Incredible Peach Hand Pies Recipe

Easy Homemade Peach Hand Pies Recipe: Summer’s Sweetest Treat

Summer’s warmth brings out the most delightful peach hand pies, bursting with sweet, juicy flavors that dance across your palate.

Ripe peaches from local orchards create magical moments of pure culinary joy.

Flaky pastry cradles tender fruit, promising a delectable treat that feels like a personal celebration.

Compact and portable, these little pies capture the essence of seasonal happiness.

Baking becomes an adventure when you craft these golden-edged delicacies with care and passion.

Crisp edges and soft centers make each bite a delightful surprise.

Let’s embark on this delicious journey that turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable dessert experience.

Peach Hand Pies FAQs That Cover It All

  • How do I prevent the pie dough from becoming tough?

Avoid overworking the dough. Mix ingredients just until they come together, and handle the dough minimally to keep it tender and flaky.

  • Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen peaches completely before using. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture and prevent a soggy filling.

  • What if my hand pies leak during baking?

Ensure you seal the edges tightly with a fork and leave enough border around the filling. Chilling the assembled pies before baking can also help prevent leaks.

  • How do I know when the hand pies are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling. The edges should be crisp and the surface should have a uniform, caramelized appearance.

Why Incredible Peach Hand Pies Taste Like Summer

  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers wanting to dive into pastry making without complicated techniques, offering a straightforward approach to creating delicious hand pies.
  • Customize Your Dessert: Versatile recipe allows switching peaches with other seasonal fruits like berries or apples, making it adaptable to personal taste and ingredient availability.
  • Portion-Perfect Treat: Individual hand pies eliminate messy cutting, providing convenient handheld desserts ideal for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings with minimal cleanup required.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: Simple step-by-step process requires basic kitchen tools and minimal technical skills, ensuring success for home cooks of all experience levels.

Everything You Need For Incredible Peach Hand Pies

For the Dough:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the pie crust that provides structure and texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie dough.
  • Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds rich, buttery taste to the crust.
  • Cold Water: Helps bind the dough ingredients together without overworking the gluten.
For the Filling:
  • Fresh Peaches: The star ingredient that provides sweet, juicy flavor for the hand pies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a syrupy filling.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the peach flavor and prevents browning.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to complement the peaches.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and prevents excess liquid.
For the Finishing Touches:
  • Egg, Vanilla Extract: Creates a golden, glossy surface with added flavor.
  • Raw Sugar: Provides a crunchy, caramelized exterior to the hand pies.

How To Make Incredible Peach Hand Pies From Scratch

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

Toss flour and salt into a mixing bowl. Chop cold butter into small pieces and work it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like rough, bumpy sand.

Step 2: Bring the Dough Together

Drizzle cold water over the mixture, gently kneading until the dough forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour to relax the gluten.

Step 3: Prepare Peachy Goodness

Wash and dice peaches into tiny, even cubes. Grab a separate bowl and mix the peach pieces with:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Cinnamon
  • Cornstarch

Stir until the peaches are completely coated and the mixture starts to thicken.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough

Dust your work surface with flour. Roll out the chilled dough until it’s super thin (about 1/8 inch). Use a 4-inch circular cutter to create perfect dough rounds.

Step 5: Fill the Hand Pies

Plop a small spoonful of peach filling right in the center of each dough circle. Leave a clear border around the edges for sealing.

Step 6: Seal the Deal

Fold the dough over to create half-moon shapes. Press the edges together firmly with a fork to create a tight seal that keeps the filling locked inside.

Step 7: Add the Golden Touch

Whisk an egg with a splash of vanilla extract. Brush this mixture over the surface of each hand pie. Sprinkle raw sugar on top for a crispy, caramelized finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Slide them into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through to ensure even browning.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Pull the pies out of the oven when they’re golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let them rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes so the filling can set without burning your tongue.

