A Homemade Mince Pie Recipe For All
The festive season is upon us, and what better way to usher in Christmas cheer than with the sweet, warmly spiced aroma of freshly baked mince pies wafting through your home?
Alongside the harmonious sound of carols, twinkling lights, and getting together with family and friends, mince pies are a timeless Christmas tradition. For many people, making mince pies from scratch isn’t just rewarding, but also an essential part of the holiday season that infuses the home with a sense of tradition, warmth, and joy.
If you’re yet to try one or haven’t quite settled on your favourite mince pie recipe, unwrap the magic of baking the perfect homemade mince pies with this simple, yet delightful recipe for mince pies.
Ingredients
For the pastry (if homemade):
- 375g all-purpose flour
- 260g unsalted butter, cold and diced (or an equal mix of butter and lard for the flakiest crust)
- 125g caster sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 large egg, beaten
- A pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 1 large jar (about 600g) of mincemeat (or homemade mincemeat)
- 2 satsuma mandarins, segmented and finely chopped
- 1 apple, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Icing sugar, as needed, for dusting
Method
- Prepare the pastry:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, diced butter, caster sugar, and a pinch of salt. Using your fingertips, rub the ingredients together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. - Bind with egg:
Add the beaten egg to the mixture and gently combine until a dough forms (add a small amount of cold water if necessary, but avoid making the dough sticky). Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film (or beeswax wraps), and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. - Prepare the filling:
While your dough is chilling, add your jar of mincemeat, satsuma mandarins, apple, and lemon zest into a bowl. Mix to combine. - Roll and cut pastry:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to a 3mm thickness. Using round cutters, cut circles and line a greased muffin tray with your round pastry cases. - Assemble:
Spoon the mincemeat filling into the pastry cases. Add lids or decorative shapes using the remaining pastry, then glaze the edge and top of each pie with beaten egg. Sprinkle extra castor sugar on top, and make small cuts in the top of any pie that has a closed lid. - Bake:
Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown. Leave to cool before removing them from the trays, then dust with icing sugar before serving. Serve them slightly warmed with a side of cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat!
How to serve mince pie
Making mince pies and serving them to loved ones is a delightful experience that invites a touch of personalization to suit individual preferences. Whether you like them cold or hot, with cream or by themselves, their versatility is practically endless.
Most commonly, mince pies are served gently warmed with a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance their aroma, heighten their flavor, and elevate their presentation with a festive appeal. If served with an accompaniment, mince pies are known to harmonize beautifully with clotted cream, vanilla ice cream, brandy butter, or warm custard to enrich the indulgence of the experience.
To serve with style, arrange minced pies on a decorative platter or tray. At Royal Doulton, our timeless range of serving platters and trays are carefully curated to facilitate intimate gatherings, grand celebrations, and joyous memories that linger long after the last bite.
How long do homemade mince pies last?
Homemade mince pies are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, and 3 months in the freezer.
At Royal Doulton, our Urban Dining collection offers a chic and eco-friendly solution to your kitchen needs. With stackable plates and bowls that conveniently double as lidded containers, this versatile collection ensures a seamless experience in prepping, eating, and storing, so you can savor the festive flavour for longer.
The Cook and Serve 5 Piece Set and 16 Piece Dinnerware Set are perfect for homemade mince pies. Crafted from materials safe for oven use, they allow you to refrigerate your freshly baked mince pies and reheat them whenever you desire a delightful treat. Additionally, these versatile dishes double as serving platters and bowls, making it effortless to add your preferred toppings and share the joy with your loved ones.