How To Make Empanada Dough

Step 1

Place the flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until combined.

Step 2

Add the cubed butter and pulse 15 times, or until the butter is approximately pea-sized or a little larger.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the egg, ice water, and vinegar. Add to the flour mixture. Pulse 6–8 times, or until the liquid is incorporated into the dough (it will look sandy and/or shaggy).

Step 4

Place a 24 inch piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Dump the dough onto the plastic wrap. Use the edges of the plastic wrap to form the dough into a rectangle, roughly 1 inch thick.

Step 5

Wrap the edges of the plastic wrap around the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 6

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.

Step 7

Place one of the balls on a lightly floured board. Dust a rolling pin with flour. Use the rolling pin to roll the ball into a circle, approximately ⅛ inch thick and 5 inches in diameter.

Step 8

Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough. Refrigerate dough circles for 15 minutes.

Step 9

Place one dough circle on a flat surface. Place a scant two tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the dough over and press gently to seal.

Step 10

Crimp the edges using this technique or the tines of a fork. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 11

Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 12

Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush empanadas with the beaten egg. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until golden brown.