Homemade Simple Mince Pies: A Timeless Holiday Tradition!
Bake the magic of the holidays with our mince pies recipe, a beloved treat filled with sweet and spicy mincemeat. Try this easy recipe at home!
Mince pies, those delectable treats filled with a sweet and spiced mixture of fruits and spices, have a history that spans centuries. Their origins can be traced back to medieval England, where they were initially quite different from the modern versions we enjoy today.
In the Middle Ages, mince pies were known as "Christmas pyes" and were a savory dish filled with a mixture of minced meat, suet, fruits, and spices. The sweet ingredients we associate with mince pies today, such as dried fruits and sugar, were added over time as trade routes brought new spices and ingredients to Europe. By the Tudor period, mince pies had evolved into the sweet, fruit-filled delicacies we know today, and they became an integral part of the English Christmas tradition.
During the 17th century, when Oliver Cromwell's Puritan government briefly banned Christmas celebrations in England, mince pies endured as a symbol of festive defiance. Their popularity continued to grow, and by the Victorian era, they had become an essential part of the Christmas feast. Today, mince pies remain a cherished holiday treat enjoyed not only in England but also in many other parts of the world, carrying with them a rich history of tradition and taste.
- 1 cup Minced Apples
- 1 cup Dried Mixed Fruit
- 1/2 cup Raisins
- 1/2 cup Currants
- 1/2 cup Chopped Candied Peel
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons brandy or rum (optional)
- 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 4-6 tbsp cold water
Grater for zesting citrus fruits
- Step 1: Prepare the Mincemeat Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced apples, dried mixed fruit, raisins, currants, candied peel, chopped almonds, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
- Add the zest and juice of the lemon and orange. Mix well.
- If desired, add brandy or rum to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mincemeat filling sit for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 2: Make the Pastry
- In a separate mixing bowl, sift the flour.
- Add the cubed cold butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the granulated sugar.
- Add the egg yolk and cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 4: Roll Out the Pastry
- Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Use the 3-inch round pastry cutter to cut out circles for the pie bases.
- Use the 2-inch round pastry cutter to cut out circles for the pie tops.
- Step 5: Assemble the Mince Pies
- Place the larger pastry circles into the cups of a muffin tin.
- Spoon a generous tablespoon of the mincemeat filling into each pastry base.
- Top each pie with a smaller pastry circle.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges to seal the pies.
- Make a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- Step 6: Bake the Mince Pies
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the mince pies from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes.
- Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve your homemade mince pies with a dusting of powdered sugar, and enjoy!
These homemade mince pies are a delightful treat that's perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. Share them with friends and family or enjoy them all to yourself!