Irresistible 4-Ingredient Blueberry Hand Pies: The Easiest Recipe for a Quick & Delicious Dessert
There’s something uniquely comforting about a homemade pie, but the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often deters us from baking these delightful treats. What if we told you that you could enjoy warm, flaky, fruit-filled pies with minimal effort and just four simple ingredients? Welcome to the wonderful world of blueberry hand pies, made incredibly easy with the help of a refrigerator pie crust!
These adorable mini blueberry pies are not only fun and easy to make, but they’re also perfectly portioned, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings, lunchboxes, or a sweet craving whenever it strikes. Forget the hassle of making dough from scratch; our shortcut method ensures you get all the flavor and satisfaction without the fuss. If you’re nostalgic for those classic Hostess fruit pies from your childhood, you’re in for a real treat!
Why You’ll Love This 4-Ingredient Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe
Finding recipes with less than 5 ingredients that genuinely deliver on taste and satisfaction can be a challenge. Traditional blueberry pie, while delicious, is usually not a quick affair, especially if you prefer to make your pie dough from scratch. However, there are times when you simply don’t have that extra time, and that’s precisely where these easy blueberry hand pies shine! They’re a fantastic solution for busy schedules or when you need a speedy dessert that tastes anything but rushed.
Our blueberry hand pies are incredibly versatile. While we focus on a classic blueberry filling today, you can easily swap it out for any other pie filling flavor you adore. With just four core ingredients, this recipe is virtually foolproof and guarantees a delightful treat every time. They were a huge hit when we first made them, and frankly, no one would have guessed how incredibly simple they were to prepare. These mini pies are perfect for an indulgent breakfast on the go, a charming afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert after any meal.
RELATED: If you enjoy easy and delicious baked goods, you might also like our recipe for Homemade Pop Tarts or these delightful Blackberry Scones.
The beauty of these mini pies lies in their simplicity and the joy they bring. Imagine warm, gooey blueberry filling encased in a golden, flaky crust, topped with a sweet, delicate glaze. They are a wonderful way to satisfy a sweet tooth without committing to a full-sized pie. Plus, their individual size makes serving and cleanup a breeze. Keep this recipe handy – it’s a game-changer for quick, delicious desserts!
Simple Ingredients for Your Delicious Blueberry Hand Pies
One of the best features of this recipe is its incredibly short ingredient list. You only need four basic items to create these delightful blueberry hand pies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing together the perfect balance of flaky crust, sweet filling, and a delicate glaze.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- **3/4 cup blueberry pie filling:** This is the heart of your pie. Canned blueberry pie filling is a fantastic shortcut, offering a consistent and delicious flavor with minimal effort. While you could make your own filling from scratch if you have extra time, a good quality canned filling makes this recipe truly 4-ingredient quick. Feel free to experiment with other canned fruit fillings like cherry, apple, or peach for different variations!
- **Refrigerated pie crust (box should contain 2 crusts):** This is the ultimate time-saver! Pre-made refrigerated pie crusts are readily available in most grocery stores and provide that perfect flaky base without any kneading or chilling. A standard box typically includes two crusts, which is exactly what you’ll need for this recipe to make about 9 hand pies. Ensure they are cold but pliable when you start.
- **4 tablespoons powdered sugar:** Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is essential for creating the smooth, drizzle-able glaze that adds an extra touch of sweetness and a professional finish to your hand pies. Its fine texture dissolves easily, ensuring a lump-free glaze.
- **1 tablespoon milk:** The milk is used to create the glaze when combined with powdered sugar. You can use any type of milk you prefer – whole milk, skim milk, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk will work perfectly to achieve the desired consistency for your glaze.
That’s it! Just four ingredients stand between you and a batch of warm, homemade blueberry hand pies. It’s truly a testament to how simple yet satisfying baking can be.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools can make the baking process even smoother. While some of these are optional, they can greatly enhance your experience and the final product of your blueberry hand pies.
- **Insulated baking sheet**: An insulated baking sheet helps to bake the crust evenly, preventing the bottoms of your hand pies from becoming too dark or burnt while ensuring the tops are perfectly golden.
