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Irresistible Mince Pie Recipe: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

The Mince Pie Recipe is a beloved holiday favorite, known for its rich filling of spiced fruits, and sometimes minced meat in modern variations. This classic recipe combines tradition and flavor, delivering the ideal blend of sweetness and warmth in every bite. Encased in a flaky pastry with a fragrant filling, mince pies are the perfect treat for cozy gatherings and festive celebrations. With just a few simple steps, this Mince Pie Recipe allows you to bring the warmth of tradition to your table, creating a batch of delicious pies everyone will enjoy.

Irresistible Mince Pie Recipe: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

Why is it called Mince Pie?

Historically, mince pies were known as “mincemeat pies” and were originally made with a combination of meat, fruits, and spices. The name “mince” comes from the process of finely chopping or mincing the meat, a method used to combine it with dried fruits like currants, raisins, and spices. Over time, the recipe evolved, and in many modern versions, the meat was replaced with a more fruit-focused filling, though the rich, spiced flavor remains intact. Mince pies became particularly popular during the Christmas season in the UK, symbolizing warmth and celebration.

Irresistible Mince Pie Recipe: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

How should Mince Pie Taste?

A perfect mince pie should offer a delicate balance of sweetness, spice, and buttery richness. The filling is the star, with the combination of dried fruits, warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a hint of citrus or brandy giving it a layered, festive flavor. The texture should be both tender and crumbly from the buttery crust, and slightly sticky from the juicy filling. Each bite should deliver a burst of holiday flavors, with a subtle sweetness and a pleasant warmth from the spices.

Irresistible Mince Pie Recipe: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

How to Make Mince Pie Super Yummy or Perfect

To make the best mince pie, use high-quality dried fruits like raisins, currants, and sultanas for a rich filling. Adding a splash of brandy or rum can enhance the depth of flavor. Use cold butter for the pastry dough to ensure a perfectly flaky crust, and don’t forget to let the dough chill before rolling. For a twist, add a little grated apple or zest of an orange to the filling to brighten up the flavors. Finally, brushing the top with egg wash and sprinkling with a little sugar before baking will give your pies a beautiful golden finish.

Irresistible Mince Pie Recipe: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

Mince Pie Recipe

Mince pie is quintessential holiday treat, filled with a rich mixture of spiced fruits and, in modern versions, sometimes minced meat. This recipe blends tradition with flavor, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth in every bite. With its flaky pastry and aromatic filling, mince pie is a perfect choice for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations. In just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of these delicious pies, bringing a taste of tradition to your table.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine British, Holiday
Servings 12 mince pies
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pie tin
  • Pastry brush
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 225g plain flour
  • 100g cold butter, diced
  • 1 tbsp cold water
  • 300g jar of mincemeat (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 apple, finely grated (optional)
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas mark 6.
  • Prepare pastry dough: In a bowl, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Slowly add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in cling film and chill for 15 minutes.
  • Roll out dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 3mm thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out 12 circles for the base and slightly smaller circles for the lids.
  • Fill the pies: Press the larger circles into the pie tin. Spoon in a heaped teaspoon of mincemeat filling into each base. Optionally, add grated apple and orange zest to the mincemeat for extra flavor.
  • Add the lids: Place the smaller circles of dough on top. Press down the edges to seal. Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
  • Brush and bake: Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cool and serve: Allow to cool before serving. Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • You can make the pastry dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
  • Add a little brandy to the mincemeat for an extra indulgent flavor.

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Conclusion

Mince pie is the perfect holiday recipe that combines history, tradition, and irresistible flavors. Easy to make and full of festive warmth, these pies are great for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re looking to recreate a classic or add a modern twist, mince pies will always be a delightful addition to your table during the holiday season. Try this recipe and experience the magic of a timeless dessert that everyone will enjoy.

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