Empanadas De Guayaba Guava Empanadas

Looking to add a touch of Mexican tradition to your Christmas baking this year? Empanadas De Guayaba, also known as Guava Empanadas, are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that will bring a taste of Mexico to your holiday table. These sweet and flaky pastries filled with guava paste are the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and buttery pastry. Let’s get baking!

**Empanadas De Guayaba (Guava Empanadas)**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
– 1/4 cup cold water
– 1 cup guava paste, diced
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

2. **Add Water:** Slowly drizzle in the cold water while stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. If needed, use your hands to gently knead the dough into a smooth ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

3. **Chill the Dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.

4. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or a small plate, cut out circles of dough to make the empanadas.

6. **Fill the Empanadas:** Place a small spoonful of diced guava paste in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill the empanadas, or they may burst open during baking.

7. **Fold and Seal:** Fold the dough circles in half to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press down and seal the edges of the empanadas.

8. **Brush with Egg Wash:** Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish when baked.

9. **Bake:** Place the sealed empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.

10. **Serve:** Once the empanadas are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy these Empanadas De Guayaba warm or at room temperature with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate for a truly festive and delicious treat. These Guava Empanadas are sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home, bringing a burst of flavor and warmth to your Christmas celebrations. Happy baking!