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Delia Smith Mince Pies

Delia Smith Mince Pies Recipe

  • Author: Ekani Ella
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mince pies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

Delia Smith’s mince pies are made with a buttery shortcrust pastry and filled with traditional mincemeat, a spiced mix of dried fruits, citrus, and suet. These bite-sized treats are baked until golden and often dusted with powdered sugar for a festive finish.


Ingredients

For the Pastry:

  • Plain flour (225g): Forms the base of the pastry.
  • Butter (125g, chilled and diced): For a rich, flaky texture.
  • Lard (25g, chilled and diced): Adds extra flakiness (or use additional butter for a vegetarian option).
  • Cold water (2–3 tablespoons): To bind the dough.
  • Salt (a pinch): Enhances flavor.

For the Filling:

  • Mincemeat (300g): Homemade or high-quality store-bought.

For Finishing:

  • Powdered sugar (optional): To dust the pies.
  • Egg (1, beaten): For an optional glaze.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the pastry

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and lard, then rub them into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  • Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan, 400°F).

Step 3: Roll out the pastry

  • Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pastry to about 3mm thickness. Use a round cutter to cut circles for the pie bases and slightly smaller circles for the lids.

Step 4: Assemble the mince pies

  • Line the muffin tin with the larger pastry circles, pressing gently into each cavity. Add a teaspoon of mincemeat to each base, ensuring not to overfill.
  • Place the smaller pastry circles on top as lids, sealing the edges by pinching or pressing with a fork. Optionally, brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.

Step 5: Bake the pies

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.

Step 6: Cool and serve

  • Allow the mince pies to cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.