These easy peach hand pies are the perfect summer treat! With sweet, juicy peaches wrapped in a flaky crust, they’re like little bursts of sunshine in your hand.
Who needs fancy desserts when you can have these tasty pies? I love to serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Juicy peaches are essential for flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches or frozen ones. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, try using honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to taste.
Lemon Juice: This adds a bright tang. If you don’t have lemon, you can use lime juice or a splash of vinegar to balance the sweetness of the peaches.
Vanilla Extract: This enhances the flavor. If you’re out of vanilla, almond extract works as a great substitute, giving a beautiful nutty note.
Pie Crust: I love refrigerated crust for convenience. You can also use homemade crust or puff pastry if you’re feeling adventurous. Gluten-free crusts are available if needed.
How Do You Properly Seal Hand Pies?
Sealing the edges of your hand pies is key to keeping the filling inside while baking. Here are some tips to ensure a good seal:
- Make sure to brush the edges with egg wash; this acts like glue.
- When folding the dough, press firmly to eliminate air pockets.
- Using a fork, gently press down around the edges to seal them tight. This also creates a decorative edge!
Taking your time during this step can prevent messy leaks during baking, ensuring your hand pies are perfectly filled and delicious!
Easy Peach Hand Pies Recipe for Summer Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (usually 2 crusts per package)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of around 40-45 minutes. Allow an additional 10 minutes of cooling time before serving. So, in under an hour, you can whip up these delightful peach hand pies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot for baking! While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the pies don’t stick.
2. Make the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Gently stir everything together until the peaches are well coated. Set this sweet mixture aside to marinate a bit while you prepare the dough.
3. Prepare the Dough:
Next, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut circles out of the dough. Try to get the most circles out of each crust!
4. Fill the Hand Pies:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the peach filling and place it right in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, or you’ll have a messy bake!
5. Seal the Pies:
Brush the edges of each dough circle with the beaten egg, which will help seal the pies. Then, fold each circle in half to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press and seal the edges tightly. This creates a pretty pattern and keeps the filling inside.
6. Bake the Hand Pies:
Place the sealed hand pies onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with more beaten egg to give them a lovely golden color as they bake. Using a sharp knife, cut a small slit on top of each pie to let steam escape—this step is important!
7. Finish Baking:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the hand pies for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and smell delicious.
8. Make the Glaze:
While the pies are baking, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth. Feel free to adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar to your liking!
9. Cool and Glaze:
Once the pies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. After they’ve cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm hand pies. It will give them an extra touch of sweetness!
Enjoy your delightful homemade peach hand pies, perfect for a refreshing summer treat! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a sweet snack for yourself!
FAQ About Easy Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the other ingredients. This will help prevent soggy pies!
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps retain their flaky texture!
Can I Make These Hand Pies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pies, fill them, and seal them up. Then, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What Other Fruits Can I Use for Variation?
Feel free to get creative! Apples, blueberries, or even mixed berries make great substitutes. Just be sure to adjust the sugar in the filling based on the tartness of the fruit you choose.
