A mince pie is a traditional British pastry-based dessert that is typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. Despite its name, mince pies do not necessarily contain minced meat today. The filling usually consists of minced dried fruits, such as raisins, sultanas, and currants, mixed with suet, sugar, spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves), and sometimes brandy or other spirits.
Mince Pie
4
servings40
minutes15
minutesThe filling is enclosed in a pastry shell, which can be shortcrust pastry or puff pastry. Mince pies are often served warm and may be dusted with powdered sugar. They are a popular treat during Christmas festivities and are commonly enjoyed with a dollop of brandy butter or whipped cream. While the ingredients have evolved over time, mince pies have been a part of British Christmas traditions for centuries.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
A pinch of salt
1 large egg, beaten
2-3 tablespoons cold water
2 cups mincemeat (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons brandy or orange juice
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the beaten egg and cold water to the mixture. Use a fork to bring the dough together. If needed, add more water a little at a time until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Use a round cutter to cut out circles to fit your tart or muffin tins.
- Place the pastry circles into the tart or muffin tins.
- Mix the mincemeat with brandy or orange juice if desired.
- Spoon a small amount of mincemeat into each pastry case.
- If you have extra pastry, you can cut out smaller shapes to place on top of the mincemeat or create a lattice pattern.
- Bake the mince pies in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Allow the mince pies to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar if desired.
