These easy homemade peach hand pies are sweet little treats filled with juicy peach goodness. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they’re super fun to munch on!
Who can resist a flaky crust that makes your fingers a bit sticky? 😋 I love making these for picnics—they’re easy to grab and even easier to share! Just bake, then watch them disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Use ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, canned or frozen peaches can work in a pinch. Just make sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer taste, or use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the peach filling. If you’re out, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, though it won’t thicken quite the same. Just use a little less flour—about 2 teaspoons.
Pie Crust: The refrigerated crust is super convenient, but homemade dough is delicious too. You can use puff pastry for a flaky twist, or even shortcrust pastry for a sweet touch!
What’s the Best Way to Seal and Fill Hand Pies?
Sealing and filling hand pies can feel tricky, but it’s all about creating a good seal to keep the filling inside. Start by placing the filling in the center, ensuring you leave at least an inch of border. Brush the edges with egg wash; this helps stick the dough together.
- Fold the dough over and press it firmly to seal.
- Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.
Don’t rush! Taking your time helps make sure each pie is perfectly sealed. Enjoy the reward of crispy, delicious hand pies!
Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches (about 2 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts), softened slightly for easy handling
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time. Baking will take an additional 20-25 minutes. In total, you can have these delicious hand pies ready in about 40 minutes! Perfect for a quick snack or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the diced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the peaches are evenly coated. Set the bowl aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Preheat the Oven:
While the filling rests, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the Pie Crusts:
On a lightly floured countertop, unroll each pie crust. Use a round cutter or a glass (about 4 to 5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the crust.
4. Fill and Seal the Hand Pies:
Take a circle of dough and place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of peach filling in the center. Leave enough space around the edges. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the dough circle with the egg wash. Next, fold the dough over the filling to create a half-circle shape. Press the edges firmly together and use a fork to crimp the edges for a good seal.
5. Apply the Egg Wash:
Brush the tops of each hand pie with the remaining egg wash. This will give them a lovely golden color when baked.
6. Bake the Hand Pies:
Place the filled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
7. Make the Glaze:
While the pies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more milk or sugar.
8. Glaze the Pies:
Once the pies are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle or spread the glaze on top of each hand pie for a sweet finish.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then enjoy your delightful homemade peach hand pies warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect to share or savor all by yourself!
Enjoy your freshly baked, easy homemade peach hand pies!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Canned or frozen peaches can be used in this recipe. If using canned, make sure to drain and pat them dry. For frozen, thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
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 them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. Use about 2 teaspoons of flour instead of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for thickening the peach filling.
Can I Make the Hand Pies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hand pies up to the baking step, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for longer storage. If frozen, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
