These Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies are like little pockets of joy! With sweet peach filling wrapped in flaky pastry, they’re perfect for a quick treat.
Making them feels like a fun art project, and trust me, the smell of baking peaches is heavenly. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream—pure bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for their juicy flavor, but if they aren’t in season, use frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor. You may also use honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener.
Cornstarch: This thickens the peach filling. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
Pie Crusts: Refrigerated crusts make it easy, but you can make your own crust if you want to. Store-bought puff pastry is also a fun alternative for an extra flaky texture.
Glaze Ingredients: The glaze adds sweetness and shine. If you prefer, a simple dusting of powdered sugar instead of the glaze works just as well!
How Do I Properly Seal Hand Pies?
Sealing your hand pies is crucial to prevent them from leaking during baking. Here’s how to do it:
- After adding the filling, brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg. This acts like glue.
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp them more securely. This not only seals but also gives a cute design!
Make sure there’s no air trapped inside, as this can also cause them to burst open while baking. Enjoy your baking process!
Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or frozen peaches, thawed and drained)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Crust:
- 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10 minutes for cooling. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to make these delicious hand pies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the peaches evenly, and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.
2. Prepare the Crust:
While the filling is resting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts. Use a 4-5 inch round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles from the dough.
3. Fill the Pies:
Take one dough circle and place a heaping tablespoon of the peach filling in the center. Be sure to leave about a 1/2 inch border around the edges to make sealing easier!
4. Seal the Pies:
Brush the edges of the circle with the beaten egg for a good seal. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Gently press the edges together, then crimp with a fork to make sure they’re sealed tight.
5. Bake the Pies:
Arrange the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling out slightly.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
While the pies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth to create the glaze.
7. Glaze and Serve:
When 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 before serving. They are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature!
Enjoy your delightful homemade peach hand pies!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Yes, you can use canned peaches! Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly since canned peaches can be sweeter.
How Can I Make These Hand Pies Vegan?
To make the hand pies vegan, use a plant-based pie crust and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of non-dairy milk and a little maple syrup. This will give the crust a nice shine without using eggs.
Can I Freeze Unbaked Hand Pies for Later Use?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked hand pies. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How to Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
