Blackberry Hand Pies

Blissful Bites: Crafting Homestyle Blackberry Hand Pies

Embark on a journey of pastry perfection with our Blackberry Hand Pies—a delightful ode to the sweet, succulent burst of blackberries encased in flaky, golden pastry. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these handheld treats promise a symphony of flavors that encapsulate the essence of homemade goodness. Join us as we explore the art of creating these blissful bites, perfect for sharing joy with family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Dough:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup ice water

For the Blackberry Filling:

  • 3 cups fresh blackberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For Assembly and Finishing:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Crafting the Pastry Dough:

  1. In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just comes together.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, shape it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Blackberry Filling:

  1. In a mixing bowl, gently toss together blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the juices release.

Assembling the Hand Pies:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  3. Using a round cutter, cut out circles of dough (approximately 4-5 inches in diameter).
  4. Spoon a generous amount of the blackberry filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges.
  5. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
  6. Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, brush with beaten egg for a golden finish, and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
  7. Make a small slit on the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the hand pies are golden brown.
  9. Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving.

Cook Notes

Perfect your Blackberry Hand Pies with these expert tips:

  1. Chilled Ingredients: Keep your butter cold and use ice water for a flaky pastry crust.
  2. Fruit Consistency: Gently toss the blackberry filling to avoid crushing the berries, ensuring a juicy and intact interior.
  3. Even Thickness: Roll out the pastry dough to a consistent thickness to ensure uniform baking.
  4. Creative Shapes: Experiment with different shapes for a whimsical touch, such as hearts or stars.

Variations

Customize your Blackberry Hand Pies experience with these delightful variations:

Lemon Zest Infusion:

Add a burst of citrus flavor by incorporating lemon zest into the blackberry filling.

Almond Crust Magic:

Swap a portion of the all-purpose flour in the pastry dough with almond flour for a nutty twist.

Mixed Berry Medley:

Create a medley of flavors by adding blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries to the blackberry filling.

Keto Versions

Indulge in the Blackberry Hand Pies delight while staying keto-friendly with these low-carb adaptations:

Almond Flour Alchemy:

Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour in the pastry dough for a keto-approved crust.

Sugar Swaps:

Substitute granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit in both the dough and the filling.

Berry Moderation:

Opt for lower-carb berries like blackberries and raspberries to minimize the carb content.

In conclusion, Blackberry Hand Pies are a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and the joy found in every bite of homemade goodness. As you relish the golden flakiness of the pastry and the burst of sweet, tart blackberries, you’re not just enjoying a dessert—you’re savoring a moment crafted with care and passion.

So, preheat that oven, roll out that dough, and immerse yourself in the pleasure of creating these handheld delights. Whether served at a family gathering, a picnic, or as a special treat for yourself, Blackberry Hand Pies are a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony. Indulge, share, and revel in the enchantment of Blackberry Hand Pies!