How to Make Perfect Mince Pies: A Step-by-Step Recipe for the Holidays

Mince pies are a classic holiday dessert, featuring a rich, spiced fruit filling encased in buttery, flaky pastry. This homemade mince pies recipe is perfect for any festive occasion, and it’s completely alcohol-free, so everyone can enjoy it.

This guide will show you how to make perfect mince pies from scratch, including how to prepare a flavorful mincemeat filling and a delicious short crust pastry.

What Are Mince Pies? A Traditional Festive Treat

Mince pies have been enjoyed for centuries. These small, round pastries are filled with a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and citrus zest, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry.

Unlike store-bought versions, homemade mince pies have a richer flavor and fresher ingredients. Whether you’re baking them for family, friends, or simply as a seasonal treat for yourself, these pies are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients You Need for the Best Mince Pies

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

• 225g (1 ¾ cups) plain flour
• 100g (7 tbsp) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1-2 tbsp cold water (if needed)

For the Mincemeat Filling:

• 150g (1 cup) raisins
• 100g (¾ cup) currants
• 100g (¾ cup) chopped dried figs or dates
• 75g (½ cup) chopped dried apricots
• 100g (½ cup) brown sugar
• 1 medium apple, grated
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cloves

For Assembly and Decoration:

• 1 beaten egg (for brushing)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Looking for more festive treats? Try our Cranberry Curd Tart Recipe for a sweet and tangy dessert!”

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Mince Pies

Step 1: Preparing the Shortcrust Pastry

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
2. Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Stir in the beaten egg and mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add cold water one teaspoon at a time.
4. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Making the Perfect Mincemeat Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine raisins, currants, figs (or dates), apricots, grated apple, and brown sugar.
2. Add orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Stir well and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Mince Pies

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 12-hole tart tin.
2. Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to 3mm (⅛ inch) thickness.
3. Use a round cutter slightly larger than the tart tin holes to cut out 12 circles for the bases.
4. Gently press the pastry rounds into the tin.
5. Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of mincemeat filling into each pastry case.
6. Roll out the remaining pastry and cut out smaller circles or star shapes to place on top.
7. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Mince Pies

✔ Prevent soggy pastry: Chill the pastry and avoid overfilling the pies.
✔ Make ahead: The mincemeat filling can be prepared a week in advance and stored in the fridge.
✔ Creative variations: Try using puff pastry for a lighter texture or making vegan mince pies with dairy-free butter.

Serving and Storing Mince Pies

How to Serve Mince Pies

• Enjoy warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar.
• Pair with clotted cream, vanilla ice cream, or custard for extra indulgence.

How to Store Mince Pies

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• In the fridge: Keeps well for 1-2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes before serving.

If you love homemade pastries, don’t miss our Angel Food Cake for a light and airy treat!

Conclusion

Now you know how to make the perfect mince pies with a flaky, buttery pastry and a rich, spiced mincemeat filling—all without alcohol! Whether you’re baking these for a holiday gathering or just as a special treat, this easy mince pies recipe will become a favorite.

Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments! For more delicious holiday baking recipes, check out other festive treats on the blog.