Step 1

Place the pumpkin in a saucepan with the piloncillo, 1/4 cup of water , and the cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until the pumpkin is tender. Remove the cinnamon stick.

Step 2

At this time, the piloncillo should have been dissolved; add the ground cinnamon, ground anise, and clove. Keep cooking uncovered for about 20 or more minutes, frequently stirring until the mixture takes the texture of a jam. This can be done ahead of time and must to be a room temperature before forming the empanadas.

Step 3

Place the yeast in a small bowl, add the warm milk and let it proof for about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Meanwhile, place the Flour, eggs, melted and cool butter, sugar and , salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and mix to form a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes , adding more flour if needed.

Step 5

Place the dough in an oiled bowl turning to coat it with the oil. Cover with plastic and let it rest for about 1 1/2 hours in a warm place.

Step 6

After that period knead the dough again for 2-3 minutes and divide it into 12 small soft balls to start forming the empanadas. Cover with plastic.

Step 7

With the help of your rolling pin, roll out each dough balls on a lightly floured surface into circles of about 7 inches in diameter , stretching it if necessary.

Step 8

Place about 1/4 cup of filling in the center of each; fold dough to enclose the filling and form a half moon. Seal edges by crimping with a fork.

Step 9

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange empanadas on 2 greased baking sheets; brush with egg wash and dust with some sugar if you desired. Let them rest for about 30-35 minutes until the dough raises.

Step 10

Bake until light brown, 15 to 18 minutes; rotate pans between racks halfway through. Baking time will vary depending on your oven.

Step 11

I placed some of these empanadas in the freezer for later use. You know those times when you want to have some coffee and a sweet thing to go alone?. Well, I put one in the toaster oven while my coffee was brewing, and it tasted great. Really crispy with its soft filling. So now you know they freeze well.