Pioneer Woman Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe

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Ree Drummond, affectionately known as the Pioneer Woman, is known for turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. Her blueberry hand pies are no exception. These delightful little parcels are a testament to her philosophy of simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious food. Whether you’re a baking novice eager to roll up your sleeves or a seasoned home cook looking for your next project, this Pioneer Woman Blueberry Hand Pies recipe promises an adventure from the first dusting of flour to the last crumbly, buttery bite.

How to make Pioneer Woman Blueberry Hand Pies

Pioneer Woman Blueberry Hand Pies is a recipe created by Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman. These hand pies are a delightful pastry treat featuring a blueberry filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust.

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling out dough
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup ice water (you might not use all of it)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• A pinch of salt

For Assembly and Baking:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
• Optional: A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to add to the filling

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Cut the butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pea-sized butter lumps are perfectly fine.
3. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape it into discs, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour.

Making the Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the blueberries, 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir gently until the blueberries are well coated. Set aside.

Rolling Out the Dough and Assembling:

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to about 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut circles or rectangles out of the dough. Transfer these to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Spoon a small mound of the blueberry filling into the center of each shaped dough piece, leaving a border for sealing.
4. Roll out the second piece of dough and cut shapes similar to the first set.
5. Place the second piece of dough over a filled piece, using your fingers or a fork to press and seal the edges together. Cut a small slit on top for steam to escape.
6. Brush each hand pie lightly with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
3. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips:

• Chill the Dough: Keeping the dough (and even your tools, like the rolling pin) chilled is essential for flaky pastry. If the dough becomes too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a bit.
• Filling Variations: You can mix other berries with blueberries or introduce spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add depth to the filling.
• Sealing the Edges: Ensuring the edges are well sealed will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Crimp firmly with a fork for a decorative and functional edge.
• Serving: These hand pies are delightful, both warm and at room temperature. For an indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What to serve with

Serving up a batch of homemade Pioneer Woman Blueberry Hand Pies calls for complementary sides and drinks that enhance the eating experience.

Beverages

1. Coffee or Tea

For Brunch: A hot, freshly brewed cup of coffee or a selection of teas (black, green, or herbal) can perfectly complement the sweet-tart flavor of Pioneer Woman Blueberry Hand Pies in the morning.

Serving Tip: Offer sugar, honey, and milk or cream on the side so guests can customize their drinks.

2. Lemonade or Iced Tea

For a Picnic or Casual Lunch: Nothing says summer like a cold glass of lemonade or sweet iced tea. The tartness of the lemonade or the subtle bitterness of iced tea can refresh the palate between bites of the sweet pies.

Serving Tip: Add slices of lemon and sprigs of mint to your serving pitcher for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.

Dairy

3. Ice Cream

For Dessert: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside or on top of a warm Pioneer Woman Blueberry Hand Pies is a match made in heaven. The cool creaminess of the ice cream complements the warm, fruity filling beautifully.

Serving Tip: For the best flavor, choose high-quality or homemade ice cream. A drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add an extra dimension to the dish.

4. Whipped Cream

Another Dessert Option: Light and airy, whipped cream is another excellent accompaniment for blueberry hand pies. Its mild sweetness and creamy texture can balance out the intensity of the blueberry filling.

Serving Tip: Whip your own cream with some vanilla extract and powdered sugar for a homemade touch.

Savory Counterparts

5. Cheese Plate

For a Sophisticated Touch: A selection of cheeses, particularly those with a sharp or tangy profile like goat cheese, aged cheddar, or gorgonzola, can provide a delightful contrast to the pies’ sweetness.

Serving Tip: Serve the cheese with crackers, dried fruits, and nuts for an elegant snack board.

6. Salad

For a Light Meal: A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing and crisp contrast to the richness of the hand pies. Think arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a lemony or balsamic dressing.

Serving Tip: Add some fresh berries, nuts, and cheese (like feta or goat cheese) to the salad for a flavor that echoes the pies.

7. Charcuterie Board

For Gatherings: A well-assembled charcuterie board with a variety of meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, and fruits can serve as both an appetizer and a complement to the Pioneer Woman Blueberry Hand Pies.

Serving Tip: Balance the savory flavors of the meats and cheeses with the sweetness of the pies for a rounded dining experience.

Final Touches

8. Fruit Compote or Fresh Berries

For an Extra Fruity Touch: A side of fruit compote made from berries or even a simple bowl of mixed fresh berries can amplify the fruitiness and add a fresh element alongside the Pioneer Woman Blueberry Hand Pies.

Serving Tip: Choose fruits that are in season for the best flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating Pioneer Woman Blueberry Hand Pies can be a delightful baking endeavor, yet sometimes you might find yourself missing an ingredient or two. Fortunately, many components in baking can be substituted without significantly altering the final product’s taste or texture.

For the Pie Dough

• Flour: If the recipe calls for all-purpose flour and you’re out, you can use bread flour or pastry flour in its place. For a gluten-free version, a mix of rice flour and a small amount of xanthan gum can work but expect a different texture.
• Butter: For flakiness in pie dough, butter can be substituted with an equal amount of shortening or lard. Try using coconut oil (solid form) or a vegan butter substitute for a vegan option.
• Water: Some bakers use vodka or apple cider vinegar mixed with water instead of water, claiming it makes the dough flakier. The alcohol or acidity minimizes gluten formation, enhancing the texture.

For the Blueberry Filling

• Blueberries: If fresh blueberries aren’t available, frozen blueberries make an excellent substitute and don’t need to be thawed before use. In a pinch, other berries like raspberries or chopped strawberries can also work.
• Sugar: Depending on your taste or dietary restrictions, you can use honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like Stevia. Keep in mind the liquid content if opting for honey or maple syrup; you may need to adjust the thickener slightly.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds brightness to the filling. If it’s unavailable, try a dash of apple cider vinegar or lime juice. The objective is to add a bit of acidity, so most citrus juices or light vinegar will do.
• Cornstarch (for thickening): If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickener, though you might need to double the amount. ClearJel is another excellent alternative, especially for pies, as it holds up well to freezing and doesn’t make the filling cloudy.

For the Glaze or Topping

• Powdered Sugar: If you don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender until powdery. Alternatively, a simple glaze of melted butter with honey or maple syrup can add a nice finish to the pies.
• Milk or Cream: Often used to thin the glaze, if you’re out of milk or cream, water works fine, albeit with a less rich flavor. For a dairy-free option, any plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) can be substituted in equal parts.
• Egg Wash: If the recipe calls for an egg wash to brush on the pies for a golden finish, and you’re either out of eggs or need a vegan option, you can use a combination of plant milk with a bit of agave syrup or just melted butter to give the pies a nice sheen.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, these Pioneer Woman hand pies will surely bring a smile to anyone’s face. Enjoy the rustic charm and delightful flavors baked into every bite!

More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Copycat Pioneer Woman Banana Bread Recipe