh blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch, this filling is bursting with fruity flavors. The blueberries cook down to a thick and gooey consistency, making them the perfect filling for these handheld treats.
Ingredients
For this easy blueberry hand pies recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh blueberries: Be sure to use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture. You can also substitute frozen blueberries if fresh ones are not available.
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar: This will add sweetness to the blueberry filling.
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch: Cornstarch will help thicken the blueberry filling and prevent it from becoming too runny.
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries.
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the hand pies.
- 1 package of pre-made pie crusts: Using pre-made pie crusts makes this recipe quick and easy. You can find them in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
- 1 egg: The egg is used to create an egg wash for brushing the tops of the hand pies, giving them a beautiful golden color.
- 1 tablespoon of water: The water is mixed with the egg to create the egg wash.
- Additional sugar for sprinkling: Sprinkling sugar on top of the hand pies adds a touch of sweetness and adds a nice texture.
These simple ingredients come together to create delicious and portable blueberry hand pies. The combination of fresh blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice create a sweet and tangy filling that pairs well with the buttery, flaky pie crust. The addition of vanilla extract adds depth of flavor, while the egg wash and sprinkling of sugar on top of the hand pies provide a beautiful presentation.
Instructions
In order to make the easy blueberry hand pies, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the dough: Start by combining the flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water and stir until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the blueberry filling: In a saucepan, combine fresh blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the blueberries soften. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Assemble the hand pies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough. Spoon a tablespoon of the blueberry filling onto the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Bake the hand pies: Place the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to prick a few holes on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.
- Enjoy: Remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These easy blueberry hand pies make a delicious dessert or snack, perfect for any occasion.
