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Christmas Mince Pies Recipe (From the Irish Baker Abroad)
Few Christmas treats feel as comforting—and as unmistakably Irish—as a warm mince pie fresh from the oven. In this recipe from the Irish Baker Abroad, you’ll learn exactly how to make perfectly golden pies with a buttery shortcrust and a generous, richly spiced filling. The method is simple, achievable, and ideal for anyone wanting to add a touch of homemade tradition to their festive table.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
The recipe begins with a classic shortcrust pastry made from:
- Plain flour
- Salted butter
- Icing sugar
The baker also offers two optional twists for those who want to adapt the dough:
- Lard can be included for a flakier, more tender crust.
- Ground almonds can be added to bring out a deeper, nuttier flavour.
Making the Perfect Pastry
The dough is gently mixed and rolled out before the circles are cut. One key piece of advice stands out:
Let the rolled pastry settle naturally into the tins.
Pressing or forcing the dough creates creases that lead to tearing during baking, so the baker encourages viewers to lower it in lightly and let it fall into place.
Once the cases are ready, they are filled with exactly 750g of mince meat—a generous, rich measure that keeps the pies wonderfully moist.
Topping and Baking
The lids are placed on top and lightly brushed with an egg wash to help them brown evenly in the oven.
They bake for 18 to 20 minutes, just long enough for the tops to turn a perfect golden colour without drying out the pastry.
Finishing Touches
When removing them from the tins, patience is essential. The baker recommends waiting for a brief cooling period to avoid breaking the delicate crusts. Once they’re safely out, you can finish them with a simple dusting of icing sugar for a festive sparkle.
The video wraps up with warm holiday wishes—an ideal sentiment to match a batch of homemade mince pies shared with friends and family.
And to top off, add some Homemade Christmas Brandy Butter
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