If you’ve ever wished you could hold a slice of summer in your hand, Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies are your answer. These golden, crispy pockets are filled with cinnamon-spiced peaches and wrapped in flaky pie crust—then fried (or baked!) to perfection and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. They’re the ultimate fusion of classic Southern peach cobbler and fun, fair-style donuts. Whether you’re whipping them up for a backyard gathering or satisfying a weeknight craving, this recipe brings cozy comfort with every bite—and it’s easy enough for anyone to master.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies—but here are the top four:
- Deliciously Fruity: Juicy peaches are enhanced with warm spices and a touch of brown sugar.
- Beginner-Friendly: Uses store-bought pie crust for less fuss and perfect results every time.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Fry them for a fair-style crunch or bake for a lighter version.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for prepping in advance and enjoying throughout the week.
Once you try one, you’ll be hooked.
A Bit of History: Fun Facts About Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies
Here’s a quick peek into the roots of this sweet hybrid treat:
- Peach cobbler became popular in the American South during the 19th century when settlers created simple fruit desserts with biscuit dough.
- Hand pies were often made for laborers—portable, easy to eat, and satisfying.
- Donuts in their fried-glazed form rose in popularity during the early 20th century, especially at fairs and diners.
- Today’s peach cobbler donut hand pie combines all three traditions—cobbler filling, hand-held convenience, and donut-style frying.
Key Ingredients in Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies
Each ingredient has a delicious purpose in this nostalgic, flavor-packed recipe:
- Peaches – Fresh or canned, they bring that juicy, sunny sweetness.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like depth to the filling.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the peach mixture into a cobbler-like consistency.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Warm, cozy spices that elevate the fruity filling.
- Refrigerated Pie Crusts – A flaky shortcut that makes shaping and sealing a breeze.
- Egg Wash – Helps the pies bake or fry to a beautiful golden brown.
- Oil – Gives you that classic, crispy fried donut texture (or skip and bake!).
- Powdered Sugar Glaze – Sweet, smooth, and the perfect final touch.
How to Make Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies
Follow these simple steps to bring your Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies to life:
- Make the Filling: In a saucepan, combine diced peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Let it cool completely.
- Prep the Dough: Roll out refrigerated pie crusts. Cut into 4-inch rounds or rectangles using a cookie cutter or knife.
- Assemble the Pies: Place 1–2 tablespoons of cooled peach filling in the center of half the dough pieces. Top with another piece and seal the edges with a fork.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat one egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush over the top of each pie for a golden finish.
- Fry or Bake:
- To fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry each pie for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- To bake: Place pies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze the Pies: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle or dip the warm pies.
- Let Set and Serve: Allow the glaze to firm up slightly before enjoying. Serve warm or at room temp.
Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies Tips and Twists
Want perfect hand pies every time? Keep these tips and tweaks in mind:
Top Tips:
- Let the filling cool before assembling to avoid soggy dough.
- Don’t overfill the pies—this prevents leaking during cooking.
- Use a fork to firmly crimp and seal the edges.
- Keep oil at a steady 350°F for even frying.
- Glaze while warm so it melts just slightly into the surface.
Fun Variations:
- Swap peaches for apples, cherries, or blueberries.
- Add chopped pecans to the filling for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with cream cheese icing for a richer twist.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
These Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies are as convenient as they are tasty:
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 325°F toaster oven or air fryer for 4–6 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the pies and freeze before frying/baking. Cook from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
How to Serve Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies
These sweet hand pies fit just about any occasion! Here are some fun serving ideas:
- Brunch Platter: Serve with Simple Avocado Toast with Egg and coffee.
- Summertime Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- Picnic Treat: Add them to your basket with Grilled Chicken Wraps for a sweet finish.
- Festive Tray: Place alongside Easter Bird’s Nest Cookies and fruit skewers for parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned peaches?
Yes—just drain well before cooking.
Can I freeze them after cooking?
Yes, though texture is best fresh. Reheat from frozen at 325°F until warmed through.
Can I air fry instead of deep fry?
Absolutely! Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I keep the glaze from getting soggy?
Let pies cool slightly before glazing and allow the glaze to set fully before storing.
Can I skip the glaze?
Sure! A dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar works beautifully too.
Enjoy Your Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies
Once you try these Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies, they’ll become a go-to dessert. Whether you bake or fry them, the golden crust and warm, cinnamon-laced peach filling are truly irresistible. They’re the kind of sweet treat that feels nostalgic yet fresh—ideal for sharing, gifting, or savoring solo with a cup of tea. Don’t be surprised if they vanish within minutes. Get ready to impress your taste buds (and your guests) with this charming, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Explore More Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Can’t get enough easy and fun desserts? Try these next:
- Blueberry Bread Pudding – A warm and fruity comfort dessert made with pantry staples.
- Easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast – Sweet, golden, and fluffy—perfect for morning cravings.
- Pecan Pie Bars – Rich, nutty, and easy to make in batches for sharing.
- No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake – Creamy, dreamy, and no oven required.
- Chocolate Covered Chips – Sweet and salty in the most addictive way.
Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies You’ll Love
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and diced peaches fresh or canned, drained
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts 2 crusts
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
For Frying:
- Oil for frying or bake at 375°F
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2½ tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Let cool.
- Roll out pie crusts and cut into 4-inch rounds or rectangles.
- Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of filling onto half the dough pieces. Top with the other half and seal edges with a fork.
- Beat egg with water to make egg wash. Brush over each pie.
- Heat oil to 350°F. Fry pies 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Or bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes.
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle or dip pies while still warm.
- Let glaze set before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Calories: 240
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 1g