Indulge in a unique holiday treat with these irresistible Eggnog Empanadas! A delightful twist on a classic, these sweet, fried delights promise to be the star of your festive dessert table.
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Eggnog Empanadas: Your New Favorite Holiday Dessert Tradition
As the holiday season approaches, there’s an undeniable magic in the air, often accompanied by the warm, comforting embrace of seasonal flavors. For many, this time of year brings a renewed excitement for spices like peppermint, gingerbread, and of course, the creamy richness of eggnog. There’s something truly special about indulging in treats that only make their appearance once a year, making them all the more cherished and anticipated.
I must confess, when it comes to sipping eggnog straight from a glass, it’s not my absolute favorite beverage. While I adore its distinctive taste profile, the richness can sometimes be a bit overwhelming on its own. However, transform that iconic flavor into a dessert, and I’m entirely on board! From cakes and cookies to custards and, now, these incredible empanadas, eggnog-flavored creations capture the essence of the holidays without being too heavy.
The Inspiration: A Beloved Restaurant Copycat Dessert Empanada
The idea for these Eggnog Empanadas stems from a delightful culinary memory – the dessert empanadas served at a popular fast-food restaurant. Now, these aren’t your typical savory, crescent-shaped empanadas. Instead, they feature a sweet filling encased in a flour tortilla, then rolled up, fried to a golden crisp, and generously coated in cinnamon sugar. They are, in a word, glorious. While they may stray from the traditional definition of an empanada, their deliciousness is undeniable and has captivated dessert lovers for years.
This holiday season, I envisioned giving that beloved copycat dessert a festive makeover. The result? These utterly addictive Eggnog Empanadas. By infusing the creamy filling with the distinctive flavor of eggnog, we elevate a familiar treat into a seasonal sensation. It’s a nostalgic nod to a fast-food favorite, reimagined with the joyful spirit of Christmas.
Crafting the Perfect Holiday Fried Treat
The magic of these Eggnog Empanadas lies in their simplicity and the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the perfectly fried tortilla, giving way to a wonderfully smooth, creamy eggnog-flavored filling. It’s a dessert experience that truly dances on the palate.
The heart of these empanadas is a rich, luscious cream cheese filling, delicately flavored with rum extract and a hint of freshly grated nutmeg. These ingredients are key to capturing that authentic, festive eggnog essence. This creamy concoction is then spread onto soft, pliable Old El Paso burrito-sized flour tortillas. Choosing the right tortilla is crucial here; their size and flexibility make them ideal for rolling tightly and ensuring the filling stays securely inside during frying.
Once filled and expertly rolled like miniature burritos, these delectable parcels are ready for their golden transformation. A quick fry in hot oil renders the tortillas beautifully crispy and golden brown. Immediately after frying, while still warm, each empanada is rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, further enhanced with a dash of extra nutmeg. This final touch adds an irresistible sweet and spicy crust that perfectly complements the creamy interior.
Serving Suggestions and Why These Empanadas Are a Must-Try
To truly complete the experience, serve these warm Eggnog Empanadas with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The cool, airy cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced empanadas, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply divine. Imagine enjoying these after a magical evening of driving around to admire dazzling Christmas lights – there truly couldn’t be a more perfect way to cap off a festive night.
These empanadas are not just a dessert; they are an experience. They embody the joy and warmth of the holiday season in every bite. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them an exceptional addition to any holiday gathering, a cozy treat for family movie nights, or a memorable dessert to share with loved ones. They are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Perfection:
- Softening Tortillas: Don’t skip the step of warming your tortillas briefly in the microwave. This makes them much more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Rolling Tightly: Ensure you roll the empanadas tightly to prevent the filling from oozing out during frying. Toothpicks can be a helpful safeguard for the ends.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature for even browning. If the oil is too cool, the empanadas will absorb too much oil; if it’s too hot, they’ll burn before cooking through.
- Immediate Coating: Roll the empanadas in the cinnamon sugar mixture as soon as they come out of the oil. The warmth helps the sugar adhere better, creating that perfect sugary crust.
Whether you’re looking for a new holiday tradition or simply craving a delicious and unique dessert, these Eggnog Empanadas are sure to impress. They offer a delightful blend of the familiar comfort of fried pastries with the unmistakable, joyous flavor of eggnog, creating a treat that is both innovative and incredibly satisfying. Prepare to have your taste buds sing with holiday cheer!
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Eggnog Empanadas
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Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon rum extract
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 8 Old El Paso burrito sized flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- oil for frying
- fresh whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese in a large bowl and beat until smooth. Add in the sugar, rum extract and nutmeg and beat until combined and creamy.
- If needed, place the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften them up. Spread 1/8 of the mixture down the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll like a burrito, making sure to roll tightly. If needed, secure the end with a toothpick.
- At this point, you can refrigerate the empanadas, if desired. If ready to fry, combine the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
- Heat about 1/2” to 3/4” of oil in a heavy skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the empanadas, working in batches to avoid crowding the skillet. Fry until browned on one side, about 1 minute, then flip and cook until the second side is browned. Immediately transfer the empanadas to the cinnamon sugar mixture and roll to coat, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining empanadas.
- Serve with whipped cream, if desired.
Recipe Notes:
Once fried, the empanadas are best eaten the same day for optimal crispness and flavor. If you have leftovers, a quick reheat in an air fryer or oven can help restore some of their texture.
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I am in a working relationship with Old El Paso, and this post has been sponsored. I’m so glad to be able to work with companies and organizations that I truly believe in. Thank you for supporting them, too.