Oh, summer! Doesn’t the thought just make you crave something sweet, juicy, and perfectly portable? Me too! There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, bursting-with-flavor fruit treat when the sun is shining. And let me tell you, for those moments, my Irresistible Nectarine Hand Pies Sweet Summer Treats are an absolute game-changer. They’re like little pockets of sunshine, packed with ripe nectarines and wrapped in the flakiest, most buttery crust you can imagine. I still remember making these for a neighborhood picnic last summer; everyone raved about them and couldn’t believe how easy they were to eat while mingling. They’re seriously the best way to capture that fleeting summer sweetness!
Why You’ll Love These Irresistible Nectarine Hand Pies
Seriously, these little pies are a dream! Here’s why they’re going to be your new summer obsession:
- Super Easy to Whip Up: Even if you’re new to baking, you can totally nail these. The dough comes together quick!
- Perfectly Portable: Grab and go! They’re great for picnics, beach days, or just a sweet treat in the park.
- Bursting with Summer Flavor: Fresh, ripe nectarines make these taste like sunshine in every bite.
- Deliciously Flaky Crust: That buttery, tender dough is just divine. Trust me!
- Versatile Little Gems: Serve them warm for dessert, or pack them up for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Everyone loves a homemade fruit pie, and these are just too cute not to adore!
Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible Nectarine Hand Pies
Alright, let’s dive into what you’ll need to make these little pockets of joy! It’s pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of it in your pantry right now. For the dough, we’re talking about trusty all-purpose flour and just a pinch of salt for flavor. Then comes the magic: really cold, cubed unsalted butter is key for that flaky crust, and we’ll use some ice water to bring it all together. For the starring filling, grab about 4 cups of sliced nectarines – make sure they’re ripe but still a little firm so they hold their shape. You’ll also want about half a cup of sugar, some cornstarch to thicken things up, a little squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg to give it that warm, cozy pie vibe. Lastly, for that beautiful golden finish, a beaten egg for an egg wash and a couple of tablespoons of sugar for sprinkling on top!
Equipment Needed for Your Sweet Summer Treats
Okay, so you’ve got your ingredients ready, which is awesome! Now, let’s talk about the tools that’ll make this pie-making adventure a breeze. You’ll definitely need a large mixing bowl for getting that dough started and a separate one for the juicy nectarine filling. A reliable pastry blender or even just your fingertips will work wonders for cutting in that cold butter. Grab your rolling pin – essential for getting that dough nice and thin! You’ll want a baking sheet, preferably lined with parchment paper (so handy for cleanup!). Don’t forget your trusty measuring cups and spoons. And to get those perfect little pie shapes, a 3- or 4-inch round cutter is a must. Oh, and a fork for crimping those edges shut is super important!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistible Nectarine Hand Pies
Alright, let’s get baking! Making these Irresistible Nectarine Hand Pies is super fun, and I promise, it’s easier than you think. Just follow along with me, and soon you’ll be enjoying the best sweet summer treats!
Preparing the Perfect Pie Dough
First things first, let’s make that amazing crust. In a big bowl, whisk together your flour and salt. Then, toss in those cubes of *really* cold butter. Now, using a pastry blender or just your fingers, work that butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs – think little pebbles. Don’t overwork it! Then, gradually add ice water, just a tablespoon at a time. You want it to *just* come together into a ball. Divide that dough in half, flatten each piece into a disk, wrap ‘em up tight, and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for a flaky crust!
Creating the Sweet Nectarine Filling
While your dough is chilling, let’s whip up that delightful nectarine filling. In another bowl, gently combine your sliced nectarines with the 1/2 cup of sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Just give it a gentle toss so everything is coated. You don’t want to mash the nectarines; we want them to keep their lovely shape!
Assembling and Baking Your Hand Pies
Okay, oven time! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Now, grab one disk of dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into about a 12-inch circle. Use your round cutter to make about 6 circles. Do the same with the other disk of dough. Now, spoon about 2 tablespoons of that yummy nectarine filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a little border. Moisten those edges with a tiny bit of water, then fold the other half of the dough over to make a cute little half-moon. Use a fork to crimp those edges shut nice and tight – this keeps all that juicy goodness inside! Don’t forget to cut a few little slits on top so the steam can escape while baking. Arrange them on your baking sheet, brush the tops with your beaten egg wash, and give them a sprinkle of that extra sugar for a gorgeous golden crunch. Pop them into the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and you see that delicious filling bubbling away. These are perfect alongside a fresh salad, but honestly, they’re stars all on their own!
