These Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies are like little pockets of sunshine! With sweet, juicy peaches wrapped in a flaky crust, they are perfect for a snack or dessert.
They’re super simple to make, and who doesn’t love handheld treats? I usually eat them warm, and they’re fantastic with a scoop of ice cream on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Use ripe peaches for best flavor; they’re sweet and juicy. If they’re out of season, canned peaches work well too—just make sure to drain them thoroughly!
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar or maple syrup. You may need to adjust the amount to taste.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the peach filling. If you’re out, you can use all-purpose flour instead, though it won’t thicken as well.
Ground Cinnamon: It gives a warm flavor. Don’t have cinnamon? You could use nutmeg or allspice for a different twist!
Pie Crusts: Store-bought crusts save time, but homemade is always a treat! Use your favorite recipe or the classic flour, butter, and water mix.
How Do I Seal the Hand Pies Properly?
Sealing your hand pies is key to keeping the filling intact while baking. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure the edges of the dough are clean and free of filling.
- Brush the edges with egg wash, which acts like glue.
- Fold the dough over carefully to form a half-moon shape.
- Use a fork to press down firmly on the edges, creating a crimped seal.
Taking your time with this step helps ensure that the fruit doesn’t leak out during baking!
Pro Tip for a Perfect Glaze!
If you’d like to add a sweet touch after baking, the glaze is a great option. To make it smooth:
- Start with less milk and add gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle it over the warm pies right before serving for a lovely finish!
This adds a nice shine and sweetness that makes these pies even more delightful.
Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll end up with warm, delicious hand pies ready to enjoy in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready for the hand pies! Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the diced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir everything well until the peaches are completely coated. This will create a sweet and thick filling that’s just perfect for the pies!
3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts. Using a round cutter or a small bowl (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. Aim for about 8-10 circles, depending on how thick you roll the dough.
4. Fill the Dough Circles:
Place 1-2 tablespoons of your peach filling into the center of each dough circle. Make sure not to overfill, or your pies might burst open while baking!
5. Make the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together an egg and water to create an egg wash. This will help give the hand pies a beautiful golden color.
6. Seal the Pies:
Brush the edges of each dough circle with the egg wash. Then fold each circle over to form a half-moon shape, encasing the filling. Press the edges together to seal, and for extra security, use a fork to crimp the edges.
7. Bake the Hand Pies:
Place the prepared hand pies on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with any remaining egg wash for that beautiful finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
8. Cool and Glaze (Optional):
Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you want to add a sweet glaze, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth, and drizzle it over the warm pies.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These hand pies can be served warm or at room temperature. Bite into the flaky crust and enjoy the juicy peach filling. They make a delightful treat!
With this easy recipe, you’ll have delicious peach hand pies in no time—perfect for a sweet snack or dessert! Enjoy!
FAQ about Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before using. You might need to adjust the sugar depending on how sweet your frozen peaches are.
What Other Fruit Can I Use Instead of Peaches?
Feel free to substitute with other fruits like cherries, apples, or blueberries! Just adjust the sugar and spices as needed to complement the flavor. For example, cinnamon pairs beautifully with apples.
How Should I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Can I Make These Hand Pies Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use dairy-free pie crusts and replace the egg wash with a mixture of almond milk and a bit of maple syrup for a beautiful finish. The filling will remain deliciously fruity regardless!
