Peach Hand Pies Recipe

Peach Hand Pies are the ultimate treat for when you’re craving a taste of summer—no fork required! Imagine flaky, golden pastry wrapped around juicy, sweet peaches with just the right hint of almond and cinnamon, all drizzled with a simple icing. Every bite bursts with sunshine and nostalgia, making these hand pies a must-bake for peach lovers everywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s no need for fancy gadgets or rare ingredients—just the basics come together in magical ways! Each building block has a role: the pastry gives that signature crunch, the filling is all about peachy perfection, and the drizzle ties it together with a sweet, fragrant finish.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the pastry and creates that tender, flaky bite you love in a hand pie.
• Granulated sugar: Brings essential sweetness to both the crust and filling, letting those peachy notes shine.
• Salt: Enhances flavor across the board, balancing the richness and sweetness.
• Cold unsalted butter: The secret to those dreamy flakes in the pastry—keep it cold for the best results!
• Solid shortening (like Crisco): Helps create extra tenderness in the dough, making it easy to handle.
• Ice cold water: Brings the dough together without melting the fats, keeping everything light and crisp.
• Large egg & milk (for brushing): This duo gives your Peach Hand Pies a beautifully glossy finish.
• Fresh peaches: The undeniable star—choose ripe, fragrant peaches for maximum flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the peach syrup for a luscious, non-runny filling.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and gentle spice that elevates the entire pie experience.
• Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens up the sweet peaches, ensuring every bite pops.
• Almond extract: Just a hint transforms the aroma and depth of the filling and icing.
• Powdered sugar: The base for your glaze, making each hand pie extra-special.
• Milk or cream: A little goes a long way to bring your icing together smoothly.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Peach Hand Pies is how easy it is to switch things up! With a few simple swaps or add-ins, you can tailor each batch to exactly what your heart (and taste buds) desire—perfect for families, parties, or working with what you have on hand.

• Berry-Studded Hand Pies: Add in a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries with your peaches for a vibrant burst of flavor and color.
• Spiced Up: Mix a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom with the cinnamon for a fun spice twist in the filling.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds into the pastry or along the edges for subtle crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) to keep things delicious and inclusive.

How to Make Peach Hand Pies

Step 1: Make the Peach Filling

Peel and dice your peaches into pieces about half an inch wide. Toss them with sugar and let them rest for an hour—this draws out the juices for a flavorful syrup. Once rested, drain off the juice, whisk in cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt, then gently cook this mixture until thick and glossy. Off the heat, fold in lemon juice, almond extract, and the diced peaches, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Mix and Chill the Pastry Dough

Combine flour, sugar, and salt, then pulse in cold butter and shortening until you get a coarse, crumbly mix. Add ice-cold water a bit at a time until the dough just comes together—don’t overwork it for that signature flakiness! Divide into two discs, wrap well, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or even overnight if you want to prep ahead.

Step 3: Roll and Shape the Pies

After the dough has chilled, let it rest at room temp for 10–15 minutes to soften a bit. On a floured surface, roll out one disc to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a 4-inch round cutter to punch out circles—you’ll usually get several per batch. Gather and re-roll scraps for more pies, placing each round on parchment as you go.

Step 4: Assemble and Fill

Brush the pastry rounds with the egg and milk wash—this helps seal and adds shine. Add a heaping tablespoon of peach filling in the center, fold over like a taco, and carefully crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Cut small slits on top for steam. Place on a lined baking sheet and chill for 30 minutes before baking (this keeps the pies beautifully crisp).

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the tops with a little more egg wash, bake until golden and bubbling (about 30 minutes), then let cool on a wire rack. While still slightly warm, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract into a smooth icing and drizzle all over the pies for that irresistible finish!

How to Serve Peach Hand Pies

Garnishes

For a sweet and simple finish, a light drizzle of almond icing does wonders. If you want to go a bit fancier, dust with powdered sugar right before serving, or shower with a pinch of toasted almond slivers or even a few edible flowers for a little wow factor.

Side Dishes

Pair these Peach Hand Pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for instant a la mode magic, or serve alongside a platter of fresh berries. For brunch, they’re amazing with strong coffee or a bubbly mimosa for a celebratory touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the hand pies on a rustic wooden board for a picnic vibe, tuck them into wax paper bags for easy grab-and-go treats at parties, or arrange on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces (like extra icing, caramel, or even whipped cream!). Your guests will swoon over how cute—and delicious—they look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Peach Hand Pies fresh by storing them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 2-3 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

These hand pies are freezer-friendly! Let them cool completely, then wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and taste fresh-baked with a quick warm-up.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place Peach Hand Pies (thawed, if frozen) on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This restores their crispness better than microwaving and gets that filling nice and gooey again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming (and deliciously fun) about making Peach Hand Pies from scratch. Whether you’re baking up a batch for family, packing a few for summer adventures, or just sneaking a warm, glazed hand pie with your morning coffee, these treats are pure joy in every bite. Try them soon—you’ll be hooked!

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