Peach Hand Pies Recipe

Peach Hand Pies are a warm-weather dream come true—a handheld pastry bursting with juicy, sweet peaches, wrapped in buttery, flaky crust, and finished with a shimmering almond-kissed glaze. Each bite is like a taste of summer sunshine, and they’re as fun to eat as they are to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Peach Hand Pies has a special role—from the cold butter that helps create tender, flaky pastry, to the juicy peaches and touch of almond that make every bite sing. Gather your basics, and prepare for some baking magic!

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of our pastry, providing structure and just enough tenderness.
• Granulated sugar: Lightly sweetens both crust and filling while drawing out the peaches’ natural juices.
• Salt: Sharpens flavors in both dough and filling—don’t skip it!
• Cold unsalted butter: Gives your crust those dreamy, flaky layers—keep it chilled for best results.
• Solid shortening: Creates extra tenderness in the dough, helping it stay soft yet crisp.
• Ice cold water: Brings the dough together without melting the fats—this is your secret to flakiness.
• Egg & milk (for brushing): Ensures a golden, glossy finish on top of every hand pie.
• Fresh peaches: The star of the show! A handful of ripe, juicy peaches makes filling that’s sweet and aromatic.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the peach juices into a spoonable, jammy consistency.
• Cinnamon: Adds a whisper of warmth that complements the peaches beautifully.
• Lemon juice: Brightens up the entire filling and balances out the sweetness.
• Almond extract: A few drops lift the flavor, enhancing the fruitiness without overpowering.
• Powdered sugar: Whips up into a smooth, sweet glaze to finish every pie with a flourish.
• Milk or cream: Gives the glaze its silky texture, customizing it to your perfect drizzle consistency.

Variations

The beauty of Peach Hand Pies is how easy they are to riff on—whether you’re swapping fruit, adjusting for dietary needs, or adding your own twist. Never be afraid to make them uniquely yours!

• Berry Peach Fusion: Stir in a handful of blueberries or raspberries with your peaches for a tangy, colorful twist.
• Whole Wheat Crust: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, heartier pastry.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for gentle warmth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the dough completely gluten-free—no one will know the difference!

How to Make Peach Hand Pies

Step 1: Prep the Peach Filling

Peel and dice your ripe peaches into small, juicy cubes—about half an inch. Sprinkle them with sugar, stir gently, and let them sit (covered) for at least an hour. This step coaxes out their natural juices, starting the magic that becomes the thick, luscious interior of your Peach Hand Pies.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Dough

While the peaches are resting, whip up your pastry dough. In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and shortening; pulse until crumbly like coarse sand. Drizzle in ice water just until the dough begins to come together—don’t overmix! Divide, shape into discs, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This rest ensures a soft, handleable, flaky dough.

Step 3: Thicken the Peach Filling

Drain the juices from your peaches into a saucepan. Whisk in cornstarch, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns glossy. Off the heat, stir in lemon juice, almond extract, and fold the peaches back in. This helps fill the pies without leaks, and gives your filling a lovely, jammy body.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to an even ⅛-inch thickness and cut out as many 4-inch rounds as possible. Transfer the rounds to parchment. Brush with egg wash, then dollop a generous spoonful of peach filling in the center of each. Fold the rounds over (like little tacos!) and seal, crimping with a fork. Don’t forget to cut a couple of small vents in the top.

Step 5: Chill, Bake, and Glaze

Lay the uncooked pies on a parchment-lined sheet and chill for at least 30 minutes—this helps them keep their shape in the oven. Brush the tops with egg wash and bake until golden brown and bubbling with joy, about 30 minutes. Once cool, drizzle with that irresistible almond glaze, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Peach Hand Pies

Garnishes

If you’re serving Peach Hand Pies for a special occasion (or just want to make them sparkle!), sprinkle the glaze with a touch of coarse sugar, toasted sliced almonds, or a dash of cinnamon. Even a dollop of softly whipped cream alongside is heavenly!

Side Dishes

Pair your hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for classic summer indulgence, or serve with a crisp green salad at brunch to get that sweet-savory balance just right. They’re lovely with iced tea or a glass of sparkling wine, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Stack them on a rustic wooden board for a farmhouse-chic vibe, tuck each pie into parchment bags for picnics, or plate them “fanned out” on a cake stand with extra glaze in a little pitcher—perfect for a party dessert table. The hand-held shape means you can even tie them up with baker’s twine for a sweet gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and glazed, leftover Peach Hand Pies can be stored in a single layer inside an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days—perfect for a little treat any time!

Freezing

Hand pies freeze beautifully! Assemble and chill the unbaked pies, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for fresh, warm Peach Hand Pies anytime.

Reheating

To revive leftover pies, pop them in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes to rekindle their flakiness and bring the filling back to life. The microwave can soften them, but the oven keeps that signature crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you give these Peach Hand Pies a try, you’ll discover why they’ve become a beloved tradition in so many kitchens. The combination of juicy peaches, tender pastry, and sweet almond glaze is true comfort—absolutely worth savoring and sharing. Invite summer to your table and bake up a batch for loved ones soon!

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