These easy homemade peach hand pies are like little pockets of sunshine! With a crispy crust and sweet peach filling, they’re perfect for a snack or dessert.
Baking these pies always reminds me of summer days. I love to serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream. Who can resist that combo? 🍑🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the main ingredient for the dough. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for the dough as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you prefer a dairy-free version, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star of the filling. If out of season, you can use frozen peaches—just thaw and drain them first. Canned peaches work too but may be sweeter, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the peach filling. If you don’t have it, you can replace it with flour, but reduce the amount slightly. Alternatively, arrowroot powder works well too.
Egg wash: This adds a golden color to the pastry. If you’re vegan, skip it or use a splash of plant milk instead for a glossy finish.
How Do I Roll Out the Dough Without Making a Mess?
Rolling out dough can sometimes be tricky, but with these simple tips, you’ll get it right! Start with a lightly floured surface and ensure your dough is cold; this makes it easier to handle.
- After chilling, let the dough sit for a few minutes at room temperature before rolling—this makes it pliable.
- Flour your rolling pin lightly to prevent sticking, and try to roll from the center outward. This helps maintain an even thickness.
- If the dough sticks, lift it gently and add a bit more flour underneath instead of forcing it to roll.
How Do I Ensure My Hand Pies Seal Properly?
Sealing hand pies well is key to keeping the filling inside. Here are some steps to make it easy:
- Make sure to moisten the edges of the dough circles with a little water using your fingers—a tiny bit goes a long way!
- After adding the filling, fold the dough over and press to seal. Crimp with a fork all around the edges for a tighter seal and a decorative touch.
- Don’t skip these steps; it helps prevent leaks during baking!
Using these insights and tips, you’re on your way to making delicious peach hand pies that everyone will love! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Peach Filling:
- 3 large ripe peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly and Finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour for chilling the dough, and then 20-25 minutes for baking. Overall, you can expect to spend about 2 hours from start to finish before enjoying your delicious hand pies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Next, add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces. Gradually incorporate ice water, beginning with 1/4 cup and adding more as needed, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough. Divide it into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to mix everything well and set it aside to allow the juices to combine.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut circles of dough for your hand pies.
4. Assemble the Pies:
Place about 2 tablespoons of peach filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill! Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges. Place the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
5. Apply Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Use this mixture to brush the tops of the hand pies lightly—this will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
6. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown too quickly.
7. Optional Glaze:
While the pies are baking, you can prepare the optional glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the pies have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness!
8. Serve:
Let the hand pies cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights in!
These peach hand pies are sure to be a hit with family and friends, featuring a flaky crust and sweet, spiced peach filling that you won’t be able to resist!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Other Fruits for the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute peaches with other fruits like apples, berries, or cherries. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and cooking time may vary; you might need to adjust the sugar and thickeners accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crisp, it’s best not to refrigerate them. If you have a lot left over, you can also freeze them. Place cooled hand pies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance. Just prepare it as directed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out.
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, add a little more flour—start with 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. It’s important to work quickly and handle the dough gently to maintain its flakiness!
