These Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies are like little pockets of sunshine! Filled with sweet peaches and wrapped in a flaky crust, they’re perfect for snack time or dessert.
Making these pies is so fun. I love to bake a batch and share them with friends—everyone gets excited when they see these tasty treats! Plus, they’re great warm or cold!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, canned or frozen peaches work in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well and adjust the sugar if they’re already sweet.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the filling nicely. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or a sugar substitute if you’re watching calories. Just remember that it may affect the pie’s texture slightly.
Cornstarch: It helps thicken the peach filling. You can swap in flour if you’re out, but use a bit more— about 1.5 tablespoons—to achieve a similar thickness.
Pie Crusts: Store-bought pie crusts save time, but homemade crusts offer a fresher taste. If you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free crust option that suits your preference.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Sealed Hand Pies?
Sealing your hand pies correctly is key to keeping those delicious peach juices inside! Here are some tips to help you with that:
- Ensure that you don’t overfill each pie—1 to 2 tablespoons of filling is perfect.
- Use your finger to wet the edges of the dough before folding over the filling; this helps the crust stick.
- Crimp the edges well with a fork or pinch them with your fingers. This not only seals them but also gives them a pretty finish.
With these techniques, your hand pies will turn out looking and tasting amazing! Happy baking!
Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients:
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll need about 20 to 25 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll spend around 40-45 minutes before enjoying your homemade peach hand pies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pies from sticking.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix everything well until combined, and set aside. This will be your delicious peach filling!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a large round cutter (around 4 to 5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. You’ll need two circles for each hand pie.
4. Fill the Pies:
Take about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the peach filling and place it in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill—just enough to enjoy every bite!
5. Seal the Pies:
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly; then crimp them with a fork to seal everything inside securely.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a lovely golden finish once baked.
7. Bake:
Bake the hand pies in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the filling is bubbling nicely. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Make the Glaze:
While the pies are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Cool and Glaze:
Once the hand pies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Then drizzle the glaze over the warm pies for that extra sweetness.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these delicious peach hand pies warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for snacking, dessert, or even breakfast! Enjoy your homemade creations!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using canned peaches, make sure to drain them well and adjust the sugar if they are sweetened. For frozen peaches, thaw them first and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to crisp them up again.
Can I Make These Pies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pies ahead of time. Simply refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake, but be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What Can I Use Instead of Egg for the Egg Wash?
If you prefer not to use an egg wash, you can brush the pie crusts with milk or a dairy-free alternative before baking for a nice golden color. You can also use a mixture of water and non-dairy milk for a vegan option!
