With your pantry already stocked with homemade mincemeat, traditional mince pies are a snap to make and an essential part of the British Christmas tradition!
Prep time: PT30M
Cook time: PT15M
Total time: PT75M
Rating
4.96 stars (120 reviews)
Keywords
Mincemeat Pie
Ingredients
Pie crust dough (enough for two crusts) or homemade crust as follows:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter (, diced in 1/2 inch cubes)
5 ounces lard (, lard will produce the flakiest crusts (you can substitute butter if you prefer))
How to Make Your Own Lard ((we strongly recommend making your own, it's super easy and cheaper than store-bought!))
2/3 cup ice water
1 batch BEST Traditional Mincemeat
2 tablespoons milk, for brushing
powdered sugar for sprinkling
Categories
Dessert
Cuisine
British
Steps
Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter (or lard/tallow) and use a pastry blender or two knives to cut into the flour until you get pea-sized crumbs(alternatively use a food processor). Stir in the water gradually (or pulse with a food processor) until the dough holds together when you pinch it between your fingers. Wrap the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or mini tart tins.
Roll 2/3 of the pie crust out onto a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut circles out of the pie crust to fit into the tins. Roll out the remaining pie crust to the same thickness and cut out circles for lids, or star shapes, or lattices (whichever you prefer). If using circles/lids to fully cover the pies, cut a slit in each pastry lid to allow the hot air to escape. IF MAKING A FULL SIZE PIE: Preheat to 375 F and bake it for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 F and bake for another 30 minutes or so.
Carefully press the pie crusts into the tins and fill them with mincemeat then top with the pie crust lids, stars, or lattices and press the edges together to seal them. Lightly brush the tops with milk or an egg wash.Bake the pies for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully remove them from the muffin or tart tins, transfer them to a wire rack and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Mince pies are best served gently warmed. They can be eaten with your hands or with a spoon if served with cream or even ice cream if you like. Stored in in the fridge in an airtight container, they will keep for up to 4 days. If making them without meat they will keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.Note: These pies freeze well. Freeze in an airtight container or ziplock bag, will keep for up to 3 months.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 172 kcal
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Cholesterol: 31 mg
Sodium: 179 mg
Reviews
Aaron Dorsey on 2025-12-30 (5 stars): I made the mincemeat and the crust and I must say these were so flaky and perfectly delicious. I won’t use another recipe.
Joss on 2025-12-01 (4 stars): We made the mincemeat with homemade citrus peel and beef. All gorgeous! One question please 🙏, at what stage pies can be best frozen? Before baking, after or both? Any tips much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Jaime on 2025-11-24 (5 stars): Did a test run and LOVED these! Making a double batch soon for friends and family!
Roberta Norton on 2024-12-20 (5 stars): Absolutely delicious! Made the homemade mincemeat and pastry and they are without a doubt the best I've ever had!
Cat on 2024-12-20 (5 stars): I just made these for the first time and they are fantastic. I used beef tallow with the butter and the pastry is the nicest I've ever had, and I bake a lot! Will make these every year.
Carlene H. on 2024-12-02 (5 stars): These are the best of the best. This will be my third year in a row making them and it won't be my last. I've made the mincemeat filling both with and without the beef and it is so delicious either way. The pastry crust is flaky perfection. If there's anyone on the fence about these, make them. They are NOTHING like what you get at the store.
