Easy Peasy Startopped Mini Mince Pies

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some Mini mince pies this Christmas? Honestly, who doesn't? These Christmas mince pies are bursting with flavour and super easy to make!

Brief Overview

The mincemeat recipe originates from Britain. It is a classic British Christmas baking tradition. This is an easy mince pie recipe , taking about 40 minutes to make 24 mini mince pies .

Main Benefits

These homemade mince pies are packed with dried fruit and spices. Baking these at home makes the whole house smell divine. These small mince pie recipe are perfect for festive gatherings.

Let's Talk Mincemeat

Oh my gosh, this mincemeat recipe is a game changer. You know? I used to be intimidated by making mince pies.

Honestly, I thought it was some complicated grandma level baking. I was so wrong.

The Star Topped Secret

These mince pies with star topping are extra special. They look so cute and festive. It is a perfect way to get the kids involved in baking!

Why This Recipe Rocks

This easy mince pie recipe uses a simple shortcrust pastry. No fancy techniques are needed. It's quick and easy, and yields delicious traditional mince pies .

We are not trying to be perfect chefs here - just have fun!

Festive Baking Recipes

Looking for Festive baking recipes ? These Mini mince pies are your answer. This recipe is simple enough for a midweek treat. It's the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer.

I think about the first time I tried to make pastry. The key is to keep everything cold. Cold butter, cold water.

Do not overmix the dough. Just a little tip from me to you!.

Right then, let's talk ingredients and equipment for our Easy Peasy Star Topped Mini mince pies recipe ! Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, nothing too fancy required.

It makes Christmas mince pies so easy.

Ingredients You'll Need

Pastry Essentials

• Plain flour: 350g (1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons). Just your regular all-purpose flour will do.
• Cold unsalted butter: 175g (3/4 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons). Make sure it's cold . Cut it into 1cm (1/2 inch) cubes. This is key for flaky pastry.
• Cold water: 6-8 tablespoons . Add it gradually. You might need a touch more.

Mincemeat Magic

• Mincemeat: 250g (approximately 1 cup). Now, you can go homemade with a great Mincemeat recipe , or grab a jar of your favourite. I personally love Marks and Spencer Classic Mincemeat. Try different brands. See what tickles your fancy for these Homemade mince pies .

Finishing Touches

• Milk: Just a splash for brushing.
• Icing sugar: 3 tablespoons for dusting.

Seasoning Notes

No crazy seasoning needed for this Easy mince pie recipe . The magic is in the mincemeat itself! It's already packed with spices.

Think cinnamon, cloves, allspice. You know, all that festive goodness, that makes for the perfect Festive baking recipes .

Want to spice things up even more? A tiny pinch of mixed spice in the pastry dough won't hurt.

If you want a stronger flavour you can try adding a little bit of orange zest as well.

Equipment Needed

Honestly, nothing too scary here.

• Two 12-hole cupcake trays.
• Baking paper (or butter wrapper) for greasing.
• Mixing bowl.
• Wooden spoon (or spatula).
• Rolling pin.
• 8cm (3 inch) round cookie cutter. I use a fluted one!
• 7cm (2 1/2 inch) star cookie cutter.
• Pastry brush.
• Wire cooling rack.
• Sieve or icing sugar dredger.
• Cake tin. For storing all your Small mince pie recipe creations!

Don't have a rolling pin? A clean wine bottle works in a pinch. No star cutter? Get creative with a knife, or use another shape.

Get the kids involved! These Mince pies with star topping are fun for everyone. Remember these Traditional mince pies are a staple of British Christmas baking .

Get Your Bake On: Star Topped Mini Mince Pies Recipe !

Oh my gosh, are you ready for some festive baking? Honestly, nothing beats the smell of Christmas mince pies baking in the oven.

This easy mince pie recipe is so simple, it's practically foolproof. Even I haven't managed to mess it up yet! It's the perfect way to kick off your festive baking recipes .

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mini Mince Pies Mission Briefing

Alright, listen up! Mise en place is key. That means getting all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Chop that butter! Measure that flour! Have your mincemeat at the ready! Organisation is crucial when crafting such a british institution as this.

I like to lay everything out in little bowls. Makes me feel like a proper chef, even if I'm just making homemade mince pies .

And please , be careful when you're cutting the butter. We don't need any A&E trips before we've even started.

I remember once trying to multitask whilst cutting butter. Don't do it!

Let's Get Baking: step-by-step to Small Mince Pie Perfection

Okay, here's the super simple process:

1. Preheat your oven to 220° C ( 200° C fan/ Gas Mark 7/ 425° F). This is important. Don't skip it! Grease those cupcake trays too, or the pies will stick. I use butter wrapper, waste not want not!
2. Rub 350g flour and 175g cubed cold butter together until it looks like breadcrumbs. Cold butter is the secret to flaky pastry.
3. Add 6-8 tablespoons of cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until it just comes together. Don't overmix!
4. Roll out the pastry and cut out 24 circles. I use an 8cm cutter. Then, pop them into your greased cupcake trays.
5. Spoon 1 teaspoon of mincemeat into each pastry case. Then use remaining pastry, roll it out, cut out 24 stars with 7cm cutter, and add them as topping. For lovely Mince pies with star topping !
6. Brush with milk and bake for 15- 20 minutes , or until golden brown. Keep a beady eye on them!

Pro Tips : Secret Traditional Mince Pies Hacks

Want to take your mini mince pies to the next level? Here are a few tricks:

• Chill your pastry for 30 minutes before rolling. This prevents shrinkage.
• Don't skip the milk wash! It helps the pastry brown beautifully.
• If the pastry starts to crack, dip your finger in water and smooth it over.

Also, avoid overfilling your pies. Nothing worse than mincemeat bubbling over and burning. Trust me, I've been there. You can make the pastry a day ahead and keep it in the fridge.

This is real British Christmas baking . Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Mini Mince Pies

Honestly, getting these Christmas mince pies just right is all about the little things. Let’s dive into some tips and tricks! These Festive baking recipes are a holiday classic.

Serving Suggestions: How to Plate Like a Pro

Okay, so you've baked these lovely small mince pie recipe . How do you make them look as good as they taste? Plating makes all the difference.

Arrange them artfully on a platter. Dust a little extra icing sugar for a snowy scene. My granny always served traditional mince pies with a dollop of clotted cream.

So good! A glass of mulled wine pairs perfectly.

Storage Tips: Keep the Homemade Mince Pies Fresh

Right, so you’ve got some leftover. Keep them in an airtight container. They'll last for about three days in the fridge.

For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just pop them in a freezer bag. When you want one (or three!), reheat in a low oven, around 150° C ( 300° F) , until warmed through.

They will taste divine!

Variations: Getting Creative with Your Easy Mince Pie Recipe

Fancy a change? You can try these dietary adaptations. For a vegan version, use vegan butter. Double check your mincemeat recipe is vegan friendly too! For seasonal swaps, add a little orange zest in the winter.

In the spring, lemon zest would be great!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence

Let’s be real, these mini mince pies are a treat! Each one contains roughly 141 calories. They also offer a small amount of fiber.

It's all about balance, right? A little sweetness to brighten your day. These make for great British Christmas baking .

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and bake! I can't wait for you to try this fantastic Mini mince pies recipe . I know you will love this.