why make this recipe
Spiced Peach Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of peaches with warm, comforting spices. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy night at home. These hand pies are not only delicious but also easy to make. You’ll enjoy the flaky crust, sweet filling, and the satisfying crunch from the glaze. If you love peaches and want to try something different, this recipe is for you.
how to make Spiced Peach Hand Pies
Ingredients
- 3 c. all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for work surface
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 c. (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 10 to 12 tablespoons ice water
- 2 large peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1/3 c. packed light brown sugar
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar
- 1 c. confectioners’ sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
Make the crust: Pulse flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor until combined, about 2 to 3 pulses. Add butter and pulse until the butter resembles the size of almonds, about 5 to 6 pulses. While pulsing, drizzle in 10 tablespoons of ice water. Squeeze a handful of the dough; if it doesn’t hold together or has dry parts, add more water, one tablespoon at a time. Divide the dough in two and flatten it into a rectangle. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Make the filling: In a bowl, mix together the chopped peaches, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let this sit for 10 minutes. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add the peach mixture. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up the peaches. In a separate bowl, whisk lemon juice and cornstarch together. Add it to the peach mixture and cook for about 30 seconds until thickened. Stir in vanilla and cool completely. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll one piece of dough into a rectangle. Trim and cut out nine rectangles, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the other dough piece. Chill until firm for 30 minutes to 1 day.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a second baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the edges of one rectangle with beaten egg. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center, then top with another rectangle. Press the edges with a fork to seal and place on the prepared sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Brush the tops with egg and sprinkle with sugar. Cut a small “X” in the center of each pie. Freeze for 15 minutes and then bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.
Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, salt, and lemon juice until thick but pourable. Drizzle over the cooled pies and let set for 30 minutes before serving.
how to serve Spiced Peach Hand Pies
Serve these hand pies warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. Dust with a little extra powdered sugar for presentation if you like!
how to store Spiced Peach Hand Pies
Store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. You can also freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy!
tips to make Spiced Peach Hand Pies
- Make sure your butter is really cold to get a flaky crust.
- Allow the filling to cool completely; this prevents the dough from getting soggy.
- Use a fork to seal the edges well to keep the filling inside while baking.
- Experiment with different spices or fruit fillings based on your preference.
variation
You can substitute peaches with other fruits such as apples or berries. Feel free to adjust the spices according to the fruit you choose, like adding a hint of ginger with apples or lemon zest with berries for added flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using.
2. How do I know when the pies are done baking?
The pies are done when they are golden brown on top. The filling should be bubbling slightly.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it chilled until you’re ready to make the pies.
