Introduction
Imagine the sweet aroma of ripe peaches wafting through your kitchen, the sound of a flaky crust crisping in the oven, and the anticipation of sinking your teeth into a warm, juicy hand pie. In just 25 minutes, you can create a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every bite.
These rustic peach hand pies are more than just a dessert; they are a symbol of simplicity and comfort. With a golden crust encasing a luscious peach filling, each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet and buttery flavors that will transport you to a sunny orchard with every taste.
Hand pies have a long-standing tradition in American baking, dating back to pioneer days when resourceful cooks filled portable pastries with whatever ingredients they had on hand. Today, these individual pies continue to charm us with their nostalgic appeal and versatile nature.
Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these peach hand pies are a perfect way to showcase your culinary skills and impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the joy of baking these delectable treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rustic peach hand pies are the epitome of easy and delicious baking. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a batch of pies that are perfect for any occasion, from weekday desserts to weekend brunches.
The beauty of these hand pies lies in their versatility. You can enjoy them warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat, or pack them in a picnic basket for a delightful outdoor snack. Their portable nature makes them ideal for on-the-go indulgence.
Moreover, these peach hand pies offer a healthier twist on traditional pastries. By using fresh peaches and minimal sugar, you can savor the natural sweetness of the fruit without overwhelming your taste buds. They are a guilt-free pleasure that you can feel good about enjoying.
Whether you are a fan of flaky crusts, fruity fillings, or simply love the idea of handheld desserts, these rustic peach hand pies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s gather our ingredients and get started on this delightful recipe.
Ingredients
To make these delicious rustic peach hand pies, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
– 1/2 cup ice water
– 4 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Feel free to customize the filling by adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract. You can also substitute the peaches with your favorite summer fruits, such as berries or apricots, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, a few tablespoons at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, toss the diced peaches with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside to macerate while you roll out the dough.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter, cut out circles of dough.
5. Spoon a generous amount of peach filling onto half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Brush the edges with egg wash, fold the dough over the filling, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with egg wash, and make a small slit in each pie to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and bubbling.
7. Let the hand pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the perfect balance of flaky crust and juicy peach filling.
Expert Tips for Success
– Use cold butter and ice water to ensure a tender, flaky crust.
– Don’t overcrowd the dough circles with filling to prevent leaks during baking.
– Allow the peach filling to sit for at least 15 minutes to develop flavor before assembling the hand pies.
– For a shiny finish, brush the hand pies with egg wash before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
If you’re looking to switch up the flavors in these peach hand pies, consider the following variations:
– Add a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the peach filling for a mixed berry twist.
– Sprinkle the tops of the hand pies with coarse sugar before baking for a sweet crunch.
– For a savory option, omit the sugar and cinnamon in the filling and add crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs instead.
– Experiment with different fruit combinations, such as apples and pears or cherries and almonds, to create your own signature hand pies.
Serving Suggestions
These rustic peach hand pies are delightful on their own, but you can take them to the next level with a few serving suggestions:
– Serve the hand pies warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of homemade ice cream.
– Drizzle the pies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra touch of sweetness.
– Pair the hand pies with a refreshing iced tea or a glass of sparkling cider for a delightful summer treat.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Q: How should I store leftover hand pies?
A: Store any uneaten hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
Q: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?
A: While fresh peaches are recommended for the best flavor, you can use well-drained canned peaches as a convenient alternative.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these rustic peach hand pies are a delightful combination of flaky pastry and juicy fruit filling that will satisfy your cravings for a sweet treat. Whether you enjoy them on a lazy afternoon or share them with loved ones at a gathering, these hand pies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking adventure that promises to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Embrace the joy of homemade desserts with these rustic peach hand pies and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Call to Action
Ready to bake a batch of these irresistible peach hand pies? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in a taste of summer in every bite. Don’t forget to share your baking journey with us and spread the joy of homemade treats with your friends and family. Happy baking!
Juicy Rustic Peach Hand Pies Bake in Just 25 Minutes
These rustic peach hand pies are a delightful combination of flaky pastry and juicy peach filling, perfect for any occasion. Portable and easy to make, these hand pies are sure to become a favorite treat for all peach lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and work into coarse crumbs.
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Gradually add ice water, mix until dough forms, shape into a disk, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Toss diced peaches with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough, cut out circles.
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Spoon peach filling onto dough circles, fold over, crimp edges to seal.
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Brush with egg wash, make a slit in each pie. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
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Let pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
