These easy homemade peach hand pies are like little pockets of sunshine! Sweet peach filling wrapped in a flaky crust makes them simply delightful. Perfect for snacking or dessert!
Making these pies can be a fun project! I love to pair them with a scoop of ice cream. Trust me, they become a family favorite in no time. Who can resist that gooey peach goodness? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend would work well too.
Cold Unsalted Butter: This gives your crust a flaky texture. Margarine can be a substitute, but I recommend sticking with butter for the best flavor. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil works too!
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal for this recipe. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed) for convenience. Just adjust the sugar based on sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the filling, but feel free to use brown sugar for a richer flavor, or a sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup in moderation if you prefer.
How Do You Achieve the Flakiest Pie Crust?
Making a flaky pie crust is all about keeping the butter cold and not overworking the dough. Here’s how to get it right:
- Handle the dough as little as possible to prevent heating it up.
- When mixing, look for a crumbly texture with some larger butter pieces for flakiness.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour! This helps the butter firm up again.
These tips will ensure your hand pies have a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft peach filling. Enjoy making them!
then crimp with a fork to seal completely, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
6. Apply Egg Wash:
Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish once they bake.
7. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the hand pies for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the edges. Keep an eye on them so they get that perfect color!
8. Make the Glaze:
While the pies cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your desired glaze consistency.
9. Glaze the Pies:
Once the hand pies are warm but not too hot, drizzle or spread the glaze over them. Let the glaze set a bit before serving—this will help it stick.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the hand pies warm or at room temperature. They’re a delightful treat by themselves, but you can also enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra special touch!
These peach hand pies are bursting with juicy sweetness wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. They are perfect for a delightful homemade treat that everyone will love!
Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and diced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Assembling:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour for chilling the dough and 25-30 minutes for baking. You’ll have delicious peach hand pies ready to enjoy in about 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Gradually add ice water, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more as needed, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form it into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix gently until the peaches are evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a 4-5 inch round cutter (or a bowl), cut out circles and transfer them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Fill the Pies:
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the peach filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Brush the edges with a little beaten egg to help seal them.
5. Seal the Pies:
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together gently,
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for the Filling?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mixing with the sugar and other ingredients. This will prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! After mixing, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge before rolling it out.
How Should I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay extra fresh, you can freeze them—just ensure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make These Hand Pies Smaller or Larger?
Definitely! You can customize the size by using smaller or larger cutters. Just adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness as the size changes. Smaller pies will bake faster, while larger ones may take a bit longer.
