Make the Best Classic Mince Pies This Christmas

Nothing says Christmas quite like a batch of warm, homemade mince pies. Flaky, buttery pastry filled with rich, spiced mincemeat — it’s a classic treat that brings festive cheer to any holiday gathering. This traditional recipe is simple to follow and perfect for baking ahead, so you can enjoy the comforting taste of Christmas all season long.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Mince Pies

For the Mincemeat

• 225g cooking apples, peeled, cored & finely chopped
• 110g shredded suet (beef or vegetarian)
• 175g dark brown sugar
• 225g raisins
• 225g sultanas
• 110g currants
• 50g chopped mixed peel
• ½ lemon (zest & juice)
• ½ orange (zest & juice)
• 25g flaked almonds (optional)
• 2 tsp mixed spice
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 50ml brandy

How to Make Homemade Mince Pies Step by Step

Make the mincemeat (ideally ahead!):
Combine all ingredients except the brandy in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
Cover and leave overnight.
Next day, place in a low oven (120°C) for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally (this melts the suet and coats everything).
Let it cool, then stir in the brandy.
Store in sterilised jars — it keeps for months!
Make the pastry:
Sift the flour and icing sugar into a bowl, add salt.
Rub in the cold butter with fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

How to Assemble Your Mince Pies Perfectly

Stir in the beaten egg and enough cold water to form a soft dough.
Shape into a ball, wrap in cling film, and chill for 30 mins. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas 6.
Roll out pastry to about 3mm thick on a lightly floured surface.
Cut out rounds for the bases and slightly smaller rounds or festive stars for the tops.
Line bun/tart tins with the pastry bases.
Fill each with a heaped teaspoon of mincemeat.
Dampen edges with water, place lids on top, press edges to seal.
Make a tiny slit in each lid (if using rounds).
Brush with milk or beaten egg.

Baking Mince Pies to Golden Perfection

Bake for 15–20 mins until golden brown.
Cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Dust with icing sugar

Enjoy your mince pies warm or cold, perfect for sharing with family and friends this festive season. For more interesting mince pie facts and history, be sure to check out our dedicated mince pie fun facts page. Happy baking and Merry Christmas! 🎄