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Pumpkin Empanadas

Discover the perfect Pumpkin Empanadas recipe—flaky, sweet, and warmly spiced for every season.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 15
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

For the Filling:
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree homemade or canned
  • ½ cup coconut sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • tsp ground nutmeg
  • tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Dough:
  • cups whole wheat flour 225g
  • cups all-purpose flour 200g
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter 226g, cold, cubed
  • 2 eggs whisked
  • 1 tbsp milk
For the Egg Wash:
  • 1 egg whisked
  • Sugar for sprinkling

Method
 

Make the Pumpkin Filling
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, spices, vanilla, and salt. Cook on low, stirring often, until thick and caramelized in color (about 10-12 minutes).
  2. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking. Let cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, coconut sugar, and salt.
  2. Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter (or two forks) to blend until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
  3. Pour in whisked eggs and milk. Stir until a dough forms. If dry, add another tablespoon of milk.
  4. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 2–3 minutes, then divide into 4 balls. Wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Assembling the Empanadas
  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out one dough ball at a time on a floured surface into a thin sheet.
  3. Cut circles (about 4 inches wide).
  4. Add a spoonful of pumpkin filling to the center of each circle.
  5. Fold into half-moon shapes and press edges with a fork to seal.
  6. Transfer to baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Baking the Empanadas
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Use a paring knife to make 1–2 small slits in each empanada to vent steam.
  3. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Cool on a wire rack before serving.