These Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies are a tasty treat! Filled with sweet, juicy peaches and wrapped in a flaky pie crust, they are perfect for snacking or dessert.
Making them is a breeze! I love how you can enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature. Plus, they’re great for sharing, but good luck keeping them around! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of these hand pies! Fresh, ripe peaches offer the best flavor. If you can’t find peaches, you can use canned or frozen peaches; just make sure to drain them well to avoid a soggy filling.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the filling and keeps it from being runny. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute, but it may not thicken as well.
Pie Crust: I recommend using store-bought refrigerated pie crust for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade crust is delicious too! You could also use puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Ground Cinnamon: This adds warmth and flavor to the filling. If you want to change it up, nutmeg or even a pinch of ginger works well too.
How Do I Seal the Hand Pies Properly?
Sealing your hand pies correctly ensures the filling doesn’t ooze out during baking. Here are steps to get it right:
- After placing the filling in the center, gently fold the dough over.
- Press the edges together with your fingers, starting from the center outwards.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a pretty pattern and ensuring a tight seal.
- Make sure to poke a few holes on top for steam to escape; this prevents them from bursting!
Taking these steps will guarantee perfectly sealed and delicious hand pies every time!
How to Make Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the peach filling and assembling the hand pies. After some baking time, they’ll be ready to drizzle with glaze and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the diced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir everything until the peaches are well coated and set this delicious mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Pie Crusts:
Unroll the pie crusts on a floured surface. Using a round cutter or the edge of a cup (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut circles out of the dough. Aim for about 8-10 circles, depending on how thin you roll the dough.
4. Fill and Shape the Pies:
Take one of the dough circles and add about 2 tablespoons of the peach filling right in the center. Careful not to overfill! Next, fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with your fingers, and then crimp the edges with a fork to seal it securely.
5. Bake the Hand Pies:
Place the filled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Before popping them into the oven, brush the tops with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is puffed and golden.
6. Make the Glaze:
While the hand pies are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This will add a sweet finish to your pies!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once the pies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm hand pies and let it set for a moment before serving. Enjoy these tasty treats warm or at room temperature!
Happy baking! 🍑
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile; you can substitute peaches with other fruits like apples, cherries, or blueberries. Just adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through to maintain the crust’s crispiness.
Can I Freeze These Hand Pies?
Yes! These hand pies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickener in the fruit filling. Use about 1.5 tablespoons of flour for similar thickening properties. Just remember, the filling may have a slightly different texture!
