These Blueberry Hand Pies are everything you love about classic pie—made mini and even more adorable. With a perfectly golden, flaky crust and a vibrant blueberry filling that’s just the right amount of sweet and tangy, these hand pies are the ultimate grab-and-go treat.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend baking session or prepping sweet snacks for a summer picnic, these hand pies deliver flavor, ease, and charm. No pie pan required—just a few pantry staples and your favorite berries. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge. Either way, they’re sure to impress.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts total), thawed
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Cook until mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool.
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Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface and cut out 4- to 5-inch circles.
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Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the blueberry filling into the center of each circle. Fold over to create a half-moon shape and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
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Place hand pies on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 8 hand pies
Introduction to Blueberry Hand Pies
Blueberry Hand Pies are a timeless dessert that combine the rich, juicy sweetness of blueberries with the flaky, buttery texture of golden pastry. Loved by both kids and adults alike, these individual-sized pies offer all the comfort and taste of a traditional blueberry pie but in a much more convenient, portable form. Their simplicity, versatility, and irresistibly sweet flavor make them a favorite in many households. Whether served as a delightful treat at brunch, a picnic dessert, or a weekend baking project, blueberry hand pies never fail to impress.
These little pies are often baked rather than fried, making them a slightly lighter option while still offering a crispy, golden crust that encases the warm, bubbly blueberry filling. Because they can be made with fresh or frozen blueberries, they’re an ideal year-round recipe. During peak berry season, they’re a wonderful way to make the most of ripe summer fruit, while in the off-season, frozen blueberries are a reliable and equally tasty alternative.
A Brief History of Hand Pies
Hand pies have a rich culinary history that traces back to many cultures. From British pasties to Latin American empanadas, the concept of enclosing a savory or sweet filling inside dough is a universal one. In American cooking, hand pies gained popularity in the Southern states, often filled with fruits like apples, peaches, or berries and either baked or fried to golden perfection. Blueberry hand pies represent a delicious evolution of this tradition, incorporating one of North America’s most beloved native fruits.
Blueberries themselves have a long-standing history in North America. They are native to the continent and were used by Indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived. Today, blueberries remain a staple in American cuisine, especially in desserts like muffins, cobblers, crisps, and of course, pies. When nestled inside a flaky pastry shell, their rich purple hue and sweet-tart flavor truly shine.
Why Blueberry Hand Pies are a Must-Try
One of the greatest aspects of blueberry hand pies is how easy they are to make. Using store-bought pie dough simplifies the process, making it an approachable recipe for beginner bakers or for those looking to save time. The blueberry filling comes together quickly on the stovetop, thickened with cornstarch and brightened with lemon zest and juice to enhance the natural berry flavor.
Another reason these hand pies are a must-try is their versatility. You can use the same basic technique to create a variety of flavors—swap out the blueberries for strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even stone fruits like peaches and plums. You can also add warm spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the filling for a cozy twist, or include a spoonful of cream cheese for richness.
Additionally, blueberry hand pies can be baked ahead of time and stored for a few days, making them perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or as part of a dessert spread. They are easy to pack into lunchboxes, picnic baskets, or gift boxes. Their individual portions make serving effortless and ensure everyone gets their own pie—no slicing or mess involved.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Hand Pies
While blueberry hand pies are a relatively simple recipe, there are a few expert tips that can take them from good to great. First, ensure your dough stays cold throughout the process. Cold dough leads to a flakier crust, while warm dough can become sticky and hard to manage. If needed, refrigerate the dough briefly between steps.
Second, don’t overfill the pies. It’s tempting to stuff in as much blueberry filling as possible, but this can lead to leaking and difficulty sealing the edges. A tablespoon or two is usually sufficient. Sealing the edges firmly with a fork and brushing the tops with an egg wash helps ensure a beautiful golden finish and prevents the pies from opening while baking.
Lastly, for a crunchy and sparkling top, a sprinkle of turbinado sugar before baking adds both texture and sweetness. This final touch gives the pies a professional, bakery-style look.
Serving Suggestions
Blueberry hand pies are delightful on their own, but there are ways to elevate them for special occasions. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea and are a lovely addition to a brunch spread alongside scones, muffins, and fruit.
You can also drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness and a polished look. If you’re serving them at a party, consider stacking them in a tiered display or wrapping them in parchment and twine for a charming rustic presentation.
Perfect for All Occasions
One of the reasons blueberry hand pies are so beloved is their adaptability to nearly any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a homemade dessert, these hand pies fit right in. They are perfect for 4th of July picnics, baby showers, summer potlucks, afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
You can even freeze unbaked hand pies and store them for later, baking them fresh whenever needed. This makes them ideal for keeping on hand in case of unexpected guests or last-minute dessert needs. They’re also a fun project to make with kids—easy to assemble, fun to decorate, and delicious to eat.
Customization and Dietary Adaptations
Like many baked goods, blueberry hand pies can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs. For a vegan version, use plant-based pie dough and replace the egg wash with a brush of non-dairy milk or oil. Gluten-free pie crusts are widely available, and the filling itself is naturally gluten-free.
For those watching their sugar intake, the amount of sugar in the filling can be reduced or replaced with alternatives like maple syrup, honey, or stevia-based sweeteners. Additionally, you can experiment with whole wheat or alternative flours for a heartier crust.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Once you try these blueberry hand pies, they’re bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation. They are not only easy to make but offer a nostalgic, homemade quality that reminds many of family gatherings and childhood treats. The combination of the juicy blueberry filling and tender, buttery crust is simply irresistible.
Moreover, they strike a perfect balance between indulgence and portion control. Unlike a full pie, which might tempt you into multiple slices, hand pies offer a satisfying single-serving dessert. They’re just the right size to enjoy without guilt, making them ideal for daily treats or healthier celebrations.
Conclusion
Blueberry Hand Pies are the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and charm. With just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. They honor the tradition of fruit-filled pastries while adding the convenience and ease of modern baking. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or packed in a picnic basket, these little pies deliver big flavor in every bite.
From their beautiful golden crust to the bubbling blueberry center, these hand pies are a joy to make and a delight to eat. They’re a shining example of how a humble fruit and a simple dough can come together to create something truly special. If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with a homemade dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, blueberry hand pies are your answer. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe box.