Mary Berry’s Mince Pies are a quintessential British treat, perfect for the festive season. These buttery, flaky pastries filled with rich and fruity mincemeat are a holiday classic that’s easy to make and loved by all. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these mince pies are sure to add a touch of Christmas cheer to any gathering.
What is Mary Berry’s Mince Pies Recipe?
Mary Berry’s Mince Pies feature a buttery shortcrust pastry encasing a flavorful filling of mincemeat, which is made from a blend of dried fruits, spices, and a hint of citrus. These bite-sized pastries are a staple during the holiday season and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or mulled wine.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Festive Favorite: A must-have for Christmas celebrations.
- Buttery and Flaky Pastry: Perfectly complements the sweet filling.
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust the filling or add your own twist.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for parties, gifts, or family treats.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry’s Mince Pies
For the Pastry
- 175g (1 1/4 cups) Plain Flour: For the shortcrust base.
- 75g (5 tbsp) Unsalted Butter (cold, diced): Ensures a flaky texture.
- 25g (2 tbsp) Icing Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness.
- 1 Egg Yolk: Binds the pastry.
- 1-2 tbsp Cold Water: To bring the dough together.
For the Filling
- 250g (1 cup) Mincemeat: Store-bought or homemade; the heart of the pies.
For Topping
- Milk or Beaten Egg: For glazing the pastry.
- Icing Sugar: For dusting before serving.
Equipment Needed
- 12-Hole Muffin Tin: For baking the pies.
- Pastry Cutter: For cutting the pastry into rounds.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Mince Pies
Step 1. Make the Pastry
- In a large bowl, sift the plain flour and icing sugar together. Add the diced butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Mix with a knife, then bring the dough together with your hands. Add an extra tablespoon of water if necessary.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2. Prepare the Mincemeat
If using store-bought mincemeat, give it a stir to loosen the texture. For homemade mincemeat, ensure it is well-mixed and ready to use.
Step 3. Roll Out the Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the chilled pastry to about 3mm thickness.
- Use a round cutter to cut 12 circles for the bases, slightly larger than the holes of your muffin tin. Cut 12 smaller circles or stars for the tops.
Step 4. Assemble the Mince Pies
- Line the muffin tin with the larger pastry circles, pressing them gently into place.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of mincemeat into each pastry case, ensuring not to overfill.
- Place the smaller pastry circles or stars on top, pressing the edges lightly to seal.
Step 5. Glaze and Bake
- Brush the tops with milk or beaten egg for a golden finish.
- 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 in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar before serving.
What Goes Well with Mince Pies
- Brandy Butter – A traditional festive accompaniment.
- Clotted Cream – Adds richness and a creamy texture.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Perfect for serving warm mince pies.
- Mulled Wine – A classic Christmas pairing.
- Hot Tea or Coffee – A comforting option for tea time.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mince Pies
- Chill the Pastry: Keeps it easy to handle and prevents shrinking during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much mincemeat can cause the filling to bubble over.
- Customize the Topping: Stars, holly leaves, or lattice tops add a festive touch.
- Use Homemade Mincemeat: Adds a personal touch and allows you to control the sweetness.
- Serve Warm: Heat slightly before serving for the best flavor.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry’s Mince Pies
- Add Citrus Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the pastry.
- Make it Nutty: Add a sprinkling of chopped almonds on top before baking.
- Spice it Up: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the pastry.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the pastry.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and a plant-based egg substitute.
Best Practices to Store Mince Pies
- Store at Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage: Refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze for Future Use: Freeze baked mince pies for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Nutrition Value (per pie)
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 8g
FAQs
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Mince Pies in Advance?
Yes, you can make mince pies in advance. Bake them as directed, allow them to cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze the pies for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
How Do I Prevent Mince Pies from Bubbling Over?
To prevent the filling from bubbling over, avoid overfilling the pastry cases. Leave a small gap between the mincemeat and the edge of the pastry, and press the edges of the top and bottom pastry layers together firmly to seal.
Can I Use Store-Bought Pastry for Mince Pies?
Yes, store-bought shortcrust pastry works well if you’re short on time. Roll it out thinly and follow the same steps for assembling and baking.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Mince Pies?
Reheat mince pies in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes. This ensures the pastry stays crisp and the filling warms evenly. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Mince Pies are a timeless Christmas treat that captures the festive spirit in every bite. Whether you make them for your family or as a gift, these buttery, fruity pastries are sure to bring joy to everyone. Serve them warm with your favorite accompaniments and savor the magic of the season!
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Mary Berry Mince Pies
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes 12 mince pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Mince Pies feature a buttery shortcrust pastry encasing a flavorful filling of mincemeat, which is made from a blend of dried fruits, spices, and a hint of citrus. These bite-sized pastries are a staple during the holiday season and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or mulled wine.
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 175g (1 1/4 cups) Plain Flour: For the shortcrust base.
- 75g (5 tbsp) Unsalted Butter (cold, diced): Ensures a flaky texture.
- 25g (2 tbsp) Icing Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness.
- 1 Egg Yolk: Binds the pastry.
- 1–2 tbsp Cold Water: To bring the dough together.
For the Filling
- 250g (1 cup) Mincemeat: Store-bought or homemade; the heart of the pies.
For Topping
- Milk or Beaten Egg: For glazing the pastry.
- Icing Sugar: For dusting before serving.
Instructions
Step 1. Make the Pastry
- In a large bowl, sift the plain flour and icing sugar together. Add the diced butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Mix with a knife, then bring the dough together with your hands. Add an extra tablespoon of water if necessary.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2. Prepare the Mincemeat
If using store-bought mincemeat, give it a stir to loosen the texture. For homemade mincemeat, ensure it is well-mixed and ready to use.
Step 3. Roll Out the Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the chilled pastry to about 3mm thickness.
- Use a round cutter to cut 12 circles for the bases, slightly larger than the holes of your muffin tin. Cut 12 smaller circles or stars for the tops.
Step 4. Assemble the Mince Pies
- Line the muffin tin with the larger pastry circles, pressing them gently into place.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of mincemeat into each pastry case, ensuring not to overfill.
- Place the smaller pastry circles or stars on top, pressing the edges lightly to seal.
Step 5. Glaze and Bake
- Brush the tops with milk or beaten egg for a golden finish.
- 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 in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar before serving.
