Ingredients:

  • 350g plain flour (all-purpose flour), plus extra for dusting
  • 175g cold unsalted butter, cut into 1cm cubes
  • 6-8 tablespoons cold water, plus more if needed
  • 250g mincemeat
  • A little milk, for brushing
  • 3 tablespoons icing sugar (powdered sugar), for dusting

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan/ Gas Mark 7/ 425°F). Grease the cupcake trays.
  2. Combine flour and cubed butter in a bowl.
  3. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  4. Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough just comes together.
  5. Form the dough into a ball.
  6. Lightly flour your work surface.
  7. Roll out the pastry thinly.
  8. Cut out 24 circles using the round cutter.
  9. Place the pastry circles into the greased cupcake trays.
  10. Spoon 1 teaspoon of mincemeat into each pastry case.
  11. Re-roll the remaining pastry.
  12. Cut out 24 stars using the star cutter.
  13. Place a star on top of each mince pie, pressing gently to secure.
  14. Brush the pastry with a little milk.
  15. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the mincemeat is bubbling.
  16. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly in the trays.
  17. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  18. Dust with icing sugar while still slightly warm.