These easy homemade peach hand pies are like little pockets of joy! Soft pastry surrounds sweet, juicy peach filling, making them a perfect snack or dessert.
Making these hand pies is a fun activity! I love to serve them warm, maybe with a scoop of ice cream. It’s hard to eat just one—trust me, you’ll want to grab extra! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is a must for the crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found that these blends work well in pie crusts.
Unsalted butter: This gives the dough its tender flakiness. You can also use coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Make sure it’s cold, just like butter!
Fresh peaches: Fresh peaches are best for their juicy flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen or canned peaches (drained) work too. Just adjust sugar since canned versions may already be sweetened.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the peach filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, try using arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour as a substitute.
How Do You Make the Dough Tender and Flaky?
The dough is key for flaky hand pies, and here’s how to get it just right. Start by making sure your butter is super cold. This helps form those delicious, flaky layers as the pies bake.
- When cutting in the butter, aim for pea-sized pieces. Don’t over-mix!
- Chill the dough for at least an hour—the colder it is when you roll it out, the flakier it will be.
- Be gentle when adding water; too much can lead to tough dough. Just add enough to make it come together.
Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice-cold water
For the Peach Filling:
- 3 medium fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Powdered Sugar Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of active preparation time, followed by at least 1 hour of chilling for the dough. Your total baking time will take around 20-25 minutes. So, in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious peach hand pies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Then, add the cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. This will help create a flaky crust!
2. Add the Water:
Next, gradually add the ice-cold water, starting with 1/4 cup. Mix gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Once it’s ready, shape it into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
3. Prepare the Peach Filling:
While the dough is chilling, make the peach filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped peaches, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Gently toss everything to coat the peaches evenly. This sweet filling will melt in your mouth!
4. Roll Out the Dough:
When the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
5. Assemble the Hand Pies:
Place about 2 tablespoons of the peach filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving a border. Brush the edges with a little beaten egg to help seal them. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
6. Bake the Hand Pies:
Arrange the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the egg wash to give them a lovely golden color when baked. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the pies are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (starting with 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
8. Serve:
Once the hand pies are golden and baked, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top. Enjoy these warm, delicious treats fresh from your oven!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using canned peaches, just make sure to drain them well and adjust the sugar since they may already be sweetened. Chop them into small pieces before mixing with the other ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
The filling is quite versatile! Feel free to get creative and use other fruits like apples, cherries, or blueberries. You can also mix fruits or add spices like nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
