Peach Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines flaky, buttery crust with juicy, sweet peach filling, then this Peach Hand Pies Recipe is just what you need in your baking repertoire. Perfectly portable and bursting with fresh peach flavor, these hand pies are an absolute joy to make and even more fun to eat. Whether it’s for a sunny afternoon snack or a charming addition to your dessert table, these golden pockets of goodness will quickly become a favorite for friends and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Peach Hand Pies Recipe plays a crucial role in building incredible taste and texture. From the basic pantry staples to fresh peaches and aromatic extracts, each element harmonizes perfectly to create those melt-in-your-mouth pies you’ll dream about.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (318g): The foundation of your pie crust, providing structure and the perfect balance of tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough for flavor depth.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces (4oz or 113g): Creates a rich, flaky texture when folded into the dough.
• ⅓ cup solid shortening like Crisco (63g): Works with butter to keep the crust tender and crisp.
• 6 tablespoons ice cold water, plus 1 T if needed: Binds the dough together while keeping it light and easy to handle.
• 1 large egg mixed with 1 tablespoon milk: Used for brushing on the pies to give them a gorgeous golden finish.
• 5 medium to large peaches: The star of the filling, offering juicy sweetness and fresh flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar (110g): Sweetens the peaches to perfection without overpowering.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it stays beautifully inside the pies.
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting note that complements the peaches.
• dash of table salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• juice of ½ a lemon: Brightens the filling with a touch of acidity.
• a few drops of almond extract: Adds a deliciously nutty aroma that pairs wonderfully with peaches.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (115g): For the drizzle icing that finishes these pies with a sweet touch.
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream: Adjusts the icing consistency to your liking.
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract: Infuses the icing with that delightful almond flavor.

How to Make Peach Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Peel and Dice the Peaches

Start by peeling your peaches carefully to keep their juiciness intact. Dice them into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even filling distribution and the perfect burst of fresh peach in every pie.

Step 2: Sweeten the Peach Mixture

Place the diced peaches in a bowl and sprinkle with ½ cup granulated sugar. Let it sit for a bit so the sugar draws out that luscious peach juice, creating a naturally sweet, syrupy base for the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Dough

Mix the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt together. Then pulse in your cold butter and shortening until the mixture looks crumbly yet holds when pressed. Gradually add the ice cold water just until the dough comes together—chilling it afterward makes rolling easier and keeps the crust flaky.

Step 4: Cook the Peach Filling

Carefully strain the peach juice collected from the sugared peaches. In a saucepan, combine it with cornstarch, cinnamon, a dash of salt, lemon juice, and a few drops of almond extract. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, then fold in the diced peaches for a luscious, thickened filling.

Step 5: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface until about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut dough circles – these will become your hand pies. Each circle should be just big enough to hold a generous spoonful of peach filling.

Step 6: Assemble the Pies

Spoon the peach filling onto half of each circle, leaving space at the edges for sealing. Fold the dough over to create a semi-circle and press the edges tightly, using a fork to crimp them. Cut small vents on top to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 7: Brush and Bake

Brush each pie with the egg and milk wash to give a shiny, golden crust when baked. Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven until golden and fragrant, approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 8: Make the Icing

While the pies cool, whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream and almond extract until you get a smooth but drizzlable icing. Adjust the milk or cream quantity to get your favorite consistency.

Step 9: Drizzle the Icing and Serve

Once the pies have cooled slightly, generously drizzle the almond-infused icing over the tops for a beautiful and tasty finishing touch that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Peach Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Peach Hand Pies Recipe with fresh peach slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. A sprig of mint or a touch of ground cinnamon can add a lovely visual and flavor element, making them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Serve these delightful hand pies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They also pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them perfect for breakfast or afternoon snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your hand pies in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for casual gatherings, or on a fancy dessert platter drizzled with extra icing and garnished with edible flowers for a more elegant touch. You can even wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for adorable party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover peach hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is a good option, but allow the pies to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the flakiest crust.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked hand pies before baking by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen pies will keep well for up to three months. Bake them from frozen, just adding extra baking time.

Reheating

Reheat hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to bring back their crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the flaky texture, although it works in a pinch when you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for this Peach Hand Pies Recipe?

Yes, frozen peaches can be used if fresh are not in season. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before preparing the filling to avoid soggy pies.

Is it necessary to use both butter and shortening in the dough?

Using both helps balance flavor and texture. Butter adds rich flavor and crispness, while shortening contributes tenderness. You can try all butter if preferred but expect a slightly different texture.

How long do Peach Hand Pies stay fresh?

Freshly baked pies taste best within two days. Storing properly will maintain their quality for several days, but the crust may soften over time.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the filling a day in advance allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and assemble the pies when you’re ready to bake.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can omit almond extract or replace it with vanilla extract. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and complementary to the peaches.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing homemade Peach Hand Pies Recipe. From the buttery dough to the luscious filling and that final drizzle of icing, every bite is an invitation to savor the best of summer’s sweetest fruit. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your all-time favorites to bake and enjoy with those you love.

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