Pan-Fried Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Empanadas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried empanadas filled with a sweet cream cheese and cinnamon sugar mixture, perfect for a quick dessert dip or snack. This Latin American-inspired recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, layers store-bought pie dough, cream cheese, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  2. Step 2: Roll out 1 sheet of store-bought pie dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out 8 circles.
  3. Step 3: Spoon 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each dough circle.
  4. Step 4: Fold each circle in half to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly, crimping with a fork to seal.
  5. Step 5: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  6. Step 6: Fry the empanadas in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Step 7: Remove empanadas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  8. Step 8: Dust empanadas with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar while still warm and serve with a side of honey or fruit jam for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Empanadas take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Empanadas?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Empanadas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Empanadas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Empanadas?

Latin American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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