Huckleberry Hand Pies

Huckleberry Hand Pies are like little pockets of summer happiness, oozing with sweet and tart goodness. Picture this: golden, flaky crusts hugging a juicy huckleberry filling, perfect for munching on the go or sharing at a picnic. Making these delightful hand pies feels like a nostalgic journey, where you get to channel your inner baker while enjoying the vibrant flavors of fresh huckleberries. Whether you’re a first-time pie maker or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to be approachable and rewarding. With each bite, you’ll be transported to sunshine-filled days, where the air is sweet with the scent of ripe berries, and the joy of baking fills your heart. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s whip up these scrumptious Huckleberry Hand Pies together!

Why This Recipe Works

Utilizing all-butter vodka dough ensures you get a flaky, tender crust that holds up against juicy fillings. The vodka in the dough evaporates during baking, creating layers that lead to a delightful texture. Plus, the combination of lemon zest and juice enhances the natural sweetness of huckleberries, balancing their tartness perfectly. To top it all, using tapioca starch thickens the filling, preventing sogginess. Consequently, you can enjoy that perfect bite every time!

Why You’ll Love This Huckleberry Hand Pies

These hand pies are incredibly portable, making them ideal for picnics, road trips, or quick snacks. Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, they truly evoke the essence of summer in every bite. The flaky crust paired with the sweet-tart huckleberry filling creates a delightful contrast that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

• For the All Butter Vodka Dough

• 2 disks of all-butter vodka dough (substituting vodka with apple cider vinegar is optional)

• For the Huckleberry Filling

• 3 cups huckleberries (or other berries)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon tapioca starch

• For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon water
• Dash of salt
• 2 tablespoons sparkling sugar (turbinado or granulated)

Prepare the Pie Dough

Chill the Dough

Start by chilling 2 disks of all-butter vodka dough in the refrigerator. This helps firm it up before rolling it out, ensuring a flaky finish.

Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured countertop, roll one disk to a thickness of about ⅛” to ¼”. Keep it even to ensure that it cooks properly.

Cut the Dough Circles

Use a 5″-6″ round cookie cutter to create circles from the rolled dough. Gather the scraps, reform them into a disk, and reroll to cut out more circles. It’s that simple!

Chill Dough Circles

Once you’ve cut the circles, arrange them on a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Repeat this process with the remaining disk of dough, as it’s a key step for achieving that perfect crust.

Make the Huckleberry Filling

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add 3 cups of huckleberries. Mix in the zest and juice of one lemon, then sprinkle the sugar. Toss everything gently to combine, infusing the berries with citrusy goodness.

Thicken the Filling

Stir in 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch, allowing the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes. This wait helps the flavors meld beautifully and starts thickening the filling.

Shape & Bake the Hand Pies

Preheat the Oven

While you prep the hand pies, preheat your oven to 375°F. You want to make sure it’s nice and hot for baking.

Prepare the Dough

Take the chilled dough rounds out of the refrigerator and let them sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. This makes working with them easier.

Fill the Hand Pies

Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of huckleberry filling onto one half of each dough round. Brush the edges with cold water, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, sealing the edges together.

Create Decorative Edges

Using the back of a fork, crimp the edges to seal them securely and give them a pretty finish.

Chill Again

Place the filled hand pies back on the lined baking sheet and chill for another 30 minutes. This step is essential to keep them from spreading too much while baking.

Egg Wash the Pies

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg with 1 teaspoon of water and a dash of salt. Lightly brush the egg wash over the hand pies, then sprinkle with sparkling sugar. Make three small slits in the top of each to let some steam escape.

Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Rotate the pans halfway through for even cooking. Once they are ready, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful hand pies warm, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them perfect for an afternoon treat.

Tips for Success

To ensure you achieve a flaky crust, keeping your dough well-chilled is key. Also, don’t overfill the hand pies; it can cause spillage during baking, and nobody wants that!

Variations

If you want to try something different, substitute huckleberries with blueberries, blackberries, or even mixed berries for a new flavor twist. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced note.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. What can I substitute for huckleberries?
You can easily use blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries instead.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer before rolling out.

3. How do I know when the pies are done baking?
Check for a beautifully golden brown color on top, with the filling bubbling slightly.

4. Can I bake these hand pies from frozen?
Yes, you can bake straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. How do I reheat leftover hand pies?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through for the best texture.

These Huckleberry Hand Pies pack a burst of flavor and nostalgia, reviving berry-picking memories right in your kitchen. Their flaky crust and sweet-tart filling make them perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to sunny outdoor picnics. Make sure to savor these delightful treats warm for the best experience! Happy baking!

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