Cajeta-Filled Mexican Sweet Empanadas
Golden, flaky empanadas filled with rich, caramel-like cajeta — crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside, and completely
irresistible.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 empanadas
Ingredients
Empanada Dough
2½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
⅓ cup milk (plus more if needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
¾ cup cajeta (goat’s milk carame
For Finishing
1 large egg, beaten (egg wash)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar + ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Form the Dough
Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes to relax the gluten.
Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
Cut into 4–5 inch circles.
Fill the Empanadas
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cajeta into the center of each dough circle, keeping it away from the edges.
Seal
Fold the dough over to form a half-moon. Press edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork.
Prepare for Baking
Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush the tops with egg wash.
Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar if using.
Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and lightly crisp.
Finish & Serve
Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Pro Tip
Warm the empanadas slightly before serving — the cajeta becomes extra gooey and luxurious, making each bite pure heaven.
Perfect with coffee, hot chocolate, or as a festive dessert for any occasion
