Here’s a warm and cozy recipe for Pumpkin Empanadas (Mini Hand Pies) — a traditional fall favorite in Mexican and Southwestern kitchens, featuring a spiced pumpkin filling inside a flaky, tender pastry. Perfect for dessert, snacks, or festive gatherings.
🥟 Pumpkin Empanadas (Mini Hand Pies)
🎃 Ingredients:
For the Dough:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
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2 large eggs
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¼ cup milk (more if needed)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Filling:
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1 cup pumpkin purée (canned or homemade)
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1/3 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ tsp ground cloves or allspice
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Pinch of salt
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Optional: 1 tsp flour or cornstarch (to thicken)
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Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
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1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
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Sugar + cinnamon (for sprinkling)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
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In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
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In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla.
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Mix wet into dry ingredients and knead gently until dough forms. Add a bit more milk if too dry.
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Wrap and chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:
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In a bowl, mix pumpkin purée with brown sugar, spices, salt, and vanilla.
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Add flour/cornstarch if the mixture is very runny.
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Taste and adjust spices or sweetness if needed.
3. Roll and Fill:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
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Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
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Cut into circles (3–4 inches in diameter) using a cutter or glass.
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Place 1–1½ teaspoons of filling in the center of each.
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Fold over to make a half-moon shape, press edges with a fork to seal.
4. Bake:
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Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Cool and Serve:
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Let cool slightly before serving. Delicious warm or at room temperature.
✅ Tips & Variations:
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Make-ahead: Empanadas can be assembled and frozen before baking. Bake from frozen with 5–7 extra minutes.
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Shortcut: Use store-bought pie dough for faster prep.
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Glaze option: Drizzle with powdered sugar icing for a sweeter finish.
Would you like a cream cheese–filled version, vegan dough, or air fryer instructions?