Tips for Perfect Irresistible Nectarine Hand Pies
Okay, darlings, let’s talk about making these nectarine hand pies absolutely *perfect* every single time you whip them up. It’s all about a few little tricks that really make a difference!
First off, that crust! To keep it from getting soggy, make sure your nectarine filling isn’t too watery. If your nectarines seem extra juicy, you can even toss them with the cornstarch and sugar and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes while your dough chills. Then, just drain off any excess liquid before filling your pies. This little step makes a HUGE difference! Also, chilling the pies *after* you assemble them for another 15 minutes before baking is a trick I learned from making my famous cornbread – it helps the butter stay cold and gives you that extra crispy crust. And don’t be shy with those crimps! A good fork seal really traps all that sweet nectarine goodness inside. Trust me, these little tips will elevate your hand pies from great to absolutely unforgettable!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Little tweaks here and there can make these hand pies work even better for you! If you can’t find fresh nectarines, don’t fret! Frozen ones work too, but make sure to let them thaw completely and drain off *all* the extra liquid before you use them. If you’re sugar-conscious, you can reduce the sugar a bit, or even try a natural sweetener like maple syrup, just be aware it might change the texture slightly. For the flour, if you need a gluten-free option, a good quality 1-to-1 baking blend should do the trick, though the dough might be a little less pliable. And remember, the cornstarch is there to thicken up those lovely nectarine juices, preventing a soggy bottom – it’s a tiny but mighty helper!
Serving and Storing Your Sweet Summer Treats
These nectarine hand pies are just divine served warm! Honestly, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside them is pure bliss – it’s like a mini fruit crumble in every bite! But they’re also fantastic at room temp, making them perfect for picnics or just a quick, delightful snack anytime. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they store really well. Just pop them into an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for a day or two. If it’s super warm out, the fridge is a safer bet. To reheat, just pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes until they’re toasty and delicious again. They’re almost as good the second day, and that’s saying something! They pair wonderfully with a side of something savory, perhaps like this amazing taco dip if you’re hosting a party!
Frequently Asked Questions about Nectarine Hand Pies
Got questions about these sweet little delights? I’ve got answers! These Irresistible Nectarine Hand Pies are super popular, so I get asked a lot. Here are some of the most common ones:
Can I use other fruits in these hand pies?
Absolutely! These recipes are fantastic because you can totally swap out the nectarines. Peaches are a natural fit, of course! You can also try plums, berries (like raspberries or blueberries), or even apples. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and cornstarch a bit depending on how juicy and sweet your fruit is. If using apples, you might want to add a bit more cinnamon or even some ginger!
How do I stop my nectarine filling from leaking out?
Oh, this is a common one! The best way to prevent leaks is to make sure your filling isn’t too watery to begin with. Letting the fruit sit with the sugar and cornstarch for a bit and draining off excess liquid, as I mentioned in the tips, really helps. Also, make sure you crimp those edges really well with a fork – press down firmly! And of course, cute little slits on top let steam escape, which also helps prevent pressure buildup that can push filling out.
Can I make the dough for these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! The pie dough is perfect for making up to two days in advance. Just keep it nicely wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. It actually gets even better with a little rest! Just let it sit on the counter for about 10-15 minutes to soften up slightly before you roll it out. It makes the whole process so much quicker when you’re ready to assemble your pies.
Can these nectarine hand pies be frozen?
You bet! They freeze beautifully, both baked and unbaked. If freezing unbaked, assemble them completely, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to bake them, just brush with egg wash and sugar, and bake as usual, but you might need a few extra minutes. If freezing baked ones, let them cool completely, then wrap them well. They’re also great for making ahead, just like this quick salad for busy weeknights!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up, these numbers are estimates because every nectarine is a bit different, and how you make them can vary! But for one delicious hand pie, you’re looking at roughly:
Calories: 350
Fat: 18g (with about 11g being saturated fat)
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 200mg
Print
Irresistible Nectarine Hand Pies
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 12 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet summer treats perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
- 4 cups sliced nectarines (about 4–5 medium)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine sliced nectarines, 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently to coat.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Cut out 6 (4-inch) circles. Repeat with the second disk of dough.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the nectarine mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Moisten the edges of the dough with water. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Cut a few small slits in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.
- Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can chill the assembled hand pies for another 15 minutes before baking.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: nectarine hand pies, summer dessert, sweet treats, fruit pies, easy baking