Authentic empanada pastry dough –Are you ready to whip up some delicious empanadas? With this easy Empanada Dough Recipe, you’ll be able to create perfectly flaky dough that encases a variety of scrumptious fillings! Let’s dive into the details and get started.
Empanada Dough Recipe
This recipe provides you with a versatile dough that can be used for both baked and fried empanadas. Gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family!

Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1 egg yolk
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Whisk them together until well blended.
- Add the diced butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 6 tablespoons of ice water. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough begins to come together. If necessary, add more ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together but is not sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute to form a smooth dough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the dough to chill and firm up, making it easier to roll out.
- Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
- Fill each circle with your favorite filling, fold over, and crimp the edges to seal. You can either bake or fry them depending on your preference!
Now that you have your empanada dough ready, the possibilities are endless! Fill them with savory meats, cheese, or even sweet fruits for a delightful treat. Happy cooking!