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Pumpkin Empanadas

Pumpkin Empanadas (Bakery Style)

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Flaky, buttery pumpkin empanadas filled with warm spiced pumpkin. Easy, bakery-style results with a perfect handheld fall dessert.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rest Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 Empanadas
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour (For the Dough)
  • 1/2 cup masa harina
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 to 4 tbsp ice cold water
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling) (For the Pumpkin Filling)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 egg (For Finishing)
  • 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, masa harina, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingertips to work them in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
  2. Add beaten egg and mix lightly. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cayenne, vanilla, and salt until smooth and thick.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles. Re-roll scraps as needed.
  5. Place about 1½ tablespoons filling in each circle. Fold into a half-moon shape, press edges firmly, then crimp with a fork to seal.
  6. Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and poke a small vent hole. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Cool for 5 minutes. Dust with cinnamon sugar while warm if desired. Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10g

Notes

  • Keep butter cold for flaky layers
  • Don’t overfill to prevent leaking
  • Chill dough if it becomes too soft
  • Add extra masa harina if filling is too loose

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