These Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies are a delightful treat! With juicy peaches wrapped in a flaky crust, they are perfect for a snack or dessert.
Honestly, who can resist warm, sweet fruit in a crispy shell? I love making these for picnics. They are fun to eat and never last long—everyone just wants more!
Making hand pies is so simple! I just roll out the dough, fill it with peaches, and bake. Plus, they make my kitchen smell amazing. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are a must for this recipe. If they’re out of season, try using canned peaches in light syrup, just drain them first. Frozen peaches work well too; just thaw and drain excess water.
Granulated Sugar: While granulated sugar is standard, feel free to use brown sugar for a richer flavor. Adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your peaches—less sugar is great if they are very ripe!
Pie Crusts: I often use store-bought refrigerated pie crust for convenience. But homemade crust will add flavor. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pie dough available at stores or make your own!
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the peach filling. You can substitute it with flour, though the filling will be slightly less thick. If you’re avoiding gluten, use a gluten-free starch like tapioca or arrowroot.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Hand Pie Seal?
Sealing your hand pies is key to keeping that delicious peach filling inside! Here’s how to do it right:
- After placing the filling in the center, brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg. This acts like glue!
- Fold the dough carefully over the filling. Press down firmly to seal, and then use a fork to crimp the edges. This adds a pretty design too!
- Don’t forget to cut slits on top to let steam escape. This helps prevent the pies from bursting while baking.
Taking these extra steps will ensure your hand pies are not only pretty but also delicious without any leaks. Happy baking!
Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups peeled, diced fresh peaches (about 2 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. So overall, you should budget about 45 minutes to an hour from start to enjoying your delicious hand pies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Oven Ready:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes for easy cleanup!
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the diced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon together gently. Stir until the peaches are coated nicely. This mixture will thicken slightly, which is perfect for the filling!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
If you’re using refrigerated pie crusts, roll them out on a lightly floured surface if needed. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches) to cut out circles from the dough. If you prefer homemade pie dough, go ahead and roll it out just like the store-bought kind!
4. Assemble the Pies:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the peach filling and place it in the center of each dough circle, making sure to leave some space around the edges. This will give you room to seal them well!
5. Seal Them Up:
Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg to help seal the pies. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then use a fork to crimp the edges for a pretty finish!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the assembled hand pies on your lined baking sheet. Don’t forget to brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden color while baking!
7. Cut Steam Slits:
Using a sharp knife, cut a small slit or two on the top of each pie. This allows steam to escape while baking and prevents any messy overflow!
8. Bake the Hand Pies:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling looks bubbly. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
9. Make the Glaze:
While the pies are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze will add a lovely sweetness to the pies after baking!
10. Cool and Glaze:
Once the hand pies are out of the oven, let them cool slightly on a wire rack. After a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over the warm pies for that extra touch of sweetness.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
These peach hand pies are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Share with family and friends—or keep them all for yourself! Enjoy every bite of your homemade treat!
FAQ About Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture. This will help prevent a soggy filling in your hand pies.
Can I Make These Hand Pies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hand pies and freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What Other Fruits Can I Use Instead of Peaches?
Feel free to experiment! Other fruits like apples, cherries, or berries work great in place of peaches. Just adjust the sugar and spices to suit the fruit you choose.
