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### How to Make Homemade Peach Hand Pies
**1. Prepare the Pie Dough**
Making the dough is a crucial step in creating flaky, tender hand pies. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. You can also pulse this in a food processor if you prefer.
Once the butter is incorporated, slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill the dough before rolling it out.
**2. Prepare the Peach Filling**
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the peach filling. In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together gently, making sure the peaches are well coated in the mixture. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling as it cooks, preventing the pies from becoming too runny.
Set the filling aside and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
**3. Roll Out the Dough**
After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to about ⅛-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (you can use a bowl or a biscuit cutter), cut out circles about 4-5 inches in diameter. You should aim for about 8 circles (4 top and 4 bottom) for a batch of 4 hand pies.
Repeat this process with the second disc of dough, ensuring you have enough circles to match the first set.
**4. Assemble the Hand Pies**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
To assemble the hand pies, place a spoonful of peach filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to spill out while baking. Once the filling is added, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, gently pressing the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra decorative touch.
**5. Bake the Pies**
Place the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching each other. Before baking, you can brush the tops with a little milk or egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly.
**6. Glaze and Serve**
While the pies are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together the milk and powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pies for a sweet finishing touch.
Serve the hand pies warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect as a dessert or a special treat to enjoy with friends and family.
### Tips and Variations for Homemade Peach Hand Pies
– **Spice it Up**: Feel free to experiment with additional spices. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can complement the sweetness of the peaches and add warmth to the flavor.
– **Use Frozen Peaches**: If fresh peaches aren’t in season, you can use frozen peaches. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
– **Customize the Glaze**: For a different twist, you can add a bit of almond extract to the glaze for extra flavor, or even dust the hand pies with cinnamon sugar instead of glazing them.
– **Add a Crunch**: To give your pies a bit of extra texture, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking. It adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness to the crust.
### Why You’ll Love These Peach Hand Pies
These homemade peach hand pies are a delightful combination of juicy, sweet peaches and a flaky, buttery crust. Not only are they easy to make, but they also bring a comforting sense of nostalgia to your kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating the peak of peach season or just looking for a sweet, portable snack, these hand pies are a perfect treat for any occasion.
You can enjoy them as a breakfast pastry, serve them at a party, or simply indulge with a cup of tea. They’re versatile, customizable, and downright delicious.
### Conclusion
Making homemade peach hand pies is a rewarding and fun baking project that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With their golden, flaky crust and luscious peach filling, these hand pies are a simple yet elegant dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them on your own, these peach hand pies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
So next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s both delightful and easy to prepare, try these homemade peach hand pies—you won’t be disappointed!
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