Why You’ll Love this Sweet Empanadas Recipe
When you take a bite of these sweet empanadas, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite in many households. The buttery, flaky crust melts in your mouth, perfectly complementing the rich, fruity jam inside.
Each empanada is a delightful burst of sweetness, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a dessert or a snack, they never disappoint.
Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you can whip them up for gatherings or simply indulge yourself. Trust me, once you taste these empanadas, you’ll be hooked and wanting more!
Ingredients of Sweet Empanadas
When it comes to making sweet empanadas, having the right ingredients at hand is key to whipping up these delightful treats. Trust me, once you gather everything you need, the magic happens.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these ingredients are simple and easy to find. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to create these scrumptious little pockets of joy.
Ingredients for Sweet Empanadas:
- 4 ounces butter, softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 5 ounces plain flour
- 11 ounces fruit jam (your favorite flavor)
- 3 ounces superfine sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Now, let’s talk a bit about these ingredients. The butter and cream cheese combo? It’s like a match made in pastry heaven. They bring that rich, flaky texture to the dough that makes these empanadas so irresistible.
And don’t get me started on the fruit jam – it’s the star of the show! You can use any flavor you love, whether it’s strawberry, raspberry, or even peach. Just imagine biting into that warm, sweet filling. Heaven, right?
Also, if you can’t find superfine sugar, you can easily make your own by grinding regular sugar in a blender for a few moments. It’s all about those little touches that make the end result so much better.
How to Make Sweet Empanadas
Making sweet empanadas is like taking a little culinary adventure in your own kitchen. First up, you’ll want to start with the base of your dough. Grab 4 ounces of softened butter and 3 ounces of cream cheese. Now, here’s the fun part: cream them together in a big mixing bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy. It should feel like a delicious cloud.
Once you’ve achieved that dreamy texture, add in 5 ounces of plain flour and beat it well. You want to mix until everything is combined, but don’t overdo it; we’re not making a workout here. Once your dough comes together, shape it into a smooth ball, wrap it in cling film, and let it chill in the fridge for a solid 8 hours. Yes, I know it sounds like a long time, but trust me, the wait is worth it.
Now, 20 minutes before you’re ready to bake, take that dough out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter. This way, it warms up just enough to be easily rolled out. Preheat your oven to 190C (375F, gas mark 5) while you’re at it. Lightly flour your work surface, and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick.
This is where the magic happens, as you cut out circles using a 3-inch biscuit cutter. Feel free to channel your inner pastry chef here. Once you have your circles, place a small spoonful of your favorite 11 ounces of fruit jam in the center of each one. It could be raspberry, apricot, or whatever fruit dreams you’re having. Just don’t go overboard; we don’t want a jam explosion.
Moisten the edges with a bit of water, fold each circle over to create a half-moon shape, and press those edges together firmly. You want to make sure they stay sealed, or else you’ll have a jammy mess in the oven.
Finally, lay those delightful little pockets on un-greased baking sheets and pop them into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. While they’re baking, mix up 3 ounces of superfine sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a bowl. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be enough to make you giddy.
Once the empanadas are golden brown and perfectly baked, roll them in that cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm. The crunchy sweetness combined with that warm, gooey jam filling is pure bliss. Just be careful not to burn your fingers—trust me, I’ve done it before.
Now, enjoy your sweet empanadas, and maybe even share them with friends… or not. No judgment here.
Sweet Empanadas Substitutions & Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try with sweet empanadas to make them uniquely yours.
Instead of fruit jam, consider using Nutella or dulce de leche for a decadent twist. You can also swap the butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
For the dough, try adding cocoa powder for a chocolatey flavor. If you want to get creative with spices, experiment by adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg.
Finally, think about topping your empanadas with a drizzle of icing or a sprinkle of chopped nuts after baking for extra flair!
What to Serve with Sweet Empanadas
While sweet empanadas are delicious on their own, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience.
I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the creamy texture complements the warm empanadas perfectly. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds a rich touch that’s hard to resist.
Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, can also provide a revitalizing contrast. If you want something extra, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar makes it feel more indulgent.
These pairings not only enhance flavors but also create a delightful presentation!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your sweet empanadas turn out perfectly, I recommend paying close attention to the dough’s consistency. If it feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour.
Also, make sure to chill the dough for the full 8 hours; this really helps with handling. When rolling it out, try to keep it even to confirm uniform baking.
For a fun twist, experiment with different fruit jams—peach or raspberry can add a delightful surprise!
Finally, don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar coating; it elevates the flavor. Enjoy your baking, and I can’t wait for you to taste the results!