These Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies are like little pockets of sunshine! Made with fresh peaches and a flaky crust, they are perfect for BBQs or as a sweet snack anytime.
Who can resist a warm, fruity treat? I love munching on these while watching a movie. They’re super easy to make, and trust me, your friends will think you’re a pastry genius!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: For the best flavor, use ripe, juicy peaches. If you can’t find peaches, feel free to swap in canned peaches (drained) or even fresh nectarines. Just keep in mind they might be a tad firmer.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar enhances the peaches’ natural sweetness. Brown sugar can be a nice alternative; it adds a rich flavor. Adjust the amount based on the ripeness of your peaches!
Cornstarch: This is crucial for thickening the filling. If you’re out, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may differ slightly. Ground arrowroot is another potential substitute.
Pie Crusts: Refrigerated pie crusts are great for convenience. If you prefer homemade, go for a buttery pastry crust. Gluten-free alternatives are also available if you need a gluten-free option!
What’s the Best Technique for Folding and Sealing Hand Pies?
Getting the perfect seal is essential for these hand pies. Here’s how to do it well:
- After placing the filling, moisten the edges of the dough with water to help them stick.
- Fold over to create a half-moon shape and press gently to seal. You want to avoid any filling leaking out!
- Use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only seals them but also adds a pretty decorative touch.
- Make sure to poke a few tiny holes in the top to let steam escape so they don’t burst while baking.
Following these steps will give you pies that are not only tasty but visually appealing too!
Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 large peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts), softened
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe is super quick! You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare everything, and then 20-25 minutes to bake the pies. So in total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes until those tasty peach hand pies are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you get everything else ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure your hand pies don’t stick as they bake.
2. Making the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the freshly diced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Toss everything together gently until the peaches are well coated. Set this mixture aside for a few minutes; it will thicken nicely!
3. Rolling Out the Crust:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crusts. Using a round cutter that’s about 4-5 inches in diameter, cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 8-10 circles depending on the size you choose.
4. Assembling the Hand Pies:
Take each dough circle and place about 2 tablespoons of the peach filling right in the center. Be careful to leave a small border around the edges to seal the pies later on.
5. Sealing the Pies:
Brush the edges of the dough circle with a little water to help it stick. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal them. You can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for an extra nice touch!
6. Preparing for Baking:
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each hand pie with this wash; it’ll give them a lovely golden color when baked.
7. Baking the Hand Pies:
Place your filled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crusts are a beautiful golden brown.
8. Making the Glaze:
While the pies are baking, get started on the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed; you want it to drizzle easily!
9. Finishing Touches:
Once the hand pies are out of the oven, let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pies for a sweet finishing touch.
10. Enjoy!
These peach hand pies are best served warm or at room temperature. They make a perfect treat for yourself or to share with friends and family. Enjoy your homemade fruity delight!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing with the sugar and other ingredients. This will prevent your filling from becoming too watery.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them before baking; just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Can I Make the Dough from Scratch?
Yes, you can! If you’d like to make your crust from scratch, simply use your favorite pie crust recipe. Just make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out for easier handling.
What Can I Substitute for the Egg Wash?
If you’re looking for an egg wash substitute, you can brush the pies with milk or almond milk for a golden finish. A mixture of olive oil and water is another option to help the tops brown nicely in the oven.
