Christmas mince pies are a quintessential holiday treat, beloved for their delicate buttery crusts and rich, fruity filling. Packed with festive flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruits, these little pies capture the essence of the season. Perfect for a cozy evening by the fire or as a sweet treat at holiday gatherings, they pair wonderfully with a cup of mulled wine or hot cocoa. Making them at home not only fills your kitchen with warm, spicy aromas but also allows you to add a personal touch to this classic Christmas dessert.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (75g) sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1 large egg
- 1-2 tablespoons cold water (if needed)
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups (350g) mincemeat (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Rub in the cold butter with your fingers or use a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg and mix until the dough comes together. Add cold water if necessary, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the mincemeat, diced apple, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the Mince Pies:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick.
- Cut out 12 circles slightly larger than the muffin tin cups and 12 smaller circles or stars for the tops.
- Press the larger circles into the muffin tin cups, gently molding the pastry to fit.
- Spoon a generous amount of the filling into each pastry shell.
- Place the smaller pastry circles or stars on top of the filling, sealing the edges lightly.
- Bake the Pies:
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Let the pies cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a festive touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy these delightful Christmas mince pies with family and friends as a festive treat!
