These easy and delicious nectarine hand pies are simple to make, only take a handful of ingredients, and make the perfect hand-held dessert that are great for parties, potlucks, or a delicious afternoon snack.
Growing up, my mother and grandmother used to make what we called hand pies. They were small, folded-over pies that were filled with sweet fruit filling, and they were so, so good. Today, I’m sharing a sweet hand pie recipe that will have everyone coming back for more. The best part? It’s RIDICULOUSLY easy to make!
Nectarine Hand Pies
These delicious hand pies start with an easy, homemade nectarine filling that comes together in just a few minutes. After I cook it and let it cool, I add it to empanada dough, fold it over, and crimp the edges so I have small little pies. Then, I just bake them to golden brown. That’s it and that’s all. When it’s all said and done, I’ve only been in the kitchen for about a half hour, and I have delicious little pies that everyone loves. They’re perfect for snacking, as desserts, or appetizers, and I always love bringing them to potlucks and parties.
Why You’ll Love This Nectarine Hand Pie Recipe
- They are a great hand-held treat for parties, potlucks, or an afternoon snack,
- It’s a delicious way to enjoy summer baked in a flaky, golden pie crust.
- They are easy to make and only take a handful of simple ingredients.
Nectarine Hand Pie Ingredients
It only takes five simple ingredients to make this recipe, and most of them are already in your kitchen. In fact, the only things you might have to shop for are the nectarines and the empanada dough.
- Fresh nectarines
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Cornstarch
- Empanada dough (I used Goya)
- Large egg
How to Make Nectarine Hand Pies
Making these hand pies is almost as easy as gathering up the ingredients. It’s a super easy recipe that’s ready in just about 30 minutes. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time.
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Cook the nectarines, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan over low heat until thickened. Set aside.
Step 3: Fill and Fold
Wet the edges of the empanada dough lightly with water, then add a small amount of filling to the center of the dough. Fold the dough over, pinching the edges together and then crimping with the tines of a fork to seal.
Step 4: Bake
Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Then, bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Stir frequently while simmering the nectarine mixture to prevent scorching.
- When wetting the pie dough edges, just dampen them. Don’t drown them.
- Don’t overfill your hand pies or they’ll pop open and ooze while baking.
Variations
- Use berries along with the other filling ingredients to make berry filling.
- Try adding your favorite fruits like fresh peaches, pears, or apples for the filling.
- You can use prepared pie dough for the crust.
- Fruit pie filling will work for these hand pies, as well.
What to Serve with Nectarine Hand Pies
Like so many other sweet treats, these hand pies are delicious with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea. I also love to pair them with a little whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. You can even dip them in a whipped cream and cream cheese dessert dip for more sweet flavor.
Recipe FAQ
Hand pies are true to their name. They’re small hand-held pies. These pies can be filled with sweet or savory fillings.
Not at all! Nectarines have very smooth, thin skin. You don’t need to peel them for eating raw OR for baking, as the skin will soften up as it cooks.
Nectarines and peaches have similar flavors, but they are different. Both nectarines and peaches are sweet, however, nectarines tend to lean toward a tangy-sweet flavor profile, while peaches are just plain sweet.
Yes. An empanada is a type of hand pie common in Latin America and Spain.
These nectarine hand pies freeze very well and will last for up to 3 months when stored properly.
How to Store Leftover Nectarine Hand Pies
Store these hand pies loosely covered at room temperature for about 2 days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container in single layers separated by parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months.
Try This Delicious Nectarine Hand Pie Recipe Today
These nectarine hand pies are absolutely delicious, and they’re so easy to make. You can’t beat that combo. With sweet nectarine filling wrapped up in a golden, flaky crust, these are some seriously delicious hand pies that will have everyone coming back for more. Give these a try, and you won’t make a regular pie again for quite a while. I guarantee it!
More Delicious Hand-Held Fruit Filled Desserts
Here is a Nectarine Blueberry Crisp that is packed with flavor, and is super easy to make.
Nectarine Hand Pies
Ingredients
- 2 cups nectarines, diced
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 11.6 ounce 5” empanada dough, I used Goya
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk egg and water together, set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, over low heat, add nectarines, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch, stir, and let simmer until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Wet the edges of the empanada dough lightly with water.
- Place a small amount of nectarine mixture in the center of the empanada dough.
- Fold dough in half, pinching the edge and crimp the edges with the tines of a fork. *Can make small cuts in the top of each hand pie or leave as is.
- Place hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the egg wash.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition
Here are a few pics that are perfect to save to your favorite Pinterest boards on Pinterest. Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Remember to “like” or “follow” us on all social media.
can you freeze before baking and/or after baking ??? Will PIe dough be ok to use?>
Hi Mary,
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. You can freeze then after baking, however, the quality may deteriorate over time with the cream cheese mixture.
Pie dough definitely would be fine. I hope you enjoy these if you do end up making them. Thank you so much for the 5-star rating too! :)
IT SEEMS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET GOOD TASTING NECTARINES, PEACHES, AND PLUMS HERE IN MISSOURI THAT AREN’T GROWN LOCALLY. NECTARINES DON’T SEEM TO DO WELL THIS FAR NORTH. ALL OF THESE USED TO BE WONDERFUL PURCHASED IN THE GROCERY STORES, BUT IT IS RARE NOW. THEY PICK THEM TOO GREEN AND THEN THEY DON’T EVEN SMELL LIKE THE FRUIT. I HAVE BEEN SO DISAPPOINTED SO MANY TIMES!!!
YOUR RECIPE LOOKS SO GOOD, BUT I DOUBT IF I’LL BE ABLE TO FIND GOOD FRUIT TO BE ABLE TO TRY IT.
Hi VA,
That is too bad you are unable to find good fruit. I wish that wasn’t the case, and you were able to tries these hand pies. Thank you so much for your comment. :)