Chocolate empanadas

Authentic Uruguayan Chocolate empanadas — a delicious dessert dish with 10 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026
3 views

20

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

350

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Chocolate empanadas

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 400 g Condensed Milk
  • 250 g All purpose flour
  • 25 g Unsweetened Cocoa
  • Pinch Salt
  • 125 g Butter
  • 1 Egg
  • 3 tablespoons Milk
  • 30 g Butter
  • 30 g Sugar
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon

Instructions

6 steps · ~68 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    For the filling place the can in a large pot and cover completely with water. Boil for two and a half hours, occassionally adding water. Let cool before opening. For further tips, please check here.

    10 minutes
    Use a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.
  2. Step 2

    For the dough combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter in small pieces and rub into crumbs with your fingers Add the egg and work into a dough. You may have to add milk, a tablespoon at a time if it still is to dry. Wrap and chill for at least half an hour or overnight.

    3 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
  3. Step 3

    Line a baking sheeet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

    25 minutes
    Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.
  4. Step 4

    Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, it should be thin. Cut out circles of 12cm either with a cookie cutter or with a smaller plate/dish. Put two to three teaspoons of the dulce de leche in the middle of each circle. Brush the edges with milk, I do this with my pinkie. Fold each circle in half so that you have a half moon and press down the edges with a fork. You can also turn the edges about half a centimeter inwards every centimeter or so to create a pattern.

    2 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  5. Step 5

    Place the prepared empanadas on the baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Bake for about 20-25min.

    25 minutes
    Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.
  6. Step 6

    Towards the end of the baking time, melt the remaining butter and mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once you take the empanadas out, immediately brush with the butter and sprinkle with the sugar mix. Empanadas can be enjoyed either still warm or cold. If eating warm, be careful not to burn yourself with hot filling!

    3 minutes

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Uruguayan recipe for Chocolate empanadas is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Brazilian cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 5 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

What to Serve With

Complete your brazilian meal with these perfect pairings:

A cup of espresso or café au lait
🍦Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side
🍓Fresh berries or seasonal fruit

About This Dish

Chocolate empanadas is a beloved dish from Brazilian cuisine, originating in Brazil. With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Brazilian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

To seal chocolate empanadas effectively, use a fork to crimp the edges after folding them over the filling. Ensure the edges are dampened with a little water or egg wash to help them stick together.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories350kcal
Total Fat16g
Sodium474mg
Total Carbohydrates39g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein42g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineBrazilian
CategoryDesserts
CountryBrazil