Are you craving a delicious dessert that's both simple to make and bursting with fresh, summery flavor? Look no further! These peach hand pies are the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying treat, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or impressing guests. They're surprisingly easy to assemble, even for beginner bakers, and offer a delightful combination of flaky crust and juicy, sweet peaches. This recipe is your ticket to homemade happiness, proving that delicious doesn't have to be difficult! Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents shrinkage during baking.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat the peaches evenly.
Assembling and Baking the Hand Pies:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles. Repeat with the second disc of dough.
- Fill the pies: Place a spoonful of the peach filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Seal the pies: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. Cut a small vent in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the hand pies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of butter and shortening in the crust.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar to the tops of the pies before baking for extra sweetness and texture.
- Feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or apples.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 18-22g
- Protein: 3-4g
These delicious peach hand pies are a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. They're a delightful dessert for any occasion, whether it's a casual weeknight treat or a special gathering. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating something truly delicious!