Pro Tips For Juicy And Flaky Peach Hand Pies

  • Prevent Soggy Dough: Keep butter and water ice-cold to create flaky, crisp pie crust that doesn't become dense or wet.
  • Master Fruit Thickness: Cut peaches into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent watery, inconsistent filling.
  • Seal Like a Pro: Press fork edges firmly and completely to lock in juices and stop filling from leaking during baking.
  • Control Sugar Caramelization: Brush egg wash and sprinkle raw sugar carefully to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior without burning.
  • Strategic Cooling Technique: Allow hand pies to rest on wire rack for 10 minutes to stabilize filling and prevent potential mouth burns.

Fun Twists On Incredible Peach Hand Pies

  • Gluten-Free Peach Hand Pies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring same texture and taste.
  • Vegan Peach Pastry Pockets: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg wash alternative like maple syrup, and maintain original peach filling ingredients.
  • Low-Sugar Fruit Handheld Pies: Reduce granulated sugar, incorporate stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use fresh ripe peaches for natural sweetness.
  • Tropical Fruit Fusion Hand Pies: Substitute peaches with mango or pineapple chunks, adding a hint of ginger or cardamom for enhanced flavor complexity.

Best Pairings For Incredible Peach Hand Pies

  • Sip Southern Comfort: Pair these delightful peach hand pies with a crisp, chilled beverage that complements their sweet, buttery essence.
  • Craft Bourbon Bliss: Match the hand pies with a smooth Kentucky bourbon, whose caramel notes and warmth perfectly enhance the peach's natural sweetness.
  • Elevate with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top each hand pie with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a luxurious contrast between warm, flaky crust and cool, silky dessert.
  • Refresh with Herbal Tea: Serve alongside a light chamomile or lavender tea, whose delicate floral undertones beautifully balance the rich, fruity filling.

Storing Incredible Peach Hand Pies Made Simple

  • Store hand pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
  • Wrap individual hand pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, preserving their delicate texture and flavor.
  • Thaw frozen hand pies in the refrigerator overnight, then warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.
  • Warm refrigerated hand pies for 20-30 seconds, but expect slightly softer crust compared to oven reheating; best for immediate consumption.
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Incredible Peach Hand Pies Recipe

Incredible Peach Hand Pies Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 60-65 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sweet summer peach hand pies deliver a delightful pocket of golden pastry filled with juicy, spiced fruit. Buttery, flaky crust and warm cinnamon notes make these small desserts perfect for sharing with friends during lazy afternoon gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup cold water

Filling:

  • 4 ripe peaches
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Finishing Touches:

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp raw sugar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft the pie dough by combining flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, then integrate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually introduce cold water, gently kneading until the dough forms a cohesive ball, then wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow gluten to relax.
  3. Prepare the peach filling by washing and dicing peaches into small, uniform cubes, ensuring no large chunks remain.
  4. Combine peach pieces with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a separate bowl, stirring until peaches are evenly coated and the mixture thickens slightly.
  5. Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness, using a circular 4-inch cutter to create uniform pie rounds.
  6. Place a small spoonful of peach filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving a clear border around the edges for sealing.
  7. Fold dough over to create half-moon shapes, pressing edges firmly with a fork to create a tight seal and prevent filling leakage.
  8. Whisk egg with vanilla extract and brush each hand pie’s surface, then sprinkle raw sugar for a crisp, caramelized finish.
  9. Arrange hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating space between each pie to ensure even browning.
  10. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through until pies turn golden brown and filling bubbles slightly.
  11. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, allowing the filling to set and prevent burning.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Use extremely cold butter and work quickly to maintain small, visible butter pieces for a flaky, tender crust that practically melts in your mouth.
  • Moisture Control: Pat peaches dry before mixing to prevent excess liquid, which could make the hand pies soggy and compromise the perfect crisp texture.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and add a touch of xanthan gum to ensure the dough holds together without crumbling.
  • Vegan Friendly Alternative: Replace butter with cold coconut oil and use a plant-based egg wash substitute like almond milk mixed with maple syrup for a golden, glossy finish.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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