Indulge in the holiday spirit with a traditional Spanish Christmas treat that will bring warmth and sweetness to your home. Empanadillas De Dulce, or Sweet Filled Pastries, are a delightful pastry filled with a sweet and flavorsome filling that captures the essence of the festive season. These little pockets of joy are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a cozy treat by the fireside. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will surely become a family favorite during the holiday season.
**Ingredients:**
For the pastry dough:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
– 1/4 cup cold water
For the filling:
– 1 cup quince paste, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Zest of 1 orange
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pastry Dough:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
– Add the cold diced butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Slowly add the cold water to the mixture, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
– Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Make the Filling:**
– In a separate bowl, mix the finely chopped quince paste, chopped almonds, sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest until well combined. Set aside.
3. **Assemble the Empanadillas De Dulce:**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
– Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough.
– Place a spoonful of the sweet filling in the center of each dough circle.
– Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-circle shape. Use a fork to press and seal the edges.
– Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet.
4. **Bake the Empanadillas:**
– Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
– Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
These Empanadillas De Dulce Sweet Filled Pastries are a true delight that combines the buttery goodness of the pastry with the sweet and aromatic flavors of the filling. They are perfect for serving with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine, adding a touch of festive cheer to your gatherings.
Enjoy the simple pleasure of baking these delightful treats and sharing them with your loved ones. Empanadillas De Dulce will surely become a beloved addition to your holiday baking traditions. Happy baking and happy holidays!
