The Ultimate Homemade Mince Pies: A Classic British Christmas Treat With A Boozy Twist!

Get ready to wow your holiday guests with these heavenly homemade mince pies! Packed with juicy dried fruits, warm spices, and a splash of festive brandy, these classic British treats wrapped in buttery pastry are the epitome of Christmas cheer. Whether you’re a mince pie pro or a first-time baker, this recipe will have you whipping up bakery-worthy delights in no time. Dust with icing sugar, serve warm, and let the festive flavors shine—because no Christmas is complete without a bite of this timeless favorite! —Vita Daily

Homemade Mince Pies Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Filling (Mincemeat):

• 200g raisins
• 200g sultanas
• 100g currants
• 100g dried cranberries
• 1 small apple, peeled and grated
• 100g mixed candied peel, chopped
• 150g soft brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground mixed spice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 50ml brandy (or rum for a twist)

For the Pastry:

• 250g plain flour
• 125g unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
• 2 tbsp icing sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2–3 tbsp cold water

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten, for glazing
• Icing sugar, for dusting

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mincemeat:
   • In a large bowl, combine the raisins, sultanas, currants, cranberries, grated apple, candied peel, brown sugar, spices, orange and lemon zest, and juices. Mix well.
   • Stir in the brandy. Cover and let sit for at least 2 hours (or overnight) for the flavors to meld.
2. Make the Pastry:
   • In a bowl, rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
   • Stir in the icing sugar, then add the egg yolk and 2 tbsp of cold water. Mix until it forms a dough, adding a little more water if needed.
   • Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Mince Pies:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas mark 6. Grease a 12-hole muffin tin.
   • Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Cut out 12 circles slightly larger than the holes in your tin and press them gently into the tin.
   • Spoon a generous amount of the mincemeat filling into each pastry case.
   • Use the remaining pastry to cut out smaller circles or festive shapes (e.g., stars) for lids and place them on top of the filling.
4. Bake:
   • Brush the tops with beaten egg and bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Serve:
   • Allow to cool slightly before dusting with icing sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tip: Pair your mince pies with a dollop of brandy butter or a glass of mulled wine for the ultimate festive treat!