Why Peach Hand Pies are My Go-To Summer Dessert
I used to think baking had to be complicated—lots of ingredients, lots of stress. But everything changed when I discovered the joy of simple, feel-good recipes like this peach hand pies recipe. With two kids running around and a hot North Carolina summer in full swing, I needed something sweet, quick, and fun. So I grabbed some peaches and made these hand pies with Lily and Jonah. They were golden, flaky, and filled with juicy fruit—just what we needed.
They’re now one of our favorite family desserts. The crust is buttery and crisp, and the filling practically melts in your mouth. It reminds me a little of the tangy-sweet balance I found in our Jalapeño Peach Chicken recipe. That same love for bold peach flavor inspired these hand pies too.
A Sweet Summer Memory in Every Bite
This peach hand pies recipe checks every box: it’s beginner-friendly, makes use of simple pantry ingredients, and doesn’t take much time. Whether you’re using fresh or canned peaches, it still tastes like a warm summer afternoon. It’s also great for freezer prep if you’re into batch cooking—I talk more about that in our Keto Freezer Meals guide.
And while this dessert stands strong on its own, it’s the kind of treat you can pair with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a little extra drizzle like we use in our Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe.
One bite in and you’ll see why it’s become a staple in our home. Simple, sweet, and made to share.
Easy Ingredients for Perfect Peach Hand Pies
Only the Essentials, No Fancy Tools Needed
When I first started baking, I was intimidated by long ingredient lists and specialty tools. That’s why this peach hand pies recipe is such a gem—it keeps things simple without cutting corners on flavor. All you need are some peaches (fresh, frozen, or canned), a bit of sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and pre-made pie crust—or your own homemade dough if you’re feeling ambitious.
Here’s what I use for the filling:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Peaches (2 cups diced) | Main filling flavor |
| Sugar (1/3 cup) | Sweetens the filling |
| Cornstarch (1 tbsp) | Thickens the juices |
| Cinnamon (1/2 tsp) | Adds warmth |
| Pie Crust (store-bought or homemade) | Encases the filling |
Fresh vs. Canned Peaches: What Works Best?
Here’s the thing: this peach hand pies recipe doesn’t judge. If you’ve got fresh peaches, use them! They bring a brightness that’s hard to beat, especially in the summer. But if you’re out of season or just need a shortcut, canned peaches work beautifully too. Just be sure to drain them well and dice them small.
When I prep ingredients like these, I often do it in batches, similar to how I organize meals for our Keto Freezer Meals. And if you’re interested in making your own frostings or fillings from scratch, our Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe has some great technique tips you can borrow here, especially if you’re getting creative with hand pie fillings.
No matter what you choose, the beauty of this recipe lies in how customizable it is—and how forgiving.
How to Make Peach Hand Pies Step-by-Step
The Best Baking Technique for Golden Crust
Once your ingredients are ready, it’s time to bring this peach hand pies recipe to life. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps clean-up easy and helps those hand pies get that golden-bottom crisp.
Next, lay out your dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll it to about 1/8 inch thickness and cut into circles or rectangles (roughly 4 inches across). Spoon a small amount of peach filling into the center of each piece—about a tablespoon is plenty. If you overfill, they’ll leak, and trust me, I’ve been there.
Brush the edges with a bit of water or beaten egg, then place another piece of dough on top (if using two layers) or fold the dough over for a turnover shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal, then slice a couple of vents on top to release steam.
Folding and Sealing Tips You Shouldn’t Skip
If you’re like me and enjoy multitasking in the kitchen, you can prep the filling the night before and keep it in the fridge. This makes assembling the next day super quick. Just like when I prep sauces ahead for our Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, getting your pieces ready in stages keeps the process smooth.
Place your sealed hand pies on the baking sheet, brush the tops with egg wash, and sprinkle with a little sugar. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
This peach hand pies recipe delivers flaky, sweet results every time. Don’t skip the egg wash—it makes a big difference in color and crisp. Let them cool slightly before digging in… or not. We usually can’t wait!
