Welcome to your new favorite Christmas mince pie recipe! These delightful treats are a true British holiday tradition, bringing warmth and festive cheer. Imagine buttery, flaky homemade pastry cradling a rich, spiced fruit filling. This recipe makes the process simple and enjoyable, ensuring delicious results perfect for sharing.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Mince Pie Recipe
You’ll adore this homemade Christmas mince pie recipe for many reasons.
- The pastry is wonderfully buttery and flaky, melting in your mouth with every bite.
- Our rich, spiced fruit filling is bursting with festive flavors and a hint of brandy.
- This recipe is straightforward, making holiday baking a breeze for even beginner bakers.
- It’s naturally nut-free and offers easy ingredient adaptations for various preferences.
- These individual pies are perfect for serving at festive gatherings or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Making the best Christmas mince pie recipe starts with quality ingredients. Gather these simple items to create your delicious filling and pastry.
For the 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 Dough:
- 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
- 1 teaspoon powdered/confectioners sugar
Notes & Substitutions
Crafting your own mincemeat for this Christmas mince pie recipe truly elevates the flavor. Remember, traditional mincemeat today does not contain actual meat; it’s a sweet, spiced fruit mixture. If you don’t have currants, you can easily substitute them with extra raisins. For a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version, replace the brandy with an equal amount of apple juice. Cold butter is used in the mincemeat to provide richness and texture without needing suet. Choose a good quality candied peel for the best festive flavor profile.
Equipment
You won’t need anything fancy for this simple Christmas mince pie recipe.
- Large mixing bowls
- Food processor (optional, for pastry)
- 12-cup regular size muffin pan
- Rolling pin
- 4-inch (10 cm) round cutter
- Small holiday shape cutters (optional)
- Pastry brush
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create your perfect Christmas mince pie recipe. This process is designed for ease and delicious results every time.
Prepare the Mincemeat (Active time: 15 minutes, Soak time: 1-2 hours or overnight):
- Add the currants, raisins, and brandy to a large bowl. Allow them to soak for 1-2 hours, or even overnight for deeper flavor. This rehydrates the fruit beautifully.
Make the Pastry (Active time: 15 minutes, Chill time: 10-15 minutes):
- To make the pastry in a food processor: Add the flour, sugar, salt, and cubed cold butter to the processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in just enough cold water until the dough forms a ball. You may not use all the water.
- To make the pastry by hand: Add the flour, sugar, salt, and cubed cold butter to a large bowl. Using your fingertips (or a pastry cutter), rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Drizzle in the cold water and mix using a fork until the dough starts to come together and holds its shape when pressed in your hand. You may not need all of the water.
- Remove the dough, form it into a ball, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow it to firm up.
Finish the Mincemeat Filling:
- While the dough chills, complete the filling. To the brandy-soaked currants and raisins, add the finely chopped green apple, candied peel, orange juice, orange zest, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dark brown sugar.
- Use a box grater to grate in the cold butter, then mix all ingredients well. If you are not making the pies right away, you can store this homemade mincemeat in sterilized jars in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
Assemble the Pies (Prep time: 20 minutes):
- 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 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 pastry round into the cups of the muffin pan, gently pressing them so the edges meet the edges of the cups.
- Scoop approximately 5 tablespoons of the delicious mincemeat filling into each of the pastry bases. Fill them generously for plump pies.
- Re-roll out the remaining pastry scraps. Use small holiday shape cutters (like stars or trees) to cut out decorative tops for your pies.
- Place these decorative tops directly on top of the mincemeat filling.
- Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg and sprinkle a tiny bit of confectioners’ sugar over them.
Bake the Mince Pies (Cook time: 20-25 minutes):
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
- Once baked, let the pies cool in the muffin pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mince Pies
Achieve bakery-quality results with this Christmas mince pie recipe by following these expert tips.
- Always ensure your butter and water are very cold when making the pastry. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Avoid overworking the pastry dough; mix only until it just comes together to keep it tender.
- Chilling the pastry dough is crucial for the best texture and easy handling. Don’t skip this step!
- Fill your pie bases generously with the mincemeat for moist, flavorful pies.
- To prevent the mincemeat from drying out, ensure the pastry tops cover enough of the filling.
- For beautifully golden brown pastry tops, keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Serving, Storing, & Variations
This versatile Christmas mince pie recipe offers many delightful options.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade mince pies warm for the most comforting experience. They are traditionally enjoyed with a dollop of creamy brandy butter. You can also offer them alongside clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. A final dusting of extra powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
Storage
Once completely cooled, store your mince pies in an airtight container. Keep them at cool room temperature for up to one week. To maintain the pastry’s delicate texture, avoid refrigerating the pies.
Freezing Instructions
You can easily freeze baked and cooled pies. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well in the freezer for 2-3 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen pies directly into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delicious Christmas mince pie recipe! You can use a variety of different dried fruits, such as chopped dried cranberries, apricots, or figs, in place of some currants or raisins. Experiment with other alcohols like dark rum or Cointreau for different flavor notes. If you’re not avoiding nuts, a tablespoon of finely chopped almonds or pecans adds a lovely crunch. Instead of decorative cutouts, consider topping your pies with a lattice crust or a full pastry lid with a small vent hole.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Christmas mince pie recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 65mg |
| Total Carbs | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation, and may vary depending on specific brands and modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is traditional mincemeat?
Traditional mincemeat today is a sweet, spiced mixture of dried fruits, sugar, and often brandy, commonly used in pies around Christmas.
The history of mincemeat shows that it originally included meat, but over centuries, the recipe evolved into the sweet, fruit-based filling we enjoy today. Learn more about the evolution of mincemeat recipes.
Are Christmas mince pies savory?
No, modern Christmas mince pie recipe versions are distinctly sweet and spiced, making them a delicious dessert or festive treat. The savory elements from earlier recipes have long since been removed.
Can I make these mince pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mincemeat up to a month in advance, and the baked pies store well for up to a week at room temperature. They also freeze beautifully for several months.
Do mince pies contain nuts?
This particular Christmas mince pie recipe is designed to be nut-free. However, some commercial or homemade versions might include nuts, so always check if you have allergies.
What can I use instead of suet?
This recipe uses cold butter in the mincemeat, which serves as an excellent substitute for traditional suet, providing richness and moisture without the animal fat.
How do you reheat mince pies?
To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them through and crisps up the pastry.
Can children eat these mince pies?
Yes, children can enjoy these mince pies. If you prefer, simply substitute the brandy in the mincemeat with apple juice for an alcohol-free version.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the aroma and taste of homemade Christmas mince pie recipe during the festive season. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can create these traditional British treats right in your own kitchen, even if you’re a beginner. The flaky pastry and rich, spiced fruit filling are utterly delicious and guarantee a joyful holiday experience. Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and savor the warmth of this timeless classic. Happy baking!
