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How to Make Peach Empanadas
To make peach empanadas, you’ll need fresh peaches, a simple dough, and a little patience for folding.
Learning how to make peach empanadas is easier than you might think, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to make them all summer long.
These sweet little turnovers are the perfect way to use up ripe peaches, and they taste like a warm hug on a plate.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, this guide will walk you through how to make peach empanadas step by step.
In this post, we’ll cover the ingredients you need, how to prepare the filling, how to assemble and bake them, and a few tips to make the process smooth.
Let’s dive in and learn how to make peach empanadas that your whole family will love.
Ingredients and Tools for Making Peach Empanadas
Before you start making peach empanadas, gather everything you need so the process goes smoothly.
1. The Peach Filling Ingredients
For the filling, you’ll need about four cups of fresh peaches, peeled and diced.
You’ll also want half a cup of granulated sugar, a tablespoon of cornstarch, a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
If you like a little spice, a pinch of nutmeg or cloves adds a lovely warmth to the filling.
Fresh peaches work best, but frozen or canned peaches can work in a pinch if you drain them well.
2. The Empanada Dough
For the dough, you’ll need two and a half cups of all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of salt, and a tablespoon of sugar.
You’ll also need a cup of cold unsalted butter cut into cubes, plus about half a cup of ice water.
Some people add an egg yolk for richness, but it’s optional if you want to keep things simple.
You can also use store-bought empanada discs if you’re short on time, and they work just fine for making peach empanadas.
3. Tools You’ll Want on Hand
A rolling pin, a sharp knife, and a fork for crimping are the basics you’ll need.
You’ll also want a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and a pastry brush for egg wash.
A small bowl of water helps seal the edges, and a slotted spoon makes it easy to scoop the filling.
Once you have everything ready, making peach empanadas becomes a breeze.
How to Make Peach Empanadas Step by Step
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s walk through how to make peach empanadas from start to finish.
1. Prepare the Peach Filling
Start by peeling and dicing your peaches into small, even pieces.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peaches, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Cook the mixture for about five to seven minutes until the peaches soften and the liquid thickens.
Remove it from the heat and let it cool completely before using it to fill your peach empanadas.
2. Make the Empanada Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Slowly add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Wrap the dough in plastic and chill it for at least thirty minutes before rolling it out for your peach empanadas.
3. Assemble the Peach Empanadas
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about an eighth of an inch thick.
Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles about four to five inches wide.
Place a spoonful of cooled peach filling in the center of each circle, being careful not to overfill.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together with a fork.
Brush each peach empanada with egg wash so they bake up golden and shiny.
4. Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the peach empanadas on the sheet with a little space between each one.
Bake for about twenty to twenty-five minutes, or until they’re golden brown and bubbling slightly.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, because that hot peach filling can burn your mouth.
Tips for Perfect Peach Empanadas Every Time
Making peach empanadas gets easier with practice, but a few tips can help you nail it on the first try.
1. Don’t Overfill the Dough
Overfilling is the number one reason peach empanadas leak or burst in the oven.
Stick to about a tablespoon of filling per empanada, and leave a border around the edge for sealing.
2. Keep the Dough Cold
Cold dough is easier to work with and produces a flakier crust for your peach empanadas.
If the dough starts to soften while you’re working, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
3. Seal the Edges Well
Press the edges firmly with a fork, or crimp them with your fingers for a decorative touch.
A good seal keeps the peach filling inside where it belongs, so your peach empanadas hold their shape.
4. Add a Glaze or Topping
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze takes peach empanadas to the next level.
You can also sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a little crunch.
So, How Do You Make Peach Empanadas?
You make peach empanadas by preparing a sweet peach filling, making a simple buttery dough, filling and folding the circles, and baking them until golden brown.
The process is straightforward, and the result is a warm, fruity treat that’s hard to resist.
Now that you know how to make peach empanadas, you can play with the recipe by adding different spices or swapping in other fruits.
Whether you serve them for dessert, a snack, or a special brunch, peach empanadas are always a hit.
So grab some ripe peaches and give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did.