Storing, Serving, and Customizing Peach Hand Pies
Serve Them Warm, Cold, or Save for Later
Once you’ve baked up a batch of these golden beauties, the question becomes—how do you store them? Luckily, this peach hand pies recipe is as versatile after baking as it is before. If you’ve got leftovers (which rarely happens in my house), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing to keep the crust crisp.
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen pies in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to bring back that warm, flaky texture. Microwaving works too, but you’ll lose the crisp.
This recipe is also a hit at potlucks or playdates—like those moments I make a double batch of Peanut Butter Frosting and save half for cupcakes later. Planning ahead makes dessert a no-stress win.
Fun Flavor Twists: Add Cinnamon, Bourbon, or Berries
The great thing about this peach hand pies recipe is how easy it is to riff on. Want something richer? Add a teaspoon of brown sugar and a splash of vanilla to the filling. Feeling adventurous? Try folding in chopped raspberries or blueberries. You could even add a dash of bourbon for a grown-up twist.
Another fun option is brushing the top with a simple glaze once they cool, which gives them a sweet sheen like a toaster pastry. For little ones, we’ve even used cookie cutters to make fun shapes—it turns snack time into a memory.
However you serve them, this peach hand pies recipe leaves room to play. And that’s what home baking is all about.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep hand pies from getting soggy?
The key is to start with a well-thickened filling and avoid overfilling the dough. In this peach hand pies recipe, cornstarch helps absorb excess juice from the peaches, and preheating your oven ensures a golden, crisp bottom. Letting the pies cool on a wire rack prevents steam buildup underneath, which can soften the crust.
How do you keep a peach pie from being runny?
Juicy peaches can release a lot of liquid as they bake. To avoid a runny mess, this peach hand pies recipe uses cornstarch to bind the juices into a thicker consistency. Cooking the filling slightly beforehand or letting the peaches sit with sugar and draining off excess liquid also helps keep the pies beautifully set.
What kind of dough for hand pies?
You can use either homemade or store-bought pie dough—both work well. The important thing is to roll it thin (about 1/8 inch) and keep it cold until baking. This peach hand pies recipe works great with buttery crusts that crisp nicely in the oven. If you want to switch it up, puff pastry can also be used for a flakier texture.
What is the best thickener for peach pie?
Cornstarch is one of the best thickeners because it sets clear and smooth without altering flavor. It’s especially effective in this peach hand pies recipe, where it keeps the juicy peach filling from leaking out while baking. Tapioca starch or flour can be used as alternatives, but cornstarch is the go-to for its reliability.
Conclusion
If you’re just getting started with baking—or looking for something simple and rewarding—this peach hand pies recipe is the one to try. It’s warm, nostalgic, and doesn’t require perfection to be delicious. I’ve made it with fresh fruit and with what I had on hand, and it turns out beautifully every time. Even better, it’s a memory-maker with the kids. Whether you eat them warm from the oven or save a few for later, these hand pies always feel like a little celebration. So grab some peaches and roll up your sleeves. Let’s bake something real and sweet—together.
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Peach Hand Pies Recipe – Easy, Flaky & Homemade Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This peach hand pies recipe is flaky, sweet, and beginner-friendly. Made with fresh or canned peaches and just a few ingredients, it’s a quick dessert everyone loves.
Ingredients
2 cups diced peaches
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 pack pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp water
Optional: coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine diced peaches, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Stir well.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into 4-inch rounds or rectangles.
4. Place 1 tbsp of filling in the center of each piece.
5. Brush edges with water, fold, and seal using a fork.
6. Cut small slits on top to vent. Brush with egg wash.
7. Sprinkle tops with coarse sugar if desired.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool on wire rack before serving.
Notes
Use fresh or canned peaches—just be sure to drain canned well.
You can freeze the baked pies and reheat in the oven for a quick dessert.
Add a bit of nutmeg or almond extract for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg