These easy homemade peach hand pies are like little pockets of sunshine! With sweet, juicy peaches wrapped in a flaky crust, they are perfect for snacking or dessert.
Who can resist the smell of baked peaches? I love making these with fresh fruit when it’s in season. They freeze well too, so it’s great to have some on hand for a quick treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal for this recipe, bringing natural sweetness and juicy flavor. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using them!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth to the filling. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or replace it with nutmeg for a different flavor twist.
Pie Crusts: Store-bought pie crusts save time, but if you want to try homemade, go for it! Alternatively, you could use puff pastry for a flakier texture. Just bake according to the package instructions.
Egg Wash: For a vegan option, use almond milk or soy milk mixed with a bit of syrup as a wash for the crust to give it that golden color.
What’s the Best Way to Seal Dough for Hand Pies?
Sealing the edges well is crucial to keep your filling inside while baking. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to crimp the edges with a fork gently; this helps to create a nice seal.
- Alternatively, you can use your fingers to pinch the edges together securely.
- Always ensure not to overfill; a little room will allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.
Taking care with the sealing step means your hand pies will look great and taste perfect without leaking! Enjoy making these delicious treats.
Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts per package)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Overall, you should plan for about 40-45 minutes to have these tasty peach hand pies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, take a lined baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent your pies from sticking!
2. Make the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the diced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Stir gently until everything is well combined, then set it aside for a moment to let the flavors blend and thicken.
3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Take a round cutter that’s about 4-5 inches in diameter (a cup or small bowl can work too) and cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 8-10 circles depending on how big you cut them!
4. Fill Your Hand Pies:
Take one of your dough circles and spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the peach filling into the center. Make sure not to overfill – a little goes a long way. Next, fold the circle in half to create a half-moon shape.
5. Seal the Hand Pies:
Using a fork, crimp the edges of the folded dough to seal the pies well, so the delicious filling doesn’t escape during baking. You want a nice seal!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place your hand pies on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a lovely golden finish. Then, use a fork to gently poke a few holes in the top of each pie to let the steam escape while baking.
7. Bake the Hand Pies:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the crust is nice and golden brown and you see the filling bubbling out slightly.
8. Make the Glaze:
While the pies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until you have a smooth glaze.
9. Cool and Glaze:
Once the hand pies are done baking, let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. After they’ve cooled a bit, drizzle the glaze over the warm pies, allowing it to set before serving.
Enjoy these flaky, sweet peach hand pies warm or at room temperature! They make a perfect treat for any occasion.
FAQ About Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using canned peaches, make sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the canned fruit, as they may already contain syrup.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven for crispy texture!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Hand Pies?
The oven is best! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the hand pies on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but the crust may not stay as crispy.
Can I Make These Hand Pies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and crust ahead of time. Assemble the pies, then cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake, usually within a day or two. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked hand pies and bake directly from frozen when needed!
