Apple Empanadas (Spanish Apple Hand Pies)

Apple Empanadas Recipe

Ingredients (makes about 12 empanadas)

Dough (Empanada Pastry)

• 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 170 g (¾ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optiona) Filling
• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tbsp water)

For Brushing

• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)
• Optional: sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling

For Serving

• Powdered sugar, caramel sauce, or vanilla ice cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add egg, vanilla, and cold water gradually; mix until dough comes together.
4. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes.

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2. Make the Apple Filling

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced apples, brown and white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
3. Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are tender but not mushy.
4. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook another minute until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and cool completely before filling.

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3. Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
3. Cut circles (about 10–12 cm / 4–5 inches in diameter).
4. Place 1–2 tbsp of apple filling in the center of each circle.
5. Fold over to form a half-moon shape, press edges together, and crimp with a fork.
6. Transfer to the baking sheet.

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4. Bake (or Fry)

To Bake:

• Brush with egg wash and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

To Fry (optional):

• Heat oil in a pan (170°C / 340°F).
• Fry empanadas 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
• Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar.

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5. Serve

Serve warm with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel drizzle
• Or simply dusted with powdered sugar