New Delhi: Christmas is just around the corner, and it is the most comforting and wonderful feeling to celebrate at home, preparing Christmas treats – sweet or savoury. With warm spices, buttery pastries and citrus peels, the sweet smell transforms the home into a haven of celebrations.
One among the holiday bakes is a classic mince pie, a timeless favourite that instantly sets the mood for celebration. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or planning a cosy winter evening, homemade mince pies add a personal touch that store-bought versions simply cannot replicate. Here is how you can prepare mince pie at home in easy steps for this festive season.
Mince pie recipe
Ingredients
For the pastry
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg
- A few tbsp cold water
- A pinch of salt
For the mince filling
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, chopped apricots)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 apple, grated
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp allspice (optional)
- 2 tbsp orange juice or brandy
- 1 tbsp marmalade or jam
- Zest of 1 orange
To finish
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Icing sugar for dusting
Steps to prepare:
- Mix all dry fruits, nuts, grated apple, sugar, spices, orange zest and brandy in a bowl.
- Add marmalade to combine and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, add flour, sugar and salt.
- Add cold butter and rub it until it looks like breadcrumbs.
- Add egg and cold water to knead a smooth dough, let it rest.
- Lightly dust your counter and roll the dough with medium thickness.
- Cut circles using the cutter.
- Grease a muffin tray, place one dough circle in each slot, and add a spoonful of filling in each.
- Cover with a smaller dough circle or star shape.
- Brush the tops with egg to shine, bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly, then dust with icing sugar. Serve warm with cream, custard or mulled wine.
Baking mince pies at home can transform your kitchen into a Christmas wonderland. The blend of spices, citrus and warm pastrycreates a cosy experience that uplifts the festive spirit.
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