This classic christmas mince pie recipe brings the warmth and spice of a traditional British holiday treat right into your home. You will love the rich, deeply spiced fruit filling nestled within a buttery, homemade shortcrust pastry. Making these festive pies from scratch is easier than you think and perfectly captures the holiday spirit. Get ready to create a truly memorable dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Mince Pie Recipe
You will adore this christmas mince pie recipe for many wonderful reasons. It delivers that traditional holiday taste everyone craves during the festive season. This recipe is simple to make from scratch, perfect for even beginner bakers. Plus, it offers a delicious nut-free and suet-free option, making it accessible for more guests. These mince pies are a fantastic make-ahead dessert, simplifying your holiday preparations. Ultimately, they are an impressive, heartwarming treat perfect for any festive gathering.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful classic christmas mince pie recipe. Using fresh, high-quality components ensures the best flavor for your homemade pies.
For the Mincemeat Filling
- 1 cup/5 ounces (142 grams) currants
- 1 cup/5 ounces (142 grams) raisins
- ¼ cup (59 ml) brandy
- ½ cup (70 grams) green apple, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 ounces (56 grams) candied peel of your choice
- Juice of 1 orange
- Zest of ½ an orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ½ cup (100 grams) dark brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons (57 grams) butter, cold
For the Shortcrust Pastry
- 1 ½ cups (225 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, cubed and kept cold
- ½ cup cold water
For the Topping
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- 1 teaspoon powdered/confectioners sugar
Notes & Substitutions
If you prefer to omit alcohol, apple juice or orange juice make excellent brandy alternatives in the mincemeat. Feel free to swap currants or raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for a different twist. For a truly traditional approach, you can include beef suet in the mincemeat filling instead of butter. Always use high-quality butter for both the pastry and filling; it makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor.
Equipment
You will need a few standard kitchen tools to prepare this lovely Christmas treat. Have your mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spoons ready to go. A food processor is optional but helpful for the pastry, otherwise a pastry cutter works well. Grab a rolling pin, a 4-inch round cutter, and a 12-cup regular muffin pan. Finally, a wire cooling rack and baking sheets will complete your setup.
Instructions
Creating this delicious christmas mince pie recipe is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps carefully for perfect results.
1. Prepare Mincemeat Filling
Combine the currants, raisins, and brandy in a large bowl. Allow these to soak for 1-2 hours, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator. This step deeply infuses the dried fruits with flavor. Next, add the finely chopped green apple, candied peel, orange juice and zest, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dark brown sugar to the bowl. Use a box grater to grate in the cold butter, then mix everything together thoroughly. Allow the flavors to meld for at least 30 minutes before filling the pies. If you are not baking immediately, store the mincemeat in sterilized jars in a cool, dry place for up to one month.
2. Make the Shortcrust Pastry
For the pastry, you have two options: using a food processor or making it by hand.
Using a food processor: Add the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cold, cubed butter to the food processor. Pulse a few times until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in just enough cold water until the dough starts to come together and forms a ball. Be careful not to overmix; you might not need all the water.
By hand: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cold, cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually drizzle in the cold water, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together and holds its shape when pressed. Again, avoid overworking the dough.
Once the dough forms, gently shape it into a ball. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 10-15 minutes. Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving a flaky, tender crust.
3. Assemble the Mince Pies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 12-count regular size muffin pan. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about ⅛-inch (3 mm) thick. Use a 4-inch (10 cm) round cutter to cut out 12 pastry circles for the bases. Carefully place each round into the cups of the muffin pan, gently pressing it down so the edges meet the sides of the cups. Scoop approximately 5 tablespoons of the prepared mincemeat filling into each pastry-lined cup, ensuring they are well-filled but not overflowing.
4. Create Pie Tops
Gather any leftover pastry dough and re-roll it out on your floured surface. Use smaller cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes like stars, snowflakes, or small circles for the pie tops. Carefully place one pastry shape on top of the mincemeat filling in each pie. In a small bowl, lightly beat one egg to create an egg wash. Gently brush the pastry tops with the beaten egg wash. This helps them achieve a beautiful golden brown color and adds a slight shine. Finally, sprinkle lightly with confectioners sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.
5. Bake
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your specific oven, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the pies cool in the pan for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before handling. Carefully lift each mince pie from the muffin pan and transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the flakiest pastry, always emphasize chilling your dough thoroughly; cold butter creates steam in the oven, leading to a light, airy crust. Prepare your mincemeat ahead of time, even days in advance, to allow the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. When filling the pies, do not overfill them, as the mincemeat can bubble over and stick to the pan. If you find your pie bottoms are soggy, pre-bake the pastry shells for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. Before serving, a final dusting of powdered sugar makes these Christmas treats look even more appealing.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These homemade christmas mince pie recipe creations are perfect for the holiday season. Enjoy them in various ways and plan ahead with helpful storage tips.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your warm mince pies with a dollop of brandy butter, a spoonful of clotted cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They make a fantastic addition to any Christmas dessert platter or buffet. Pair them perfectly with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even mulled wine for a truly festive experience.
Storage Instructions
Once completely cooled, store your baked mince pies in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid refrigerating mince pies, as the cold can alter the texture of the delicate shortcrust pastry, making it less flaky.
Freezing Instructions
You can easily freeze baked mince pies to enjoy later. Once cooled completely, individually wrap each pie in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen pies directly into a preheated oven (around 350°F/175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Variations
For a kid-friendly version, simply substitute the brandy in the mincemeat filling with an equal amount of apple juice or orange juice. Experiment by adding different dried fruits, such as chopped dried cranberries, apricots, or even glace cherries, to the mincemeat mixture. You can also play with various spice blends, introducing a pinch of allspice or ginger for a unique flavor profile.
Nutrition
Refer to the complete recipe card for detailed nutrition information.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This information is provided for general guidance only.
FAQ
What are Christmas mince pies traditionally made of?
Traditionally, Christmas mince pies feature a rich, spiced fruit mixture, known as mincemeat, encased in a buttery shortcrust pastry. Modern versions are typically suet-free and nut-free.
Explore the fascinating evolution of this festive dessert, as detailed in an article on the history of mince pies.
Can I make mincemeat filling ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! Making the mincemeat filling ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making your mince pies even more delicious. You can store it in sterilized jars for up to a month.
Do I have to use brandy in the recipe?
No, you do not have to use brandy. You can easily substitute it with apple juice, orange juice, or even strong black tea for an alcohol-free version of this festive christmas mince pie recipe.
How long do homemade mince pies last?
Homemade mince pies stored in an airtight container at room temperature will typically last for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
Is suet necessary for authentic mince pies?
While traditional mince pies often included suet for richness and moisture, it is not necessary for a delicious pie. This recipe uses butter for a equally rich, suet-free alternative.
Conclusion
Embrace the joy of the holiday season by baking this classic christmas mince pie recipe. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked mince pies filling your home, and the taste of homemade treats is truly unmatched. We encourage you to try this festive tradition and share these delightful pies with loved ones. Wishing you warmth and wonderful memories this holiday season!
