Peach Hand Pies Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite, look no further than this Peach Hand Pies Recipe. Little pockets of flaky, golden crust overflow with juicy, fragrant peaches, kissed with cinnamon and vanilla, making each hand pie a joyful treat. They’re easy to pick up, utterly irresistible, and ideal for picnics, parties, or a cozy night in. This recipe is pure comfort with a dose of playfulness, sure to win the hearts of everyone who tries it—especially when served warm from the oven!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Peach Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling
Start by peeling and dicing the fresh peaches and adding them to a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir, letting all that sugary goodness coat the peaches. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes—this gives the peaches time to get juicy and the flavors to come together beautifully.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Unroll both pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or the rim of a bowl (about 4 to 5 inches wide), cut out circles from the dough—aim for 8 total. If you have scraps, gather them and reroll gently to get as many rounds as possible without overworking the dough.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Hand Pies
Place a generous spoonful of the peach filling in the center of each dough circle, being mindful not to overfill (or you’ll have trouble sealing them up!). Fold each round in half to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together first with your fingers, then crimp them with a fork for a decorative and secure seal. Cut a tiny slit on the top of each hand pie so steam can escape.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Lay the assembled pies onto the sheet, making sure they’re spaced apart. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for maximum gloss and, if you’d like, finish with a sprinkle of coarse sugar. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the hand pies are a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling just a bit through the vents.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the pies to cool for at least 10 minutes before diving in—this helps the filling set and saves your tongue! These hand pies taste fantastic warm, but are just as wonderful at room temperature.
How to Serve Peach Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust the finished pies with a cloud of powdered sugar or set out a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dipping. A drizzle of honey or a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top never hurts, adding both flavor and curb appeal.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this Peach Hand Pies Recipe is that it pairs well with lots of summery sides. Try serving alongside a colorful fruit salad, a tangy lemon sorbet, or even a handful of spiced nuts for a little crunch on the side. For brunch, these pies are lovely right next to a cozy mug of tea or coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
You can tuck each hand pie into a parchment sleeve for easy, mess-free serving at parties or picnics. Stack them artfully on a tiered cake stand, or wrap them up with twine for a sweet edible gift. You can even set up a toppings bar with various drizzles and sprinkles to let everyone customize their own dessert adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Peach Hand Pies Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. The crust will stay pleasantly crisp, and the flavor actually develops a bit as the pies rest.
Freezing
To freeze baked hand pies, let them cool completely, then wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen for a speedy dessert down the road! Unbaked pies can also be assembled and frozen—just add a few minutes to the baking time without thawing.
Reheating
For reheating, pop the hand pies on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is crisp again. If you’re in a rush, a few quick bursts in the microwave work—just know the crust won’t be quite as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen or canned peaches instead of fresh?
Definitely! For times when fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen or canned peaches are a fantastic substitute. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry, and if using frozen, thaw first to avoid excess moisture in your Peach Hand Pies Recipe.
How do I keep hand pies from getting soggy?
The key is the cornstarch—it thickens the juices as the pies bake, keeping the filling luscious but not runny. Also, don’t overfill and make sure to cut a small vent in each pie to let steam escape.
Can I make the Peach Hand Pies Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the store-bought pie crust for your favorite gluten-free pie dough. Just remember that gluten-free pastry can be a bit more delicate, so handle gently when shaping and sealing.
What other fruits can I use in this recipe?
This basic hand pie method works beautifully with lots of fruits! Try apples, berries, plums, or even a mix for a unique spin. Just keep the filling quantities the same for the best results.
Can I prepare the pies in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the Peach Hand Pies Recipe up to one day ahead. Store them (unbaked) in the fridge, then bake fresh when you’re ready to enjoy. Fresh-from-the-oven pies make any day feel special!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking up a batch of hand pies and sharing them with people you love. I hope this Peach Hand Pies Recipe brings as much sunshine and joy to your kitchen as it does to mine—so go ahead, give it a try, and savor the sweet taste of homemade happiness!
Print
Peach Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peach Hand Pies are a delightful summer treat, with a flaky crust and sweet peach filling. Perfect for picnics, parties, or a simple dessert at home!
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the diced peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Roll out the crusts: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut into circles.
- Fill and shape: Place a spoonful of peach filling in the center of each circle, fold over, seal the edges, and crimp with a fork. Vent the pies and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen or canned peaches if fresh are not available—just drain well.
- These hand pies are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
