Empanadas de Piña (Pineapple Empanadas) #SundaySupper

I have a confession to make... As much as I love empanadas, there is a certain empanada that I rarely ever make - Empanadas de Piña (Pineapple Empanadas). Not because I don't love them (which I totally do), but because there are the only two kinds of empanadas sold at most panaderías (bakeries) in my small town: pineapple and vanilla. Usually when I make empanadas at home, it's because I'm craving a kind that I just can't find here in Small Town, Mexico. But pineapple empanadas are so sweet and delicious, that every once in a while, I just HAVE to make them at home, because homemade pineapple empanadas are that good.

Homemade Pineapple Empanadas - lacocinadeleslie.com



The combination of tender, buttery dough and sweet homemade fresh pineapple filling are pretty hard to resist. And the that little hit of cinnamon not only intensifies the flavor of the pineapple, but it also helps balance out the sweetness.

Totally random side note: Just make sure you use baking powder and not baking soda in the empanada dough, otherwise you'll end up with extra crispy empanadas. (I may or may not be speaking from past experience. But if you do make that mistake, just know that the empanadas will still be absolutely scrumptious.)

My favorite way to enjoy these Pineapple Empanadas is with a big cup of Cafe Hawaiano (Hawaiian Coffee). They're a sweet little treat you can enjoy for breakfast or dessert! Perfect for Mother's Day.

From my Cocina to yours, Happy Mother's Day!

Empanadas de Piña - lacocinadeleslie.com

Empanadas de Piña 
(Pineapple Empanadas)
lacocinadeleslie.com

Pineapple Filling:
  • 1 fresh pineapple; peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (I use unflavored Maizena) 
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Empanada Dough: 
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened

Additional Ingredients: 
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Granulated sugar 
  • Ground cinnamon 


For the pineapple filling:
Combine the pineapple, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pineapple starts to boil. Reduce heat and let cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Mash the pineapple with a potato masher to break up the large pieces of pineapple, if desired. Stir together the cornstarch and cold water in a small cup or bowl. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the pineapple, and let cook just until the pineapple filling starts to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.


For the empanadas:  
Stir the white vinegar into the milk; set aside for 5 minutes to allow the milk to curdle. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl. Using a pastry blender or potato masher add the butter into the flour. Stir in the curdled milk until the dough forms a ball. If the dough is too sticky add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, and knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and soft. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. (This will make the dough easier to roll.)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Divide dough into 12 equal parts and shape into balls. Roll out each ball of dough into a 6-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of pineapple filling in the center of each circle of dough. Fold dough in half, making sure to completely cover the filling; pinch edges of dough to seal. Pierce each empanada with a fork. (This allows for steam to escape.) Arrange empanadas on a lightly greased cookie sheet; brush tops with milk and sprinkle with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with milk or coffee. Enjoy!

Recipe yields 12 empanadas

How to Make Empanadas with Fresh Pineapple Filling - lacocinadeleslie.com

For more delicious Mother's Day recipes, be sure to check out this week's Sunday Supper line-up...


Mother's Day Breakfast:

Mother's Day Appetizers:

Mother's Day Soups, Salads and Sides:

Mother's Day Main Dishes:

Mother's Day Desserts:


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20 comments

  1. These look absolutely scrumptious! I love pineapple and empanadas, but I have never had them together! Great recipe!

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  2. Oh, my, do these pineapple empanadas look delectable! I'm so glad I can now make them at home!!!

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  3. I've actually never had a sweet empanada. This recipe looks so tasty I might give them a try.

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  4. Like little pineapple hand pies! Wonderful!

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  5. love this!!! I've never made a sweet empanada. . but can't wait to try this one! yum!

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  6. I haven't had a good empanada in forever! I love that you used pineapple! I can only imagine how wonderful it must taste!

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  7. These look fantastic, I love empanadas!

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  8. Wonderful that you use fresh pineapple in your empanadas, Leslie. And thanks for the reminder to use baking powder not baking soda =)

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  9. My husband is from Spain so we do enjoy a good empanada, but the sweet empandas are less common. I'd love to try a pineapple one.

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  10. What a great recipe, I have had a sweet and spiced pumpkin one like this but never pineapple, yummy!!

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  11. Fabulous and exotic, a great spring dessert

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  12. Oh my god. This is such an amazing idea. A sweet empanada! YUM

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  13. What gorgeous Empanada's! Delicious!

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  14. These look delicious! What a clever, simple dessert!

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  15. I always think of empanadas as being savory - thanks for broadening my horizons!

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  16. This reminds me of grilled pineapple with cinnamon that we get at one of our fave restaurants. These empanadas would be a big hit at my house! Especially with my mom.

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  17. I made these cookies with my daughters and they are addictive. This was a great and cute recipe for children to enjoy, even my husband loves them

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  18. Now I know what I'm making for dinner tonight!

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  19. This looks so delicious and easy to make! This would be so great for any special occasion and with using creative cookie cutters! would it turn out as great if I bought the dough already made? http://www.elmolinitos.com

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