Heavenly Peach Hand Pies: A Divine Dessert Delight

Welcome to a delightful journey into the world of pastry perfection with our recipe for Peach Hand Pies. These heavenly treats encapsulate the essence of summer with their luscious peach filling and flaky crust. Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or simply indulging in a sweet moment, these hand pies are sure to become a beloved favorite. Join us as we explore the art of crafting these delectable delights and dive into a world of irresistible flavor and charm.

Ingredients:

• 2 boxes (14.1 oz each) refrigerated pie crust
• 1 can (21 oz) peach pie filling
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg white, beaten

Instructions:

Preparing the Peach Filling:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the peach pie filling with cinnamon. Stir until well combined and set aside.

Assembling the Hand Pies:

3. Roll Out the Pie Crust: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
4. Cut the Dough: Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles from the pie crust dough. The size of the circles will determine the size of your hand pies.
5. Add the Filling: Spoon a small amount of the peach filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Seal the Pies: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the pies.
7. Ventilation: Use a sharp knife to make small slits or poke holes in the tops of the hand pies to allow steam to escape during baking.
8. Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the tops of the hand pies with beaten egg white. This will give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
9. Bake: Place the assembled hand pies onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Cool: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Glaze:

11. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
12. Glaze the Pies: Once the hand pies have cooled, drizzle them with the prepared glaze using a spoon or a pastry brush.
13. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the peach hand pies as a delightful dessert or snack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the ultimate indulgence.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Fresh Peach Filling: If fresh peaches are in season, you can make your own peach filling by slicing and macerating fresh peaches with sugar and a touch of lemon juice.
• Spiced Variation: Enhance the flavor of the filling by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon.
• Almond Glaze: For a nutty twist, substitute almond extract for the milk in the glaze recipe.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I freeze the hand pies before baking? A: Yes, you can assemble the hand pies and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place them directly onto a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use store-bought peach preserves instead of pie filling? A: Absolutely! If you prefer a smoother filling, you can use store-bought peach preserves or jam instead of pie filling. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness and thickness of the filling to your liking.

Q: Can I make these hand pies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the hand pies in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Glaze them just before serving for the best results.

Q: Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought? A: Of course! Feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe if you prefer. Just make sure to roll it out to the appropriate thickness for the hand pies.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Replace the refrigerated pie crust with a keto-friendly crust made from almond flour, coconut flour, and butter.
• Use a sugar-free peach filling sweetened with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
• Skip the glaze or use a keto-friendly glaze made with powdered erythritol and heavy cream.

Low-Carb Version:

• Substitute the garbanzo bean flour in the dough with almond flour or coconut flour for a lower-carb option.
• Choose a peach pie filling that is sweetened with a low-carb sweetener or make your own using fresh peaches and a sugar substitute.
• Opt for a low-carb milk alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk in the glaze.

In conclusion, our Peach Hand Pies recipe offers a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and flaky pastry goodness that is sure to please your palate. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or indulgent treat, these hand pies are a wonderful way to savor the flavors of summer all year round. With their simple preparation and versatile ingredients, they are perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to delight your taste buds with these irresistible peach-filled delights!