As Christmas approaches, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked mince pies fills the air, conjuring up warm and festive feelings. But who has time for elaborate baking amidst the holiday hustle? Fear not! This unbelievably easy recipe from BBC Good Food allows you to whip up a batch of delicious homemade mince pies in under an hour, with only six simple ingredients.
Imagine the joy of biting into a perfectly golden, buttery crust, revealing a sweet and spiced filling that melts in your mouth. These mince pies are not only easy to make, but they are also irresistibly delightful, ensuring they become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations.
A Simple Recipe for Holiday Cheer
This recipe yields 18 delightful pies, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special treat for yourself. The process is incredibly straightforward, requiring just six steps and six ingredients:
* 225g cold butter, diced
* 350g plain flour
* 100g golden caster sugar
* 280g mincemeat
* One small egg, beaten
* Icing sugar, to dust
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Begin by incorporating the cold butter into the flour using your fingertips. Gently blend in the golden caster sugar along with a pinch of salt. Gather the mixture into a ball—there’s no need to add any liquid—and knead it gently. The resulting dough should be firm, similar to shortbread dough. You can use it right away or refrigerate it for later use.2.
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan ovens) or gas mark 6. Prepare two 12-hole patty tins by pressing small, walnut-sized pieces of pastry into each cavity.3.
Fill the Bases:
Fill the pastry bases generously with your favorite mincemeat. You can use store-bought mincemeat or try your hand at making your own.4.
Create the Lids:
Take slightly smaller pieces of pastry than before and flatten them between your hands to create round lids that will cover the pies. Place the lids on the pies, gently pressing the edges together to seal them. There’s no need for milk or egg wash, as they will adhere on their own.5.
Freeze for Later:
These pies can be frozen for up to one month, making them perfect for meal prepping or gifting.6.
Bake to Perfection:
Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg and bake for 20 minutes until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool in the tin for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, lightly sprinkle with icing sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance.Enjoy Your Festive Treats!
These homemade mince pies will remain fresh for three to four days if stored in an airtight container. Enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or coffee, or serve them as a delightful dessert after a holiday meal. With their irresistible flavors and simple preparation, these easy-to-make mince pies will undoubtedly become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
