Peach hand pies are such a great alternative to the larger pies. Instead of worrying about waste, you get six adorable personal-sized pies that make everyone feel special. Not entertaining? No problem! Simply freeze any hand pies you aren’t ready to eat unbaked. When you are ready to enjoy, just preheat the oven, brush with egg wash and bake until golden brown.

Peaches are just one way to enjoy hand pies. Any seasonal fruit makes a delicious filling for these grab-and-go desserts! Try nectarines, mixed berry, and even cranberry jelly and brie cheese for a fresh-tasting treat!

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup finely ground cornmeal

4 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and divided

2/3 cup cold water plus additional tablespoons

1 egg lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water

4 medium peaches, peeled

1 teaspoon pure vanilla bean extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.

2. Peel peaches. Cut a shallow "X" in the bottom of each peach. Bring 4-6 cups of water to a boil and pour water over peaches, let them sit for 2 minutes. Carefully transfer peaches to an ice bath (cold water and ice) for 1 minute. Peel peaches. Slice each peach into 16 thin wedges and place in a bowl with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and vanilla extract.

3. In a large mixing bowl, add flour, cornmeal, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and salt; stir to combine. Add 11 tablespoons of cubed butter. Cut in butter (see video) until reduced to pea sized pieces. Add water and stir until dough comes together in large clumps. The dough should not feel wet.

4. Flour a clean surface. Add the dough and knead for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 15 minutes; let the dough rest.

5. Remove the dough from the fridge. Divide into six smaller dough balls. Roll dough into 8-inch circles, repeat with remaining dough balls.

6. Divide the peaches in the center of one half of each hand pie crust. Top with a dot of butter and fold the other half over the peaches so that it forms a half moon.

7. Using a sharp knife make three cuts to let steam out. Use a fork to decoratively seal the edge of the hand pie.

8. Transfer the hand pies to parchment paper and brush each piece lightly with egg wash (egg water mixture).

9. Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

 Amanda Garbutt is the host of The Hot Plate, a free online cooking show dedicated to inspiring culinary confidence in new cooks. The Hot Plate also offers regular cooking tips and advice, how-tos, and information on seasonal ingredients.