Blueberry Pie Cookies

If you’re a fan of blueberry pie but want something a little more portable, these Blueberry Pie Cookies are the perfect solution! These adorable, bite-sized treats capture all the flavors of a classic blueberry pie in a handheld cookie form. Perfect for picnics, parties, or satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients:

For the Blueberry Pie Filling:

• 1 Tbsp. butter
• 1 pint (about 1 1/2 cups) fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• Pinch ground cinnamon
• Pinch salt

For Blueberry Pie Cookie Assembly:

• Pie crust for a two-crust pie, store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 tsp. water
• Sanding sugar or granulated sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Blueberry Pie Filling:
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the fresh blueberries, water, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients.

2. Thicken the Filling:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium to medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 minute until the filling thickens. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Use a 2 1/2 to 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. You’ll need two circles per cookie.

4. Assemble the Cookies:
Place half of the dough rounds on a baking sheet. Brush the edges of each round with water, then spoon about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the blueberry filling into the center of each round. Top with the remaining dough circles.

5. Seal and Crimp:
Press the edges of each cookie to seal, then crimp with a fork for a decorative touch.

6. Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle:
Prepare an egg wash by beating the egg with 1/4 teaspoon of water. Brush the top of each cookie with the egg wash, and if desired, sprinkle with sanding sugar or granulated sugar.

7. Bake:
Cut small slits in the top of each cookie to allow steam to escape. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.

8. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats warm or at room temperature!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: Blueberry Pie Cookies are delicious when served warm, straight from the oven. If you prefer them at room temperature, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
2. Pair with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the tangy blueberry filling.
3. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant touch, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving. It adds a subtle sweetness and makes the cookies look extra special.
4. Perfect for Picnics: These cookies are ideal for picnics or outdoor gatherings. Pack them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious throughout the day.
5. Serve as a Party Treat: These bite-sized cookies make an excellent party treat or dessert for any gathering. Arrange them on a platter for guests to enjoy.

Storage Tips:

1. Store at Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispness, avoid storing them in a humid environment.
2. Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies. Place them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
3. Freezing: These cookies freeze well for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. This will help restore their original texture.
5. Avoid Moisture: To keep the cookies from becoming soggy, ensure they are completely cooled before storing them. Adding a small piece of bread to the container can help absorb excess moisture and keep the cookies crisp.

These tips will help you enjoy your Blueberry Pie Cookies at their best, whether you’re serving them fresh or saving them for later!

Variations:

1. Mixed Berry Pie Cookies:
   • Replace the blueberries with a mix of your favorite berries like raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. This will add a burst of different flavors to each bite.
2. Lemon Blueberry Pie Cookies:
   • Add more lemon flavor by mixing in a teaspoon of lemon zest with the blueberry filling. You can also use a lemon-flavored pie crust for an extra citrusy twist.
3. Cream Cheese Filling:
   • For a creamy variation, add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese to the blueberry filling before sealing the cookies. Mix 4 oz of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Almond Blueberry Pie Cookies:
   • Enhance the flavor with almond extract. Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the pie filling and sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
   • Before baking, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the cookies for an extra layer of flavor and a slightly crunchy texture.
6. Blueberry-Lavender Cookies:
   • Add a hint of floral notes by incorporating dried culinary lavender into the blueberry filling. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of lavender for a subtle yet fragrant twist.
7. Mini Blueberry Hand Pies:
   • Instead of using a round cookie cutter, cut the dough into small squares or rectangles to create mini hand pies. These are perfect for a different look and easy to hold.
8. Chocolate Blueberry Cookies:
   • Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the baked cookies. The combination of chocolate and blueberries is rich and satisfying.
9. Gluten-Free Blueberry Pie Cookies:
   • Use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary needs. The filling remains the same, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delicious treat.
10. Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies:
    • Combine elements of cheesecake by adding a layer of sweetened cream cheese between the blueberry filling and the top crust. This adds a rich and creamy texture to the cookies.

These variations offer creative ways to customize your Blueberry Pie Cookies to suit different tastes and occasions, making them a versatile dessert for any gathering!

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
   • Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling to prevent the cookies from becoming too watery.
2. Can I make the dough for the pie crust from scratch?
   • Absolutely! If you prefer homemade pie crust, feel free to use your favorite recipe. Just ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling it out for the cookies.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from becoming soggy?
   • Make sure the blueberry filling is thickened properly before assembling the cookies. Also, avoid overfilling the cookies, and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack after baking.
4. Can I prepare the blueberry filling ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
5. Can I freeze the unbaked cookies?
   • Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookies. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
6. What’s the best way to reheat the cookies?
   • To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This will help restore their crispy texture.
7. Can I add other fruits to the filling?
   • Yes, you can mix in other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Adjust the sugar and cornstarch as needed depending on the sweetness and juiciness of the fruits.
8. Do I need to use an egg wash on the cookies?
   • The egg wash helps the cookies turn golden and gives them a nice sheen. It also helps the sugar topping stick. If you prefer, you can skip it, but the cookies may not brown as nicely.
9. How long will these cookies stay fresh?
   • Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.