Pumpkin Empanadas

Pumpkin Empanadas

This is like having your own personal pumpkin pie!
Plan Ahead Note: the dough needs to be refrigerated for one hour.
Course Halloween
Servings 1 dozen

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • cup shortening
  • 1 15 oz. can pure pumpkin
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cinnamon.                
  • Add the shortening and use a hand mixer to combine.
  • Add ⅓ cup water and mix to thoroughly combine.
  • Knead the dough in the bowl to incorporate any remaining flour.
  • Divide the dough into four dough balls and wrap each one in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for about 1 hour.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt and stir well to combine.  Set aside.
  • Divide each dough portion into four equal parts.  Slap the dough balls between well floured hands until slightly flattened, and then roll them out on a lightly floured surface to about 4" wide and about ⅛" thick.
  • Spoon about 1 Tablespoon of filling into the center of each circle.
  • Fold over, pressing the edges to seal them and press with fork tines.  Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 1" apart.
  • Make an egg wash by whisking the eggs with 2 Tablespoons water in a small bowl.  Brush each empanada with egg wash and sprinkle with more sugar.
  • Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove to wire racks to cool slightly.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or cool completely and refrigerate, well wrapped, for up to 2 days.  Frozen empanadas can be reheated in a 350° oven for 25 minutes.

Notes

Recipe from Sweet on Texas Cookbook.