Irresistibly Sweet Dulce de Leche Empanadas: A Recipe You’ll Love

 If you're a fan of sweet, buttery pastries and crave something truly decadent, dulce de leche empanadas are a must-try. Originating from Latin American traditions, empanadas come in many forms–savory and sweet–but these rich, caramel-filled pastries hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs!) of dessert lovers. Dulce de leche, a creamy caramel made from sweetened condensed milk, is the star of this recipe, tucked inside a tender, flaky dough that’s baked to golden-brown perfection.

Whether you’re new to Latin American desserts or simply looking for your next indulgent treat, dulce de leche empanadas are an easy way to impress your taste buds. They’re perfect for coffee breaks, holidays, or any time you want to share something special.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 12-15 medium-sized dulce de leche empanadas.

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup cold water (add more as needed)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)

To Finish:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Prepare the dry mix: Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the butter: Toss the cold, diced butter into the flour mixture, then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Combine wet ingredients: Beat the egg with cold water and slowly add it to the flour mixture. Mix gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together.
4. Knead and chill: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead just until it holds together (avoid overmixing). Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

If you’re using store-bought dulce de leche, ensure it’s at room temperature and smooth for easy spreading. To make homemade dulce de leche, simmer a can of sweetened condensed milk in a water bath for about 2 hours until it caramelizes. Allow it to cool before filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Roll out the dough: Once chilled, roll your dough out on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. Re-roll scraps as needed.
2. Fill: Place 1-2 teaspoons of dulce de leche in the center of each circle, being careful not to overfill. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
3. Chill again: Place your assembled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help them keep their shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush and sprinkle: Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg. For added sweetness and texture, sprinkle with granulated sugar.
3. Bake: Place the empanadas in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
4. Cool and dust: Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

These dulce de leche empanadas are perfect served warm with a cup of strong coffee or hot chocolate. For added indulgence, drizzle them with melted chocolate or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Variations to Try

• Add fillings: Pair dulce de leche with chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Fry instead of bake: For a more traditional twist, fry the empanadas in hot oil until golden instead of baking.
• Glaze them: Brush the empanadas with a simple sugar glaze right after baking for extra shine and sweetness.

Once you bite into the gooey, caramel goodness of dulce de leche wrapped in a buttery crust, you’ll understand why these empanadas are a favorite across Latin America. Enjoy baking this delightful treat–it’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your household!