- **Parchment paper**: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy. It also helps with even baking.
- **Cooling rack**: Essential for allowing your hand pies to cool completely and for helping the glaze set properly, preventing sogginess.
- **Waxed paper**: Placing waxed paper under your cooling rack when glazing helps catch any drips, keeping your countertop clean.
- **3 3/4 inch drinking glass (or a biscuit cutter)**: To cut uniform circles from your pie crust. A round cookie cutter of similar size also works perfectly.
- **Pastry brush**: Ideal for evenly applying the sweet glaze to your cooled hand pies.
How to Make Blueberry Hand Pies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the simple process of making these delightful blueberry hand pies. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together!
- **Prepare Your Workspace:** Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line an insulated baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes transfer easier.
- **Cut the Pie Crust Circles:** Unroll your first refrigerated pie dough sheet. Using a 3 3/4 inch drinking glass, a biscuit cutter, or a round cookie cutter, carefully cut out circles from the dough. If using a drinking glass, you can place it over the dough and use a paring knife to cut around its edge. You should be able to get about 7 circles from each crust. Gather any scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut out additional circles until you have 18 circles in total for 9 hand pies.
- **Fill the Pies:** Place half of your cut circles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of blueberry pie filling into the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can lead to leaks during baking. Leave a small border around the edge.
- **Seal the Hand Pies:** Take a second crust circle and carefully place it directly over the filled first circle, aligning the edges. Use the tines of a fork to firmly crimp and seal the edges of the two crusts together. This creates a decorative pattern and ensures the filling stays put.
- **Vent the Pies:** With a sharp knife or paring knife, cut two small slits on the top of each pie. These vents allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the pies from bursting and ensuring an evenly baked crust. Repeat steps 3-5 for all remaining pies. If you have too many pies for one baking sheet, use a separate sheet to avoid overcrowding.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the hand pies are a beautiful light golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-browning.
- **Cool Down:** Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you move them. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is important before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- **Prepare the Glaze:** In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with half of the milk. Stir well until smooth. Continue adding tiny amounts of milk, a teaspoon at a time, and mix until the mixture reaches a thick, drizzling consistency. You want it thick enough to coat but thin enough to drizzle.
- **Glaze and Serve:** Place waxed paper or parchment paper under your cooling rack to catch any excess glaze. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the glaze over the cooled hand pies. Allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has hardened slightly. Once set, your delightful blueberry hand pies are ready to be served and enjoyed!
Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Hand Pies
Achieving perfectly delicious hand pies is easy with a few helpful pointers. Here are some tips to ensure your blueberry hand pies turn out wonderfully every time:
- **Sizing Your Circles:** When cutting out your pie dough circles, aim for a size as close to 3 3/4 inches as possible to yield approximately 9 hand pies (18 circles total). We found that a standard drinking glass of this diameter works perfectly. Don’t worry if your first few cuts aren’t perfect; you can always gather the scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut out the remaining circles. Avoid overworking the dough when re-rolling, as this can make the crust tough.
- **Preventing Leaks:** It’s crucial not to overfill your hand pies. Stick to the recommended 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling per pie. Overfilling can cause the filling to bubble out during baking, leading to a messy sheet and potentially burnt edges. Also, ensure you firmly crimp the edges with a fork to create a good seal.
- **The Importance of Venting:** Those two small slits on top of each pie are essential! They allow steam to escape from the hot filling, preventing the pies from puffing up excessively or bursting open during baking, ensuring a beautifully intact pie.
- **Achieving the Perfect Glaze Consistency:** When mixing your powdered sugar and milk for the glaze, start with half the milk and add more very gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a thick, drizzling consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk. The goal is a glaze that coats the back of a spoon and drizzles smoothly without being too watery.
- **Cooling is Key:** Allow your hand pies to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the glaze. If the pies are still warm, the glaze will melt and soak into the crust instead of setting into a nice, smooth layer.
