These easy homemade peach hand pies are like little pockets of sunshine! With a flaky crust and sweet peach filling, they’re perfect for snacking or dessert.
Baking these hand pies brings back memories of summer days and family picnics. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream—it’s a dream come true! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: These are the star of the show! Choose ripe, sweet peaches for the best flavor. Can’t find fresh ones? Canned peaches work too—just drain well!
Cornstarch: This thickens the peach filling, helping it stay inside the pies. If you’re out, you could use tapioca starch or even all-purpose flour in a pinch, but adjust the amount slightly.
Refrigerated Pie Crusts: A time saver! You can make your own if you prefer, but store-bought makes it easy. Gluten-free pie crusts are also available if you need an alternative.
Ground Cinnamon: This adds warmth to the flavor. If you want to try something different, nutmeg or allspice can give a unique twist.
How Do I Keep My Hand Pies from Leaking Filling?
Keeping your filling inside the pie crust can be a challenge. Here’s how to minimize leakage:
- Make sure your peach filling isn’t too wet. Drain any excess juice and don’t overmix with the cornstarch.
- Seal the edges well by crimping them with a fork. This helps create a tighter seal, preventing leaks.
- Cutting small slits on top allows steam to escape, which also helps to keep the filling from bursting out during baking.
Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking time. With a total of around 40 minutes, you will have delicious peach hand pies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, toss together the diced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir gently until everything is combined. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes—this helps macerate the peaches and infuse them with flavor!
3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts. Using a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 8 circles!
4. Fill the Crusts:
Place about 2 tablespoons of the peach filling in the center of each dough circle, making sure to leave a border of about half an inch. Don’t overfill, or they will burst open!
5. Seal the Pies:
Brush the edges of each dough circle with the beaten egg. This will help the edges stick together when you fold them. Carefully fold each dough over the filling to make a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure a tight seal.
6. Bake the Hand Pies:
Arrange the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with the remaining egg wash. Using a sharp knife, cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while they bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the hand pies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with a bit more milk if needed—you’re looking for a drizzle-able glaze!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pies before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature—either way, they are sure to be a hit!
FAQ about Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies
Can I Use Other Fruits for the Filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute peaches with other fruits like apples, blueberries, or cherries. Just adjust the sugar to the sweetness of the fruit you’re using, especially if you choose something tarter!
Can I Make These Hand Pies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hand pies and assemble them ahead of time. Just cover them and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Be sure to add a couple of minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to extend their freshness for about a week. Reheat in an oven or microwave before serving.
Can I Freeze Hand Pies?
Yes, hand pies freeze wonderfully! Assemble them without baking, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
