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Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Empanadas

Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Empanadas - Easy Meal Recipe

The fall season brings comfort foods that warm the soul. Among these, chocolate chip and pumpkin empanadas stand out as a unique dessert that marries flavors beautifully. The tender pastry contrasts the sweet, spiced filling, creating an experience that lingers long after the last bite. I remember the first time I made these empanadas. 
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Pastry:
  • ¼ cup cold milk water can be used
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into chunks
  • ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour or additional all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Filling:
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
  • teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree

Method
 

  1. Let’s get to the good part! Here’s how to prepare these delectable empanadas.
Step 1: Make the Dough
  1. Start by mixing your dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup whole wheat flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. This blend is the foundation of your empanada dough.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Milk
  1. In a separate bowl, mix your cold milk with the butter chunks. You want the butter to be cold, so it creates a flaky texture in the dough. g. Once the mixture is smooth, incorporate it into the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Create the Pastry Dough
  1. Knead the mixture until a dough forms. Make sure it holds together well. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour. Wrap it in plastic and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
  1. In another bowl, combine 1 cup pumpkin puree, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon allspice, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Mix this until smooth. The flavors should meld together beautifully, creating a sweet, spiced filling.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your empanadas cook evenly.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
  1. Once your dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. You should get several circles from the dough.
Step 7: Fill the Empanadas
  1. Place a tablespoon of the pumpkin filling in the center of each dough circle. Add a few chocolate chips on top of the filling for that extra layer of sweetness.
Step 8: Seal the Empanadas
  1. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, using a fork to crimp down and ensure a tight seal.
Step 9: Egg Wash
  1. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the reserved egg white. This will give them a nice golden color when they bake.
Step 10: Bake
  1. Place your empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
  1. Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Notes

  • Use Leftover Pumpkin Puree: If you have leftover pumpkin puree, you can easily use it in this recipe. Just ensure it’s well-measured for consistency.
  • Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the empanadas to leak. Stick to about a tablespoon of filling per pastry.
  • Chill Before Baking: If you find that your dough is too warm while filling, chilling it for a few minutes can make handling easier.
  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, or even add in a bit of ginger for a new twist.
Add Nuts for Crunch: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a pleasing texture contrast to the sweet filling.