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Empanada Dough Recipe

Empanada Dough Recipe

This Empanada Dough Recipe makes soft, flaky, and golden pastry that’s easy to shape, fill, and bake or fry. Made with simple ingredients and a touch of butter, it’s the perfect base for any savory or sweet empanada. You can prepare it ahead, store it, and fill it with your favorite meats, vegetables, or fruits for a delicious homemade treat.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Latin American, spanish
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cut into cubes
  • 1 large egg
  • cup cold water plus 1 tablespoon if needed
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice optional, for tenderness

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl to combine ingredients
  • 1 Whisk For mixing wet ingredients
  • 1 rolling pin to roll out the dough evenly
  • 1 pastry cutter or round mold to shape empanadas
  • Plastic wrap for resting the dough

Method
 

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Stir to blend evenly.
  2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes and work them into the flour with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  3. Add wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture.
  4. Form the dough: Mix with a fork or your hands until the dough just comes together. Add a little more water if it feels too dry.
  5. Rest the dough: Shape into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make it easier to roll.
  6. Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ⅛ inch thick. Use a 4–5 inch round cutter or bowl to make circles.
  7. Fill and seal: Add your favorite filling to the center of each round, fold in half, and crimp the edges with a fork.
  8. Bake or fry:
    To bake: Brush with egg wash and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
    To fry: Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) and fry for 3–4 minutes on each side until crisp and golden.
  9. Serve: Enjoy hot with the Green Chutney Recipe for a zesty dip or a side of Pollo Loco Recipe for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For extra flakiness, keep the butter cold at all times and don’t overwork the dough.
  • You can freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of paprika or chili powder to the dough for a hint of color and spice.
  • Try using whole-wheat flour for a slightly denser, rustic texture.
  • Serve your empanadas warm with the Coconut Mojito Recipe for a tropical twist.
Empanada Dough Recipe
Empanada Dough Recipe
Empanada Dough Recipe