Welcome, fellow food lovers! Get ready to discover a dessert mash-up that's about to become your new obsession: Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies. Imagine the warm, comforting embrace of a classic peach cobbler meeting the fluffy, sweet delight of a glazed donut, all in one perfectly portable package. These golden, crispy treats are a celebration of summer flavors, marrying tender, spiced peaches with a sweet, fried dough that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re planning a gathering or simply craving a unique homemade treat, these hand pies are guaranteed to bring smiles.
Why You Need These Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies in Your Life
These aren't just any hand pies; they're a miniature culinary adventure! Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation:
- Flavor Fusion: The quintessential taste of peach cobbler infused into a donut-like pastry is pure magic.
- Perfectly Portable: Easy to eat on the go, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or just a sweet walk in the park.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Their charming size and comforting flavor make them a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
- Simple Ingredients: We keep things straightforward, using readily available ingredients for maximum deliciousness with minimal fuss.
The Secret to Heavenly Peach Filling
The heart of these hand pies lies in their luscious peach filling. We’re talking juicy peaches, gently simmered with brown sugar and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. A touch of cornstarch ensures it thickens to the perfect gooey consistency, holding all that peachy goodness right where it belongs. This filling is so good, you might just want to eat it with a spoon! For another delightful fruit-filled treat, you might also love our Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise.
Crafting Your Donut Hand Pies
Bringing these beauties to life is simpler than you think, especially with the help of store-bought biscuit or pie dough. Each piece is flattened, filled with our amazing peach mixture, then lovingly sealed and fried until golden perfection. The result is a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and a warm, tender interior.
The Essential Vanilla Glaze
What’s a donut without its glaze? A simple whisk of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla creates a sweet, shiny coating that takes these hand pies to the next level. Drizzle it on while they're still warm for that classic melt-in-your-mouth donut experience.
Tips for Perfect Frying
Deep frying might seem intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you'll be a pro in no time! Always use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, and ensure it reaches the right temperature (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C) before adding your hand pies. Frying in batches prevents overcrowding and keeps the oil temperature consistent, leading to beautifully golden and evenly cooked treats. If you're new to deep frying, check out this helpful guide on Serious Eats' deep frying techniques for more advice.
Serving Suggestions
These Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your dessert experience:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look extra special.
- Pair them with your morning coffee for an indulgent breakfast.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful surprise.
If you love fruity desserts, you might also enjoy our vibrant Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake.
Conclusion
From the first bite of the crispy exterior to the warm, spiced peach filling, these hand pies are a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavors. They're a labor of love that pays off in pure deliciousness. Go ahead, give them a try, and let these Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies become your new favorite way to enjoy a classic dessert with a fun, donut-inspired twist!
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh, ripe peaches will add an even more vibrant flavor to your hand pies. Just ensure they are peeled and diced before cooking.
What's the best way to prevent the filling from leaking?
Don't overfill the hand pies. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per pie, and make sure to firmly crimp the edges with a fork or seal them with a little water or egg wash.
Can these Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies be baked instead of fried?
Yes, for a lighter option, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 375u00b0F (190u00b0C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
How should I store leftover hand pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven for the best experience.
Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, flaky dough stuffed with warm, spiced peaches, deep-fried to perfection, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
For the Peach Filling:
2 cups diced fresh or canned peaches (drained if canned)
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
For the Hand Pies:
1 (16.3-ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count) OR 1 box refrigerated pie crusts
4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
For the Vanilla Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the peach filling. In a medium saucepan, combine diced peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until peaches soften and juices begin to release.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the peach mixture. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens and becomes bubbly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 3: If using biscuit dough, gently flatten each biscuit into a 4-5 inch circle. If using pie crusts, roll out and cut into 4-5 inch circles using a cookie cutter or knife.
Step 4: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled peach filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
Step 5: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle. Firmly press the edges together with your fingers, then use the tines of a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely.
Step 6: Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
Step 7: Carefully place 2-3 hand pies into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 8: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried hand pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 9: While the pies are still warm, prepare the vanilla glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 10: Dip each warm hand pie into the glaze, or drizzle the glaze generously over them. Place back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.
Notes
For a unique twist, try adding a pinch of cardamom to the peach filling. You can also bake these instead of frying; bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Ensure the filling is completely cool before assembling to prevent soggy bottoms!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
