These Easy Peach Hand Pies are like little summer hugs in a pastry! Filled with sweet, juicy peaches and wrapped in a flaky crust, they’re perfect for any sunny day.
These hand pies are super simple to make, and they remind me of summer picnics. I love enjoying them warm, maybe with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Who can resist that? 🍑😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Ripe peaches are the stars of this recipe. If they’re out of season, feel free to use canned peaches, but drain them well to avoid too much moisture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling. You can substitute it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the peach filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, try using all-purpose flour, but start with a bit less since it’s denser.
Pie Crust: I love using refrigerated pie crusts for convenience, but homemade crust is a great option too! You can also make this gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust.
Egg Wash: An egg wash gives pies a beautiful golden color. If you prefer to avoid eggs, use milk or a dairy substitute for brushing.
How Do I Seal the Hand Pies Without Making a Mess?
Sealing the hand pies is essential to keep the filling inside while baking. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg; this acts like glue.
- Press the edges together firmly, then use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only seals them but adds a nice decorative touch.
- Cut slits in the top for steam to escape; this prevents them from bursting open in the oven.
Following these steps will help keep your filling secure and prevent any messy leaks!
How to Make Easy Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh ripe peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Estimated Time to Prepare:
This Easy Peach Hand Pies recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 18-22 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes to have these delightful treats ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent your lovely hand pies from sticking to the pan.
2. Make the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the diced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Gently stir everything together until the peaches are well coated. Set this delicious filling aside for now.
3. Cut the Dough:
Roll out one of the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4 to 5-inch round cutter (you can even use a large drinking glass!) to cut out circles. Do the same with the second crust, creating as many circles as you can.
4. Fill the Hand Pies:
Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the peach filling in the center of each dough circle—just don’t overfill them, or they might burst open while baking!
5. Seal the Edges:
Brush the edges of each dough circle with the beaten egg. This will help seal your pies. Carefully fold each circle over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together with a fork. This adds a nice design and keeps the filling inside.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Lay the hand pies on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden shine. Don’t forget to cut a small slit on top of each pie to let steam escape while they bake!
7. Bake the Hand Pies:
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden and flaky. Once you take them out, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
8. Whip Up the Glaze:
While the hand pies are cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
9. Drizzle and Enjoy:
Once the hand pies are cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delightful Easy Peach Hand Pies with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients. This will help maintain the right consistency of the filling.
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’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the peach filling and assemble the hand pies ahead of time. Just place them in the refrigerator before baking and enjoy fresh, warm hand pies when you’re ready! You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking them straight from the fridge.
What Should I Serve with Peach Hand Pies?
These hand pies are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert. They also pair nicely with a fresh fruit salad for a light summer treat!
