These Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies are like little pockets of joy! Filled with sweet peaches and a hint of cinnamon, they are baked until golden and tasty.
Making these pies is super fun and easy, perfect for when you want a treat without the fuss. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour mix. Just keep in mind that texture might vary a bit!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best because you control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, go for a plant-based butter or coconut oil, but be aware it may alter the flavor a little.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal, but if they’re out of season, canned peaches (drained) work well too. You could also substitute other fruits like apples or berries for different flavors!
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the filling. If you don’t have it, try using flour or tapioca starch instead, but adjust the amount to thicken properly.
How Do You Ensure Your Hand Pies Stay Sealed?
Sealing the hand pies properly is key to keeping your filling inside. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to brush the edges with water or egg wash before folding; this helps the dough stick together.
- Press firmly with a fork to seal the edges after folding over. This creates a tight closure and adds a nice pattern!
- If you’re having trouble, you can try crimping the edges with your fingers for an extra secure seal.
Taking a few extra moments to seal them well will save you from messy spills while baking. Enjoy making these delicious treats!
How to Make Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2-3 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour for preparation and chilling the dough, plus 20-25 minutes for baking. So total, you’ll spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. Most of the time is just letting the dough chill, so you can relax while waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Next, add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix everything until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Then, form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is chilling, prepare the peach filling. In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat the peaches and set aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
After your dough has chilled, take it out of the fridge. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (around 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
4. Assemble the Hand Pies:
Take a tablespoon of peach filling and place it in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges with a bit of water or egg wash. Now fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges together tightly with a fork to seal them securely.
5. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a nice golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and charming!
6. Prepare the Glaze:
While the pies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency if necessary, adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
7. Glaze and Serve:
Once the hand pies are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pies. They’re delicious served warm or at room temperature!
Enjoy your delightful Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture. If they are too sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar in the filling slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out.
What Other Fruits Can I Use for the Filling?
Feel free to get creative! Apples, blueberries, cherries, or mixed berries work wonderfully. Just adjust the sugar and spices based on the sweetness and flavor of the fruit you choose.
