Easy Mince Pie Recipe for Holiday Baking Fun

The holiday season brings with it the delightful aroma of baking, and nothing says festive more than a classic mince pie. These little pastry wonders are not only easy to make but also infuse your home with warmth and joy. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner looking to dive into the holiday spirit, this Easy Mince Pie Recipe is perfect for you.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to craft your homemade mince pies:

• 250g plain flour
• 125g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 35g icing sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1-2 tablespoons cold water
• 400g mincemeat

Preparation

Let’s break down the steps to create these festive treats:

Making the Pastry

1. Start by sifting the flour into a mixing bowl.
2. Add the diced butter to the flour.
3. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
4. Stir in the icing sugar.
5. Make a well in the center and crack in the egg along with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water.
6. Mix until a dough forms, adding more water if the mixture is too dry.
7. Once a dough forms, wrap it and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Assembling the Pies

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F or Gas Mark 6).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 3mm thickness.
3. Using a round cutter, cut out bases and lids for your pies. You’ll need enough bases to fit your muffin tin.
4. Line the muffin tin with the bases, pressing them into place gently.
5. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of mincemeat into each pastry base.
6. Top with pastry lids, and seal with a little beaten egg or water. If you like, you can cut out shapes from the lids or use a fork to crimp the edges for decoration.
7. Brush the tops with a bit of beaten egg for that golden glaze.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden color.

🔍 Note: You can make the mince pies ahead of time and freeze them unbaked. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few ideas to make your mince pies even more irresistible:

• Dust with icing sugar before serving for a snowy finish.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or brandy butter for an extra decadent touch.
• Accompany them with a hot cup of tea or mulled wine.
• For an adult version, consider adding a splash of brandy or rum to the mincemeat filling before baking.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about baking mince pies during the holiday season. They’re simple to make yet rich in flavor, offering warmth and tradition on every plate. This easy recipe ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festive moments with loved ones. With their buttery, crumbly pastry and sweet, tangy filling, homemade mince pies are a Christmas delight that brings comfort and joy. Whether you’re baking for yourself, for guests, or to share as gifts, these little pies are a testament to the joy of holiday baking.

Can I make mince pies in advance?

+

Yes, you can prepare mince pies ahead of time. You can freeze the unbaked pies for up to a month. When ready to bake, increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.

What if I can’t find mincemeat?

+

You can make your own! Combine dried fruits, apple, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, brown sugar, citrus zest and juice, and brandy or rum. Let it macerate for a few days to develop flavors.

Can I make these pies gluten-free?

+

Yes, use gluten-free flour in the same quantities, and ensure your mincemeat is also gluten-free.