Homemade Spiced Mince Pies

Ingredients

• For the pastry: For the pastry:
• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 25g (1/4 cup) almond flour 25g (1/4 cup) almond flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• Ice-cold water, as needed Ice-cold water, as needed
• For the mincemeat filling: For the mincemeat filling:
• 200g (1 cup) mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas) 200g (1 cup) mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas)
• 50g (1/4 cup) candied peel 50g (1/4 cup) candied peel
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped 1 apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 50g (1/4 cup) brown sugar 50g (1/4 cup) brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons brandy (optional) 2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
• For dusting: For dusting:
• Powdered sugar Powdered sugar

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and granulated sugar for the pastry. Add the cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the beaten egg. Mix until the dough starts to come together. If needed, add ice-cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball.
3. 3.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, candied peel, chopped apple, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, orange zest, and brandy (if using) for the mincemeat filling. Mix well and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Roll out one portion of the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3mm (1/8 inch). Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles slightly larger than the size of your muffin tin.
7. 7.
   Grease a muffin tin and gently press the pastry circles into each cavity.
8. 8.
   Fill each pastry case with a spoonful of the mincemeat filling.
9. 9.
   Roll out the second portion of the pastry and cut out smaller circles or shapes to create the pie lids. Place the lids on top of the mincemeat filling, pressing the edges to seal.
10. 10.
    Make a small slit on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let the mince pies cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. 13.
    Dust the cooled mince pies with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — The addition of almond flour gives the pastry a nutty flavor and a crumbly texture. If you don't have almond flour, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
• Brandy — The brandy adds a lovely depth of flavor to the mincemeat filling. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with orange juice or apple juice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a decorative touch, use a smaller cookie cutter to create cut-out shapes on the pie lids before placing them on top of the mincemeat filling.
• Serve the mince pies warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• These mince pies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm them in the oven before serving for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
• If you prefer a boozy kick, you can brush the pie lids with a little brandy before baking.

Serving advice

Serve these spiced mince pies as a delightful dessert during holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat alongside a warm cup of mulled wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the freshly baked mince pies on a festive platter, dusted with powdered sugar. For an elegant touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of edible gold dust.