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Traditional Mince Pie Recipe – A Classic Holiday Treat

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Traditional British mince pies feature delicate, flaky pastry filled with rich, spiced mincemeat and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. These festive little pies are perfect for Christmas celebrations and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Pie crust dough (enough for two crusts), or homemade pastry using the ingredients below
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 10 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 5 ounces lard (for the flakiest crust; substitute butter if preferred)
  • 2/3 cup ice water
  • 1 batch BEST Traditional Mincemeat
  • 2 tablespoons milk, for brushing
  • Powdered sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pastry dough: Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold butter and lard, then use a pastry blender, two knives, or a food processor to work the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
  2. Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently until the dough holds together when pinched between your fingers. Avoid overworking the dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or individual mini tart tins.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of the chilled pastry dough to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Cut circles large enough to line the muffin or tart tins.
  5. Roll out the remaining pastry to the same thickness. Cut smaller circles for traditional pastry lids, or use decorative cutters to create stars or lattice toppings. If using full pastry lids, cut a small slit in each to allow steam to escape during baking.
  6. Gently press the larger pastry circles into the prepared tins. Spoon the traditional mincemeat filling into each pastry shell, leaving enough space to attach the pastry tops.
  7. Place the pastry lids, stars, or lattice decorations over the filling. Gently press the edges together to seal where appropriate. Lightly brush the pastry tops with milk or an optional egg wash.
  8. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the pies to cool briefly in their tins.
  9. Carefully transfer the mince pies to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and serve slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Pastry shortcut: Use enough ready-made pie crust dough for two crusts instead of preparing homemade pastry.
  • Flakier pastry: Lard produces an especially light, flaky crust. Homemade lard is an excellent option, but additional butter can be substituted if preferred.
  • Keep ingredients cold: Use very cold butter, lard, and ice water to help create tender, flaky pastry.
  • Decorative toppings: Traditional round lids, pastry stars, and lattice patterns all work beautifully.
  • Full-size pie variation: For one large mince pie, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 minutes, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C), and continue baking for approximately 30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
  • Serving suggestion: Enjoy gently warmed, either by hand or with whipped cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream.
  • Refrigerator storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Room-temperature storage: Mince pies made with meat-free mincemeat can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooled mince pies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and gently reheat before serving.
  • Dietary note: Traditional mincemeat may contain suet or meat, and the pastry contains lard. For a vegetarian version, use vegetarian mincemeat and replace the lard with butter or vegetable shortening.
  • Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the mincemeat recipe, pastry ingredients, and portion sizes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/traditional-mince-pie-recipe-a-classic-holiday-treat/