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Pumpkin Pecan Empanaditas (Mini Empanadas)
 
recipe image
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 50 Minutes
Servings: 20
These are really pretty, little, bite-size pastries/cookies. This is a traditional dessert in Spanish-speaking countries (such as Mexico) but also can be served as a sweet appetizer. You can also use jam or dulce de leche as the filling. Don't skip the glaze as it holds the empanaditas together. This recipe is from Diana's Desserts . Filling needs at least 45 minutes to cool (less in the freezer).
Ingredients:
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon each ground nutmeg and clo)
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter (this is equal to 2 sticks, 8 oz, or 226g)
8 -10 tablespoons cold water
1 egg
1 teaspoon water
sanding sugar (optional)
Directions:
1. Combine pumpkin, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened (8 to 12 minutes). Cool completely (45 to 60 minutes). Stir in pecans.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Combine flour, sugar and salt in medium bowl; cut in 1 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in enough water until flour is just moistened.
4. Divide dough in half. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, one-half at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter. Place rounded 1/2 teaspoon filling in center of each circle. Fold one side of circle over other to form crescent-shaped empanaditas. Pinch together lightly to seal. Place onto ungreased cookie sheet; press edges together with tines of fork to seal.
5. Whisk together egg and 1 teaspoon water in small bowl. Brush egg mixture lightly over tops of empanaditas; repeat. Sprinkle with sanding sugar, if using. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
By RecipeOfHealth.com