Empanaditas from a Box

Empanaditas, a delightful pastry, can be easily made at home using simple ingredients and a few steps. These small, sweet, and crispy treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving something sweet with your coffee or looking for a bite-sized dessert to serve at a gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This empanaditas recipe is easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and yields a delicious, buttery treat. The combination of vegetable butter and sugar creates a soft and rich dough that is perfect for filling with any desired ingredients. Plus, they bake to a golden crisp with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you enjoy them warm with cinnamon sugar or straight from the oven, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1/2 kilo of flour

• 200 gr of vegetable butter

• 1/3 cup of sugar

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla

• A pinch of salt

• 1/4 cup of milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Start by placing the vegetable butter at room temperature in a large mixing bowl. Beat the butter until it reaches a creamy consistency.

2. Add the sugar to the butter and mix thoroughly.

3. Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Continue beating until everything is well incorporated.

4. Add the baking powder and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients into the dough.

5. Gradually add the flour, kneading the dough by hand as you go. Add the milk until the dough no longer sticks to your hands and is smooth and pliable.

6. To form the empanaditas, use a tortilla press to make small tortillas from the dough.

7. Place your desired filling (such as fruit jam or chocolate) in the center of each tortilla, then fold them over and seal the edges. You can use a glass to trim any excess dough for a neat shape.

8. Arrange the empanaditas on a greased baking pan.

9. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

10. Optional: When the empanaditas are still warm, sprinkle them with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for an extra touch of sweetness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 45 empanaditas. The total baking time is between 20 to 25 minutes. Prep time will take around 15 minutes, depending on how quickly you can knead the dough and form the empanaditas.

Variations

1. Fruit-Filled Empanaditas: You can fill these pastries with a variety of fruit jams, such as strawberry, apricot, or guava.

2. Chocolate Filling: For a decadent treat, use chocolate chips or a chocolate spread as the filling.

3. Savory Option: Instead of sweet fillings, you could also use cheese, spinach, or ground meat for a savory twist.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After baking, toss the warm empanaditas in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, spiced exterior.

Storage/Reheating

To store empanaditas, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week. For reheating, warm them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, though they may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use butter instead of vegetable butter?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable butter with regular butter, but it may affect the flavor and texture slightly.

2. Can I freeze these empanaditas?

Yes, you can freeze the empanaditas before baking. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, though it will result in a denser texture.

5. Can I make these empanaditas larger?

Absolutely! You can adjust the size of the empanaditas, but you’ll need to increase the baking time slightly if you make them bigger.

6. Can I make empanaditas without a tortilla press?

If you don’t have a tortilla press, you can roll the dough out using a rolling pin to about 1/8-inch thick and then cut it into circles.

7. What can I fill the empanaditas with?

You can fill empanaditas with jam, chocolate, cheese, or even savory ingredients like spinach or ground beef.

8. How do I prevent the empanaditas from leaking?

Make sure to seal the edges of the empanaditas tightly and press them down with a fork to ensure they stay closed while baking.

9. Can I add more sugar to the dough for a sweeter flavor?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar amount in the dough according to your sweetness preference, but be careful not to make it too sweet.

10. Are empanaditas gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free because it contains regular flour. You can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

Conclusion

Empanaditas from a box are an easy, delightful treat that can be made with just a few ingredients and simple steps. Whether you prefer them filled with sweet or savory fillings, these small pastries are perfect for satisfying your cravings. They’re quick to bake and can be easily customized, making them a versatile choice for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor!