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Empanada Dough

A simple and rewarding recipe for making empanada dough from scratch, perfect for a variety of sweet or savory fillings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Latin American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Use for the base of the dough.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced Chilled butter is essential for flakiness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavor of the dough.
  • 1/4 cup cold water Add gradually to bring the dough together.
  • 1 piece egg (optional, for egg wash) For a shiny finish when baking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
  2. Add the diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
  4. Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface until smooth.
  5. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
  6. Roll out the dough and cut into circles for filling.

Notes

Tip: Always use chilled butter for a flakier texture. Don’t skip the refrigeration step, as it helps the dough relax, making it easier to roll out later. Consider adding herbs or spices for extra flavor.