Step 1

Combine pineapple and the 3/4 c of sugar in a frying pan or pot, and heat on the stove until it starts to boil.

Step 2

Turn down heat and let it simmer, stirring often, until it is thick like jam, about 20 minutes.

Step 3

In a stand mixer, use a paddle attachment to cream together ½ cup of butter and 8 ounces of cream cheese. I use dairy free options for both of these ingredients, but dairy options are fine.

Step 4

Once creamed together, add ¼ cup sugar, 1 ½ cups Gluten free flour, and ¼ cup almond flour. Mix together in the mixer until just combined. The dough should be nice and moist, but not too sticky. If it is too dry add a little bit of milk.

Step 5

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6

Use a rolling pin to roll out the prepared dough into a large rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Flour the roller and place plastic wrap under the dough to prevent sticking, if needed.

Step 7

Preheat an oven to 375° F

Step 8

When rolled out to size, use a circular cookie cutter to cut out individual circles of dough (at least 3 inches in diameter). Roll up the scraps into a ball and repeat the process until all the dough is used.

Step 9

Next, to form an empanada, take a dough circle and place no more than 1/2 tablespoon of pineapple filling in the center. Depending on the size of your dough circles you may need to use more or less filling, but too much filling will prevent the dough from folding over cleanly without breaking.

Step 10

Carefully fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon. Pinch or press the edges to help seal the dough. If necessary, wet the tip of a fork with water and press down across the edge for a stronger seal and nice finish. If the dough cracks on the back of the fold, gently press it together to mend any breaks.

Step 11

Place each prepared empanada about 1 inch apart onto the baking sheet.

Step 12

Once all the empanadas are assembled, in a small container beat an egg with a fork. Use a pastry brush to paint a thin layer of egg wash onto each empanada. Sprinkle lightly with sugar, if desired.

Step 13

Bake in an oven for 10-14 minutes. They are ready when lightly browned on top.