Mince Pies Recipe
Encased in a flaky, golden pastry shell, each mince pie cradles a generous dollop of rich and spiced mincemeat filling. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruits mingles with the buttery scent of the perfectly baked crust, creating a sensory experience that evokes memories of winter celebrations.
The pastry, tender and buttery, yields effortlessly to reveal a luscious center where the sweetness of apples, raisins, and currants harmonizes with a hint of citrus zest. The intricate blend of flavors unfolds with each bite, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
Mince Pies Recipe
Indulge in the timeless delight of homemade mince pies, a quintessential treat that embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season. These delectable pastries boast a golden, flaky crust that cradles a luscious filling of spiced mincemeat, a rich blend of dried fruits, citrus peel, spices, and a hint of brandy. Each bite is a harmonious dance of sweet and savory flavors, creating a symphony on your palate.
Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Round pastry cutter
- Rolling Pin
- Flour for dusting
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup mincemeat filling
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- Using a pastry cutter or food processor, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the granulated sugar and mix well.
- Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
Chill the Dough:
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll Out the Pastry:
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness.
Cut Out the Pastry:
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the rolled-out pastry. Ensure the circles are large enough to line the muffin tin.
Line the Muffin Tin:
- Press each pastry circle into the cups of a muffin tin, forming mini pie crusts.
Press each pastry circle into the cups of a muffin tin, forming mini pie crusts.
- Spoon a small amount of mincemeat filling into each pastry-lined cup. Do not overfill.
Top with Pastry Lids:
- Roll out more pastry and cut out smaller circles to use as lids for the pies. You can also use festive-shaped cookie cutters for a decorative touch.
Seal and Ventilate:
- Place the pastry lids on top of the mincemeat filling and press the edges to seal the pies. Use a knife to make a small slit on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
Egg Wash:
- Brush the top of each pie with beaten egg using a pastry brush. This will give the pies a golden finish when baked.
Bake:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the mince pies to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Embrace the magic of the holidays with the enchanting aroma and irresistible taste of homemade mince pies.
