Baked Apple Empanadas

Ingredients

• 4 cup all-purpose flour (Plus a little more for the work surface or if the dough is very sticky.)
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar (For the dough.)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter (For the dough.)
• 1 capful Mexican vanilla or vanilla extract (For the dough; the capful is approximately 1 teaspoon.)
• 2 eggs (For the dough.)
• 0.5 cup milk (For the dough; add a little more if needed to bring the masa together.)
• 4 Granny Smith apples (Wash, peel, core, slice into small strips, and dice.)
• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar (For the filling.)
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar (For the filling.)
• 3 tbsp butter (For the filling.)
• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon (The creator says up to 2 teaspoons may be used.)
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg (Use only a little, as directed.)
• 1 capful Mexican vanilla or vanilla extract (For the filling; approximately 1 teaspoon.)
• 1.5 tbsp cornstarch (Mix with cold water before adding to the filling.)
• 2 tbsp cold water (For the cornstarch slurry.)
• butter or oil (A small amount to lightly grease the baking sheet.)
• 1 egg (For the egg wash.)
• 1 tsp milk (For the egg wash.)

Steps

1. 1

   Wash the apples thoroughly, then peel and core them. Slice them into small strips and dice them into the size desired for the filling.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. 3

   Add 1 cup butter and work it into the flour mixture with one hand until the mixture is nicely crumbly and the butter is incorporated.

4. 4

   Add one capful of Mexican vanilla or vanilla extract, then add the two eggs.

5. 5

   Add 1/2 cup milk and mix until the masa comes together. Add a little more milk if needed; if the dough remains very sticky, add a little more flour. Do not knead it for an extended period.

6. 6

   Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, a plastic bag, or a resealable bag. Refrigerate for about 20 to 30 minutes, until it becomes slightly firm.

7. 7

   Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced apples without adding oil.

8. 8

   Add the packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and one capful of Mexican vanilla or vanilla extract to the apples.

9. 9

   Stir the apple mixture and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep the apples from becoming mushy; they should retain a little bite.

10. 10

    In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Do not add the dry cornstarch directly to the apples, as it may clump.

11. 11

    Pour the cornstarch slurry into the apple filling and stir until the mixture thickens and gelatinizes.

12. 12

    Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

13. 13

    Lightly flour a cutting board or other flat work surface. Place the chilled dough on it and divide it into 16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.

14. 14

    Place a sheet of plastic on an open tortilla press. Put one dough ball on the plastic, cover it with a second layer of plastic, and gently press it into a round. Keep the dough somewhat thick rather than pressing it as thin as a tortilla.

15. 15

    Peel away the plastic and place the dough round on a lightly greased baking sheet.

16. 16

    Place about 2 tablespoons of cooled apple filling in the center of the dough round. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges closed. Add a decorative edge if desired.

17. 17

    Repeat the pressing, filling, folding, and sealing process with the remaining dough and filling.

18. 18

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

19. 19

    Crack one egg into a bowl, add about 1 teaspoon milk, and whisk them together.

20. 20

    Brush a thin layer of the egg wash over each empanada.

21. 21

    Bake the empanadas at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, until baked and browned on the outside.

Notes

The source notes that some filling may seep out during baking. The exact amount of additional milk or flour needed for dough consistency is intentionally left flexible, as described by the creator.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• baked
• Mexican
• vegetarian
• hand pies
• apple
• pastry
• holiday