These easy homemade peach hand pies are like sweet pockets of sunshine! With a flaky crust and juicy peach filling, they’re perfect for a tasty treat.
Baking these little delights is a blast. I love grabbing one for a quick snack or dessert. Plus, they make the kitchen smell amazing—who could resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are best for flavor. If fresh peaches aren’t available, use canned peaches in juice or frozen peaches, just ensure they are thawed and drained well.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works well, but you can substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Honey or maple syrup can also be used, but adjust the quantity to taste.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness to the filling. If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice is fine. You can also use a splash of vinegar if needed.
Cornstarch: It thickens the filling. If you’re out, you could try using all-purpose flour, but the filling might be a bit runnier.
Pie Crusts: Store-bought pie crusts save time, but homemade is always a treat! You can even use puff pastry for a flakier texture.
How Do You Keep Your Hand Pies from Getting Soggy?
To keep the crust crispy, make sure not to overfill your hand pies. The filling should be juicy but not spilling over. Macerate the peaches first to let them release some juices, then drain them before adding to the pies.
- Use cornstarch to help thicken the peach filling and absorb extra moisture.
- Brush the edges with egg wash to create a good seal, and the egg wash on top helps to form a crust that stays crispy.
- Bake in a preheated oven; this starts the cooking process immediately and helps reduce sogginess.
How to Make Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 3 large peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus another 20-25 minutes to bake, making the total time around 45 minutes. You’ll enjoy the mouthwatering smells as they bake, and the waiting will be worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the diced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine and set aside to let the peaches macerate for about 10-15 minutes. This helps enhance the peach flavor and thickens the filling.
2. Preheat the Oven:
While the filling is resting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This way, your pies won’t stick, and cleanup will be a breeze!
3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust dough if you’re using homemade. Using a round cutter that’s about 4-5 inches in diameter, cut out circles for your hand pies. Make sure to gather and re-roll the scraps to maximize your dough!
4. Fill the Pies:
Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the peach filling and place it in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as they need to seal properly.
5. Seal the Hand Pies:
Brush the edges of the dough circles with a little water or the beaten egg to help them stick. Then, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal completely. This adds a cute design and ensures no filling leaks out during baking!
6. Egg Wash:
Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
7. Bake:
Carefully place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the pies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency for drizzling.
9. Glaze the Pies:
Once the pies are done, let them cool for about 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, you can drizzle or brush the glaze over the warm hand pies for a sweet finish!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then dig in and enjoy your freshly baked peach hand pies! They’re amazing warm or at room temperature, perfect for a snack or dessert!
This recipe yields about 8-10 delightful hand pies. They’re a lovely way to celebrate the flavors of summer with fresh peaches. Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. You may also want to adjust the sugar if your frozen peaches are already sweetened.
What If I Don’t Have Pie Crusts on Hand?
No problem! You can use puff pastry for a flakier texture, or make your own homemade pie crust with flour, butter, and water. Just roll it out to the same thickness as store-bought crusts.
How Should I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which will keep them fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat them in the oven to crisp up the crust.
Can I Make These Hand Pies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pies a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge before baking. You can also bake and freeze them, then thaw and reheat when you’re ready to serve!
