If you have a soft spot for warm, buttery pastries filled with juicy, sweet fruit, then this Peach Hand Pies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These charming little pockets of delight are bursting with tender peaches and a touch of cinnamon, wrapped in a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust that you’ll want to make over and over. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a picnic, or just because, these hand pies offer a perfect balance of rich texture and bright, fruity flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a vital role in creating those perfectly flaky and flavorful Peach Hand Pies. From the tenderizing effect of shortening to the natural sweetness of ripe peaches, each component brings something special to the table.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (318g): The backbone of our pie crust, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory notes in the crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
- 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (4oz or 113g): Gives the crust that coveted flakiness and rich flavor.
- ⅓ cup solid shortening (63g): Works with butter to create an ideal texture that’s both tender and crisp.
- 6 tablespoons ice cold water, plus 1 tablespoon if needed: Binds the dough while keeping it cool for flakiness.
- 1 large egg mixed with 1 tablespoon milk for brushing: Creates a gorgeous golden finish on the pies.
- 5 medium to large peaches: The star fruit, providing juicy sweetness and fresh flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (110g): Sweetens the peach filling to perfection.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s delightfully jammy and not watery.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice note to balance the peaches.
- Dash of table salt: Enhances the peach flavor even more.
- Juice of ½ a lemon: Brightens the filling and adds a hint of tartness.
- A few drops of almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that takes the filling up a notch.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (115g): For making the luscious glaze.
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract: Infuses the glaze with a delicate flavor that complements the peach filling.
How to Make Peach Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Peach Filling
Start by dicing the peaches and placing them in a bowl with the granulated sugar. Let them sit for a bit — this lets the peaches release their natural juices, turning the filling wonderfully sweet and juicy.
Step 2: Make the Pie Dough
Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Then, pulse in the cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice cold water, starting with 6 tablespoons, mixing just until the dough holds together. If it feels dry, add a little more water. Divide the dough in half, form into disks, and chill in the fridge to relax the gluten and keep things flaky.
Step 3: Thicken the Peach Mixture
Pour the juice from the peaches into a small saucepan and stir in cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, lemon juice, and almond extract. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened to a jam-like consistency. Then mix this back into the peaches for a perfectly saucy filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies
Roll out the chilled dough and cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass. Spoon a generous amount of peach filling onto one half of each round, fold over, and pinch the edges to seal. Make a few small slits or vents on top to let steam escape and prevent sogginess.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush each pie generously with the egg wash mixture for that golden, glossy finish. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. The aroma alone will have you eagerly waiting for that first bite.
Step 6: Make the Icing Drizzle
While the pies cool a little, whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream and almond extract to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more milk or sugar so it can be drizzled easily without running off the pies.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the icing generously over the warm hand pies before serving, letting each pie have a delicate sweet coating that perfectly complements the fruity filling inside.
How to Serve Peach Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a fresh note that elevates the simple charm of these hand pies. For an extra cozy touch, a small dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side never hurts.
Side Dishes
Pair your Peach Hand Pies with a cup of fragrant herbal tea or a chilled glass of crisp white wine. They also shine well alongside a light salad for a balanced brunch or a casual afternoon treat that feels effortlessly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these pies in rustic baskets lined with colorful napkins adds a charming, homemade vibe perfect for picnics or garden parties. You can even offer a small bowl of extra glaze or fresh sliced peaches on the side to allow guests to customize their sweet bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any left (which might be a challenge!), store your hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust pleasantly tender without getting soggy.
Freezing
These pies freeze beautifully! Place baked and cooled pies on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and can be reheated straight from frozen.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, warm the pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This crisps up the crust while gently warming the luscious peach filling inside.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Fresh peaches work best for juicy texture and vibrant flavor, but if fresh are not available, drained canned peaches can work in a pinch. Just reduce the added sugar slightly as canned peaches are often sweeter.
What if I don’t have shortening available?
You can substitute with an equal amount of cold butter or a mix of butter and vegetable oil, though shortening helps give the dough extra flakiness and tenderness.
How do I prevent the hand pies from leaking?
Make sure to pinch the edges tightly and use a bit of water or egg wash to help seal the dough. Venting the top with slits allows steam to escape and prevents sogginess.
Can I make these pies vegan?
Absolutely! Use a vegan butter and plant-based milk for the dough and egg wash. Replace the glaze’s milk or cream with almond milk or coconut milk, and skip the egg wash or use a plant-based alternative for brushing.
How long does it take to prepare and bake these hand pies?
It takes about 1 hour to prepare everything including chilling the dough, and around 30 minutes to bake. Plan for around 1 hour 30 minutes total from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Peach Hand Pies Recipe is a winner. They perfectly capture the warmth of summer peaches wrapped in a flaky, tender crust with a sweet almond glaze that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and whip up a batch — your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peach Hand Pies are delightful individual pastries filled with a sweet and spiced peach filling, encased in a flaky homemade crust and finished with a smooth almond glaze. Perfect as a portable dessert or a charming treat for gatherings, these hand pies bring a perfect balance of fruitiness and rich buttery crust in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 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)
- ⅓ 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 Almond 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 them with ½ cup granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit to macerate and release juice.
- Make the Pie Dough: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse or mix in the cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice-cold water, starting with 6 tablespoons, and mix until the dough just begins to come together. Add the extra tablespoon of water if needed. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Peach Filling: Pour the peach juice released from the macerated peaches into a saucepan. Add cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, lemon juice, and almond extract to the saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a glossy, thick filling. Combine the thickened mixture with the diced peaches and allow it to cool.
- Shape and Fill the Pies: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into rounds using a 4-inch cookie cutter or glass. Place a spoonful of peach filling onto half of the rounds, leaving edges clear for sealing. Top with another dough round and press edges to seal, using a fork to crimp. Cut small vents on 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 each pie generously with the egg wash mixture to promote browning and shine. Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Prepare the Almond Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and almond extract until you achieve a smooth, drizzleable icing. Adjust the milk quantity for preferred consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Let the hand pies cool completely on a wire rack, then drizzle the almond icing generously over the top. Serve and enjoy this delightful sweet treat!
Notes
- Use very cold butter and shortening for a flaky crust.
- Make sure to cut vents on the pies to prevent bursting during baking.
- Adjust the sweetness of the filling according to the ripeness of your peaches.
- The almond extract in both filling and icing adds a lovely complementary flavor.
- These hand pies can be frozen before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
- Serve cooled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
