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Easy Mince Pie Recipe: A Festive Classic

As the festive season approaches, the delightful aroma of mince pies wafts through British homes, evoking memories of Christmases past. These little pastries filled with rich mincemeat are a quintessential part of British Christmas traditions. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven with a dollop of cream or served alongside a cup of tea, mince pies are a beloved treat. If you’re looking to make this holiday classic without the fuss, this easy mince pie recipe is just what you need.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 225g plain flour
• 110g cold butter, cubed
• 75g icing sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• A pinch of salt
• Cold water (if needed)

For the Filling:

• 400g mincemeat (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• A splash of brandy or rum (optional)

Equipment

• A 12-hole tart or muffin tin
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (preferably 10cm in diameter)
• Star-shaped cookie cutter (optional for decoration)
• Baking parchment

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, icing sugar, and a pinch of salt.

2. Add the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

3. Combine with Egg: Add the beaten egg and mix until the dough begins to come together. If the mixture is too dry, add a little cold water, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough is smooth.

4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps prevent shrinkage during baking.

Step 2: Assemble the Pies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.

2. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to about 3mm thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles that will fit your tart tin.

3. Line the Tins: Gently press the circles into the holes of the tart tin. Re-roll any leftover dough to cut out more bases if necessary.

4. Fill with Mincemeat: Spoon about a tablespoon of mincemeat into each pastry base. Be careful not to overfill, as the mincemeat may bubble over during baking.

5. Top with Pastry: Use the remaining pastry to cut out smaller circles or star shapes to place on top of the filled pies. This adds a lovely decorative touch. Press the edges to seal.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake in the Oven: Place the tart tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Cool and Dust: Once baked, allow the mince pies to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust the tops with icing sugar for a festive finish.

Serving Suggestions

Mince pies are delightful served warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with whipped cream, brandy butter, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For added indulgence, serve them with a glass of mulled wine or a cup of steaming hot chocolate.

Child-Friendly Variation

For a family-friendly twist, consider making mini mince pies using a mini muffin tray. Adjust the cooking time to around 15-20 minutes, and you’ll have bite-sized treats perfect for little hands.

Conclusion

This easy mince pie recipe is not only quick to prepare, but it also allows you to enjoy the festive spirit with baking that all the family can partake in. There’s just something magical about the combination of buttery pastry and spiced fruit filling that encapsulates the joy of Christmas. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and revel in the light-hearted fun of baking these traditional treats. Happy Christmas baking!

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