- **Make it a 2-Ingredient Treat:** For an even simpler dessert, you can completely skip the glaze! These hand pies are absolutely delicious on their own with just the pie crust and blueberry filling. This is a fantastic option if you’re looking to cut down on sugar or just prefer a less sweet treat.
- **Storage:** Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can gently warm them in the microwave or a toaster oven before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
- **Serving Suggestions:** These blueberry hand pies are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar instead of the full glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Blueberry Hand Pies
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making these easy blueberry hand pies:
- **Can I use fresh blueberries instead of canned pie filling?** Yes, you can! However, this will increase the ingredient count and preparation time. You’ll need to create a filling from fresh blueberries, sugar, and a thickener like cornstarch. Cook it down until it thickens before using. For a 4-ingredient recipe, canned filling is key.
- **Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?** Absolutely! You can assemble the hand pies (before baking) and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag for up to 1-2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can bake them fully, cool, glaze, and store as described in the tips.
- **How do I store leftover hand pies?** Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best freshness, if you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate them.
- **Can I freeze baked hand pies?** Yes, you can! Once fully cooled and glazed, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven before serving.
- **What other fillings can I use for hand pies?** The possibilities are endless! Cherry pie filling, apple pie filling, peach pie filling, or even a simple jam or preserve can be used. Just ensure the filling isn’t too runny.
- **Why are my hand pies leaking?** This usually happens for two main reasons: overfilling the pies or not crimping the edges securely enough with the fork. Make sure to leave a good border when filling and really press those fork tines down to seal!
More Delicious Hand Pie Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these delightful mini pies, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of hand pie flavors to explore. Here are a few more mini pie recipes you might enjoy trying:
- Peach Hand Pies: A taste of summer in every bite.
- Apple Hand Pies: The classic pie flavor in a convenient handheld form.
- Pumpkin Hand Pies: Perfect for autumn and holiday seasons.
- Lemon Blueberry Hand Pies: A zesty twist on our favorite berry.
- Valentine Cherry Hand Pies: A sweet and festive treat for special occasions.
Explore More Recipes with Fewer Than 5 Ingredients
Sometimes, simplicity is key! If you appreciate the ease and speed of recipes with minimal ingredients, you’ll love these other quick fixes. They’re perfect for those last-minute meal or dessert decisions when you need something delicious without a lot of fuss. Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
- 3 Ingredient Cherry Cupcakes: Sweet and simple cupcakes that come together in a flash.
- 3-Ingredient Quick Pasta Salad: A perfect side dish or light meal.
- 3 Ingredient French Vanilla Peach Cobbler: A comforting dessert that’s surprisingly easy.
- McDonalds Cherry Pie Copycat: Relive a fast-food favorite at home.
Don’t forget to let me know if you try any of these fantastic, easy recipes!
Easy 4-Ingredient Blueberry Hand Pies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup blueberry pie filling
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Things You’ll Need
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Insulated baking sheets
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Wire cooling racks
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Pastry brush
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Biscuit cutters
Before You Begin
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an insulated baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Unroll your refrigerated pie dough sheets. Use a 3 3/4 inch drinking glass, biscuit cutter, or round cookie cutter to cut out circles. You should get about 7 circles per crust; gather and re-roll scraps to get the rest for a total of 18 circles.
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Place half of the dough circles on your prepared baking sheet. Add approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of blueberry pie filling to the center of each circle, leaving a small border.
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Cover each filled circle with a second dough circle, aligning the edges. Use a fork to firmly crimp and seal the edges together, creating a decorative and secure seal.
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Cut two small slits on the top of each pie with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking. Repeat these steps for all remaining pies, using a separate cooking sheet if needed to avoid overcrowding.
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Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful light golden brown.
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Remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before glazing.
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In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with half of the milk. Stir until smooth, then continue mixing and gradually dribbling in small amounts of additional milk until the mixture forms a thick, drizzling consistency.
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Place waxed paper or parchment paper under the cooling rack to catch any drips. Using a pastry brush, evenly brush the glaze over the cooled hand pies. Allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Sep 14, 2014, and has been updated for clarity, expanded content, and improved reader experience.