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A stack of six golden-brown pumpkin empanadas sits on a white, scalloped plate. The background features autumn-themed decorations, including two small pumpkins and a bouquet of orange, red, and yellow flowers. The plate is placed on an orange and white patterned cloth.
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5 from 43 votes

Pumpkin Empanadas (Empanadas de Calabaza)

These easy Pumpkin Empanadas are made with canned pumpkin, cinnamon, and flaky pie crust. A delicious Mexican bakery favorite made simple.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 24
Calories: 114kcal
Author: Maggie Unzueta

Ingredients

For the Filling:

To Assemble:

Optional Coating:

Instructions

To Make The Filling:

  • In a large pan, melt the butter and add the brown sugar.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Cook for 1 minute.
  • Then add the pumpkin, cinnamon, and cloves.
  • Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Let cool completely.

To Assemble:

  • Preheat oven 350 F or 180 C.
  • Sprinkle flour on a dry, flat surface.
  • Roll out the pie crust.
  • Use a circular cookie cutter or clean, round can, cut out a circle about 3-inch in diameter.
  • Add a teaspoon to the middle of each circle.
  • Fold one end of the circle over to close.
  • With a fork, press the edges to close.
  • In a greased sheet pan, place each of the uncooked empanadas.
  • Mix the egg and water to create egg wash.
  • Brush the uncooked empanadas with the egg wash.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Cool on a wire rack.

Optional Coating:

  • Mix cinnamon and sugar.
  • While the empanadas are still warm, gently coat them with the cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Video

Notes

Optional Coating: Once they are baked and still warm, dust them with sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Turn them gently to coat completely. 
Storing Instructions:
  • Place in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • You can also individually wrap them in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. 
Do fruit hand pies need to be refrigerated? Pies that do not have dairy products can be covered and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg