What To Know
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together.
- This chilling step allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust.
- You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of honey for a touch of extra flavor.
Craving a taste of summer, even when the leaves are turning? Look no further than these delightful blueberry hand pies. They’re the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and comforting, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this guide will walk you through every step of how to make blueberry hand pie. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these little bundles of happiness!
Gather Your Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s assemble our ingredients. You’ll need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
The Art of Making the Perfect Pie Crust
A flaky, buttery pie crust is the foundation of a delicious hand pie. Here’s how to create a masterpiece:
1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust.
Preparing the Sweet and Tangy Blueberry Filling
While the dough chills, let’s create the heart of our hand pies: the blueberry filling.
1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using).
2. Toss to Coat: Gently toss the mixture to ensure all the blueberries are evenly coated.
Rolling Out the Dough and Cutting the Circles
Now, it’s time to transform our chilled dough into pie crust circles.
1. Divide and Roll: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into a 1/8-inch thick circle.
2. Cut the Circles: Using a 4-inch cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut out circles from the rolled-out dough.
3. Repeat: Repeat the process with the other half of the dough.
Assembling the Hand Pies: A Symphony of Flavors
With our crusts and filling ready, we’re ready to assemble these little culinary delights.
1. Place the Filling: Place a heaping tablespoon of the blueberry filling in the center of each dough circle.
2. Fold and Seal: Fold the dough circle in half and pinch the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
3. Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining dough circles and filling.
Baking to Perfection: A Golden Glow
Our hand pies are ready for their moment in the oven.
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the hand pies.
3. Bake: Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
The Final Touch: A Sprinkle of Magic
As our hand pies cool, let’s add a final touch of sweetness.
1. Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
More Than Just a Dessert: A Culinary Adventure
These blueberry hand pies are more than just a dessert; they’re an invitation to a culinary adventure. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as apple, cherry, or even a savory combination like spinach and feta. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of honey for a touch of extra flavor.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using.
Q: How do I know if the hand pies are done baking?
A: The hand pies are done when they are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a pie. If it comes out clean, the pies are done.
Q: Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Assemble the hand pies and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake them as directed when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What can I do with leftover pie crust?
A: You can use leftover pie crust to make other treats, such as cookies, galettes, or even a simple pie crust pizza.
Q: Can I freeze these hand pies?
A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked hand pies for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Let these blueberry hand pies become your new go-to dessert. Enjoy the sweet, juicy bursts of blueberries, the flaky, buttery crust, and the warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. Happy baking!
