If you’re looking for a little pocket of summer joy you can hold in your hand, this Peach Hand Pies Recipe is destined to become your new seasonal favorite. Imagine flaky, golden pastry overflowing with perfectly sweet and juicy peach filling, kissed with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with a delightful crunch of sparkling sugar. These pies are not only adorable and utterly delicious, but they’re also easy to make and perfect for sharing at picnics, potlucks, or any sun-soaked afternoon when dessert needs to be special. Trust me, you haven’t experienced true peach bliss until you’ve tried warm, homemade hand pies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Peach Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches (about 3 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust and Assembly:
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Peach Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes sure your hand pies won’t stick, and clean-up will be a breeze. You’ll thank yourself later when you pop those beautifully baked pies off the pan with ease!
Step 2: Make the Peach Filling
In a medium bowl, toss together your diced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Give it a really good stir—the goal is to coat every cube of peach with that sweet, fragrant mixture. Let it sit for a few minutes so the juices can mingle and the flavors fuse. It’s hard not to sneak a spoonful right here, but save it for the pies!
Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crusts
Unroll each sheet of refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Grab a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter works great) and cut circles from the dough. Gather up any scraps, re-roll, and cut additional circles—you want to use as much of that flaky pastry as possible for your Peach Hand Pies Recipe.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Hand Pies
Spoon a generous tablespoon of peach filling into the center of half of the dough circles. Place another dough circle on top of each, then gently press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing in all that juicy goodness. Don’t forget to cut a small slit in the top of each pie—it lets steam escape and helps prevent any soggy bottoms.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush each pie with the beaten egg for that irresistible golden shine. If you like a little extra sparkle, sprinkle coarse sugar on top. This step might feel fancy, but it’s so worth it—your Peach Hand Pies Recipe will look and taste bakery-worthy.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide your pies into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crusts are beautifully golden and your kitchen smells like a sweet summer dream. After removing from the oven, let them cool just long enough that you can handle them without burning your fingers—though I fully support eating them while still warm!
How to Serve Peach Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra-special finish, I love dusting each hand pie with a light layer of powdered sugar or a drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over a warm pie is pure magic! You can also add a few fresh peach slices on the side for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Because these hand pies are such a treat, they really shine next to simple accompaniments: think cold lemonade, hot coffee, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’re serving them at brunch, pair them with crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad to balance out the sweetness and round out your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Hand pies are portable by design, so they’re perfect displayed on a rustic wooden board for a picnic or a summer gathering. Try packaging each one in parchment for an adorable grab-and-go dessert. You can even serve them in a basket lined with a gingham napkin for charming, country-fair vibes that will have everyone swooning over your presentation of this Peach Hand Pies Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (it’s rare!), simply store your hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They keep their flavor and texture beautifully, though you’ll want to give them a little refresh when you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the baked pies to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—perfect for satisfying those peach cravings long after summer’s passed! Thaw at room temperature, or gently reheat for an oven-fresh taste.
Reheating
For best results, pop your Peach Hand Pies Recipe leftovers in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 20 seconds in the microwave will do, but nothing beats the texture from the oven. Serve warm for maximum deliciousness!
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches in the Peach Hand Pies Recipe?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches are out of season or hard to find, canned or frozen peaches work beautifully—just make sure they’re well-drained to avoid a soggy filling. The flavor stays bright and the process is even easier.
How can I keep my hand pies from leaking during baking?
Be sure to seal the edges of your pies tightly with a fork and don’t overfill them. Cutting a small slit on top of each pie allows steam to escape, preventing that pesky filling overflow and ensuring the pies bake up perfectly.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Definitely! Mix together the peach filling a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the hand pies. The flavors will have even more time to meld and become richer.
Is it possible to make this Peach Hand Pies Recipe vegan?
You can! Simply use a plant-based pie crust and swap the egg wash for a little plant milk or vegan butter. The filling is naturally vegan, so it’s an easy adjustment for non-dairy friends and family.
What other fruits can I use with this recipe?
Try swapping the peaches for nectarines, plums, or mixed berries for a fresh twist. This method works for all sorts of juicy summer fruits, offering endless opportunities to riff on the basic Peach Hand Pies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about biting into a perfectly golden, fruit-packed pie that makes you want to share it with everyone you love. This Peach Hand Pies Recipe delivers that moment of joy in every pocket-sized bite. I hope you’ll give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of baking peaches—trust me, your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Peach Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peach Hand Pies are a delightful summer treat filled with sweet, juicy peaches and warm spices, all wrapped up in a flaky crust. Perfect for picnics, parties, or a simple dessert at home.
Ingredients
Peach Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches (about 3 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust and Assembly:
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine peaches, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare the crust: Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface. Cut out circles, place filling, seal, and crimp edges.
- Bake: Brush pies with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Cool and serve: Let pies cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen or canned peaches if fresh are not available—just drain well.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
