If you are on the hunt for a delightful, summery treat that bursts with juicy sweetness and flaky, buttery goodness, look no further than this fantastic Peach Hand Pies Recipe. These little pockets of happiness perfectly balance tender peaches with a crisp, golden crust, making them the ultimate handheld dessert to enjoy at picnics, potlucks, or cozy afternoons at home. The best part is how approachable this Peach Hand Pies Recipe is—you don’t need to be a pastry pro to impress everyone around the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Peach Hand Pies Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures: buttery crispness, luscious fruit filling, and a sweet finish that sings in every bite.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (318g): Forms the sturdy yet tender base of your pie dough for that perfect flake and structure.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the dough’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Elevates the overall flavor, highlighting the natural sweetness of the peaches.
- 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces (4oz or 113g): Key for tender, flaky layers in the crust, so keep it nice and cold!
- â…“ cup solid shortening like Crisco (63g): Adds moisture and helps achieve that perfect flaky texture alongside butter.
- 6 tablespoons ice cold water, plus 1 tablespoon if needed: Binds the dough while keeping it cool for ease of handling.
- 1 large egg mixed with 1 tablespoon milk: Creates a gloriously golden and shiny finish on your hand pies.
- 5 medium to large peaches: The star of the filling—sweet, juicy, and luscious when cooked just right.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (110g): Sweetens the peach filling perfectly without overpowering the fruit.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the peach filling to a luscious consistency that won’t spill out.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Gives a warm, cozy note that complements the peaches beautifully.
- Dash of table salt: Balances the sweetness in the filling for deeper flavor complexity.
- Juice of ½ a lemon: Adds brightness and prevents the peaches from browning.
- A few drops of almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that lifts the filling to the next level.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (115g): For the luscious glaze that finishes off the pies with sweet elegance.
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream: Adjusts the glaze to your desired drizzle consistency.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a final pop of fragrant flavor in the icing, echoing the filling’s notes.
How to Make Peach Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling
Begin by dicing your peaches into bite-sized pieces and combining them with granulated sugar in a bowl. Letting this mixture sit allows the peaches to release their natural juices, which brings out a sweet and juicy base for the filling. This step infuses the fruit with sweetness and softness that will make your hand pies irresistibly luscious.
Step 2: Make the Pie Dough
In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse in cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this careful blending is the secret to a perfectly flaky crust. Gradually add cold water until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disk, and chill them in the refrigerator. Chilling is essential to prevent the fat from melting, ensuring flaky layers when baked.
Step 3: Thicken the Peach Filling
To transform all those delicious peach juices into a thick, luscious filling, combine the released juices with cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, lemon juice, and a few drops of almond extract in a small pot. Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring constantly until it thickens. This step guarantees a perfectly thickened filling that holds inside the pies without leaking, while the cinnamon and almond extract add layers of flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies
Roll out the chilled dough and cut into rounds. Spoon a generous amount of the thickened peach filling onto half of the rounds, then carefully top with the remaining rounds. Pinch edges firmly to seal and cut a small vent on top to let steam escape as they bake. The sealing ensures that the peachy goodness stays encased in flaky perfection.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Brush the tops with an egg-milk wash for a shiny, golden crust that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Bake the pies until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the kitchen fills with the heartwarming scent of baked peaches and buttery crust—about 25 to 30 minutes. This step is where the magic happens, transforming humble ingredients into delicious hand-held delights.
Step 6: Prepare the Sweet Icing
While the pies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity until the icing is just the right consistency for drizzling. The icing adds a gentle sweetness and a lovely finishing touch that complements the warm spices and fruity filling perfectly.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the icing generously over the cooled hand pies and allow it to set before serving. This final flourish elevates the pies aesthetically and flavor-wise, making each bite delightfully sweet and irresistibly beautiful.
How to Serve Peach Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or finely chopped toasted almonds on top of the glazed hand pies. Fresh mint leaves also add a wonderful pop of color and a refreshing aroma that brightens up every bite.
Side Dishes
Peach Hand Pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy richness contrasts so nicely with the flaky crust and fruity filling, making for a truly indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these pies on a rustic wooden board with fresh peach slices and edible flowers to create an inviting, picturesque dessert spread. You can also wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for charming picnic treats or party favors that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peach Hand Pies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. This makes them perfect for prepping in advance or enjoying as a quick snack any time.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unbaked pies on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This method lets you enjoy fresh homemade Peach Hand Pies Recipe anytime you crave them without the wait.
Reheating
Reheat pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore that crisp crust and warm, juicy filling. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust flaky instead of soggy, giving each bite the same wonderful texture as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for this Peach Hand Pies Recipe?
Yes! Frozen peaches can work well if fresh ones are out of season. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling, which can make your dough soggy.
Is it okay to substitute shortening with butter only?
Absolutely. Using only butter will give you a richer flavor, but the texture might be slightly less flaky. Combining both gives the best balance, but it’s flexible based on your preference.
How can I make these hand pies vegan?
You can substitute the butter and shortening with plant-based alternatives, use a plant-based milk to brush on top instead of egg wash, and replace honey or milk in the glaze with almond milk or coconut cream. The pies will still be delicious!
Can I make these pies smaller or larger?
Definitely. You can cut the dough into smaller or larger rounds depending on the occasion. Just adjust the filling amount accordingly and keep an eye on baking time to avoid over or undercooking.
What’s the best way to prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Ensuring the filling is thickened well before assembling and allowing the dough to stay cold before baking both help reduce sogginess. The vent you cut on top also lets steam escape, keeping the crust crisp.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like biting into a warm, freshly baked Peach Hand Pie, where sweet, juicy peaches meet a buttery, flaky crust and a drizzle of luscious icing. I hope you feel inspired to try this Peach Hand Pies Recipe soon because it brings such joy and comfort to any gathering or quiet moment. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Peach Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peach Hand Pies are delightful individual pastries filled with a sweet and tangy peach filling, encased in a flaky homemade crust. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a charming dessert, they combine tender peaches with a hint of almond extract, topped with a smooth almond glaze for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (318g)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces (4oz or 113g)
- â…“ cup solid shortening like Crisco (63g)
- 6 tablespoons ice cold water, plus 1 tablespoon if needed
For the Peach Filling
- 5 medium to large peaches, diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar (110g)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Dash of table salt
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- A few drops of almond extract
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large egg mixed with 1 tablespoon milk
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar (115g)
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream, more or less for desired consistency
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Peach Filling: Place the diced peaches in a bowl and combine with ½ cup granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit to macerate and release juices.
- Make the Dough: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, and salt. Pulse in the cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of ice-cold water, pulsing or mixing until the dough just comes together. If necessary, add 1 more tablespoon of water. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Peach Filling: Take the juices from the macerated peaches and bring them to a boil in a saucepan. Whisk in the cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, lemon juice, and almond extract. Cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and fold in the diced peaches. Let cool.
- Shape the Pies: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into rounds approximately 3-4 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the peach filling in the center of each round. Fold over to create a half-moon shape, press the edges to seal, and crimp if desired. Cut small vents in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg and milk mixture. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Icing: While pies bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more liquid or powdered sugar as desired.
- Finish and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool completely on a wire rack. Drizzle the almond icing over the cooled pies before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use very cold butter and shortening to ensure a flaky crust.
- Letting the peaches sit with sugar helps to bring out their natural sweetness and juices.
- Be sure to vent the pies properly to avoid soggy crusts due to trapped steam.
- The almond extract in both the filling and icing adds a lovely complementary flavor but can be omitted if not preferred.
- These pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently before serving to refresh the crust’s flakiness.
