Are you ready to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn? Then look no further! This recipe for pumpkin turnovers is the perfect blend of sweet and comforting, ideal for a chilly evening or a festive gathering. These homemade pumpkin turnovers are surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you to create delicious, golden-brown turnovers filled with the warm spice of pumpkin pie filling. They're perfect for a quick dessert, a delightful breakfast treat, or even a unique addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Pastry:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Making the Pumpkin Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Assembling and Baking the Turnovers:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Cut out circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles from the dough.
- Fill the turnovers: Place a spoonful of pumpkin filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold and seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Egg wash (optional): Brush the tops of the turnovers with a little extra beaten egg for a golden brown finish.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the turnovers cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Turnovers:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are crucial for a flaky crust.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
- Don't overfill: Overfilling can cause the turnovers to leak during baking.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the pumpkin filling for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water).
Nutritional Information (per turnover, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-4g
Enjoy your delicious homemade pumpkin turnovers! They're a perfect fall treat that's sure to impress your family and friends. These easy recipes and healthy meals are perfect for any occasion. This quick dinner idea is also great for busy weeknights. These best recipes make homemade cooking simple and enjoyable. These delicious dishes are a must-try!