Peach Hand Pies
Peach Hand Pies are the perfect bite-sized treats that bring the sweet essence of summer right into your kitchen. They feature a flaky golden crust filled with warm, luscious peaches that create a delightful aroma as they bake or fry. Whether you’re looking to impress friends and family or simply want a comforting dessert, these hand pies are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re versatile enough to work well for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 190
- Protein: 2g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 26g per serving
- Fat: 8g per serving
- Fiber: 1g per serving
- Sugar: 6g per serving
- Sodium: 150mg per serving
Why Make This Peach Hand Pies
Peach Hand Pies are a fantastic way to enjoy the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches, especially during the peak of summer. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them a great baking project for both seasoned chefs and novices alike. This recipe offers the comforting taste of homemade pastries without the fuss of making dough from scratch, thanks to convenient refrigerated pie crusts. Hand pies are also incredibly portable, making them ideal for picnics, parties, or an afternoon snack.
How to Make Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)
Directions:
-
Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, combine diced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
-
Step 2: Rolling Out the Crusts
Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut into circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
-
Step 3: Filling the Pies
Place a spoonful of the peach mixture on one half of each circle. Be sure not to overfill, or it may burst during cooking.
-
Step 4: Sealing the Pies
Fold the dough over to create a pocket and seal the edges with a fork, pressing down firmly to ensure no filling escapes.
-
Step 5: Egg Washing
Brush the tops of the hand pies with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.
-
Step 6: Frying the Pies
Fry the hand pies in hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent over-browning.
-
Step 7: Draining
Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
-
Step 8: Serving
Serve warm and enjoy the delightful burst of peach flavor in every bite.
How to Serve Peach Hand Pies
These Peach Hand Pies are delicious on their own, but they can also be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve them at parties, picnics, or simply as a sweet treat after dinner. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon break.
How to Store Peach Hand Pies
Store any leftover Peach Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peach Hand Pies
- Peach Quality: Use ripe, in-season peaches for the best flavor and sweetness. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can also use frozen peaches, just make sure they are thawed and drained well before use.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the peach filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Seal Tight: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Golden Finish: For an extra crispy crust, fry the hand pies in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the filling for a tangy twist, or even a splash of bourbon for a richer flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Berry Hand Pies: Substitute peaches with blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Peach Hand Pies: Add chocolate chips to the peach filling for a rich and indulgent treat.
- Savory Version: Mix diced peaches with cheese and herbs for a unique savory hand pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, but be sure to drain them well and reduce the amount of sugar in the filling to avoid excess sweetness. -
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade pastry, use a simple pie crust recipe instead of refrigerated dough. -
How do I know when they’re done frying?
The hand pies should be a deep golden brown and crispy on the outside when done. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. -
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, brushing them with egg wash before baking for a shiny finish. -
What if I want to make these ahead of time?
You can prepare uncooked hand pies and freeze them before frying or baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen.
Conclusion
Peach Hand Pies are not only easy to make but they also offer a delightful way to celebrate summer flavors. Their golden, flaky crust paired with the sweet, juicy peach filling creates a treat that is irresistible. They’re perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to outdoor picnics. So grab some fresh peaches and get started—your homemade Peach Hand Pies will be a hit!
Print
Peach Hand Pies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peach Hand Pies are delightful bite-sized treats featuring a golden crust filled with warm, luscious peaches, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine diced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
- Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut into circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the peach mixture on one half of each circle. Be sure not to overfill.
- Fold the dough over to create a pocket and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops of the hand pies with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Fry the hand pies in hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Use ripe, in-season peaches for the best flavor. Can also experiment with spices or use frozen peaches if fresh aren’t available.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
