Mini mince pies

These mini mince pies are a classic Christmas treat made bitesize! Crisp, buttery shortcrust pastry is filled with succulent mincemeat and topped with a selection of garnishes to produce an irresistibly pretty spread.

Making these beautiful little mince pies is incredibly easy. You'll make the sweet shortcrust pastry but rubbing flour, sugar and butter together, before cutting a beaten egg through the mixture with a cutlery knife.

Then, rather than faffing around cutting out endless tiny pastry discs, you simply drop pieces of pastry into a mini muffin tin and press them into shape. Fill them with a little spoonful of mincemeat each and they're ready to bake!

To finish, you'll decorate them with a selection of suitably festive toppings: desiccated coconut, crushed ginger biscuits, chopped nuts and tiny marzipan stars. Aren't they pretty?

Here's how to make these wonderfully tasty mini mince pies.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200C (180 fan).

Grease your mini muffin tray well. I like to use cake release spray as it's easy to apply a thin layer and it doesn't make the pastry greasy.

Make the pastry

Put the flour, sugar and butter in a mixing bowl.

Rub together until the mix resembles fine breadcrumbs. Shake the bowl back and forth to check for lumps, which should rise to the top, allowing you to rub them in.

Add the beaten egg.

Use a rounded cutlery knife to cut the egg into the crumb evenly, until it starts to clump together.

Gather the pastry into a ball. It doesn't need to be perfectly smooth - you want to work the dough as little as possible, do this without too much kneading.

If your dough is very soft, wrap and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to make it easier to work with.

Shape and fill the pies

You now need to divide your dough into 24 pieces. You can do this by eye or weigh your dough and divide by 24 to tell you what each piece should weigh. It will probably be about 17g each. Drop the pieces into the holes of the greased mini muffin tray.

Press each piece of dough down with your thumb or a suitable utensil (I used the thin end of a pestle) so that the pastry flattens against the base and rises up the sides. Neaten up to create pastry cases.

Pop the whole tray in the fridge for 10 minutes to allow the cases to firm up.

Spoon mincemeat into each case, just to the top. Don't overfill - you might not need it all.

Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 10 minutes until the pastry is golden.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before gently lifting the mini mince pies onto a wire cooling rack.

Roll out your piece of marzipan and cut out 6 little stars.

Crush the gingernut biscuits. This is most easily done in a small bag bashed with a rolling pin.

Top your pies - 6 per topping - with marzipan stars, chopped nuts, coconut or crushed gingernuts. Do this while the pies are still warm so that the toppings stick to the mincemeat.

Allow to cool before serving.

Which topping takes your fancy the most?

Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect Mini mince pies

Are Mini mince pies cupcakes easy to make?

These Mini mince pies are very simple to make. It’s just a basic pastry recipe filled with shop-bought mincemeat. The recipe is also super quick, meaning you could have these great festive treats ready in just 35 minutes. So as long as you get your pastry right then everything should come together nicely. 

As usual, I’ve included some really clear step by step photos so you can make sure you’re on the right track as you go along.

Will I need any special equipment for Mini mince pies?

To make this mince pie recipe you’ll need some standard cooking equipment like measuring scales, a sieve, a bowl, a rolling pin etc. The only specific equipment you’ll need for this recipe is the mini cupcake tins and the star-shaped cookie cutter. 

These are fairly common bits of cooking kit, so you’ll usually be able to find them on the kitchenware aisle of a large supermarket, or on Amazon. If you’re missing something then go to the recipe card below and you’ll find links to buy the suitable equipment online.

There is a full list of suggested equipment on the recipe card below.

What is mincemeat?

Mincemeat was originally invented as a way to preserve and season meat during the colder months, so it often contained dried meat, often game like venison.

As tastes changed and food storage became easier, meat was dropped from the recipe. So mincemeat, as we know it today, is a mixture of dried fruit, spices, sugar, fat and alcohol. 

However, sometimes recipes (like this one) include beef fat as a nod to the traditional recipe so if you’re cooking for a vegetarian or vegan you should check the ingredients. 

Where can I buy mincemeat?

Mincemeat is usually available on the baking or seasonal aisle of most British supermarkets. While mince pies aren’t as popular in the US, you should still be able to find mincemeat fairly easily. 

If you aren’t able to locate any in your local grocery store, you can always find some online through Amazon, or if you’re abroad you can also find it in specialist British food stores aimed at ex-pats.

How can I tell if eggs have gone off?

In the UK, eggs come with 'Best Before End' and 'Use By' dates. In the US, eggs will only have an 'Expiration Date'. Best Before / Expiration dates are more about eating the food before the quality declines, whereas 'Use By' dates are essential food safety dates that should always be followed. Eggs in the UK will often have a Best Before End date stamped on them, so even if you keep your eggs in a bowl, you'll still be able to tell how fresh they are. 

It's important to note that these dates are only valid if you store your food as the package tells you to. So if your eggs say 'refrigerate' and you've left them on the counter for a couple of weeks, they may have spoiled before the use-by date. 

The NHS has some good (UK-specific) advice on food storage and Use By dates.

There's an old test to tell if your egg is fresh, called the float test. To do this you just need to drop your egg into a cup of water to see if it sinks or floats. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom of the water as they have little gas within them. Older eggs will float because eggs gradually lose water content and absorb air through their shells. However, this test isn't a foolproof test as bad eggs can still sink. 

A spoiled egg will smell terrible, so you should be able to tell as soon as you crack the egg open. However, if your egg looks, smells, feels or tastes odd in any way, even if it's in date, don't risk it. It's never worth the risk.

Always crack your eggs into a separate bowl or cup before adding them to a recipe. This will let you check if they’re safe to eat before contaminating the rest of the ingredients. If your eggs are off make sure to dispose of them immediately and clean everything they come in contact with very thoroughly.

Food safety is especially important if you're an older person, live with an underlying health condition, or are pregnant. If you're unsure, always check the health or food safety guidelines wherever you live.

A Mummy Too does not give medical advice, so please consult with your medical professional.

How can I tell if butter has gone off?

Butter should always be stored in the fridge as the milk solids can spoil when left at room temperature. Butter that has gone off will usually look a darker colour and have a sour or strange smell to it. The texture will probably be very soft and it may even have a bloom of mould growing on it. 

If your butter looks smells or tastes strange in any way you should immediately discard it and wash anything it comes in contact with to avoid contaminating any of your other ingredients.

Are Mini mince pies suitable for vegetarians?

These Mini mince pies are suitable for vegetarians as long as the mincemeat you use is meat-free. Mincemeat, as we know it today, is a mixture of dried fruits, spices, sugar, fat and alcohol. 

However, it originally contained dried meat. Sometimes you might find a very traditional version of it that still contains meat or uses beef fat as the fat element. 

So you should always check the label of your ingredients to confirm that everything you use is suitable for the people you’re cooking for.

Don't forget to also check anything extra you intend to serve the recipe with.

Are Mini mince pies cupcakes suitable for vegans?

The pastry for these Mini mince pies contains egg and butter, so it isn’t suitable for a vegan diet. However, you could try making your own vegan mince pies or you could try using store-bought pastry to make these mini mince pies.

Surprisingly most supermarket brands of pre-prepared pastry or dry pastry mixes that you can buy in a supermarket are vegan. This is because they often use vegetable shortening instead of butter or lard shortening. So if you want to adapt this recipe for a vegan then it’s completely fine to use a vegan store-bought pastry. Just make sure you check the label to ensure that the pastry is 100% vegan, and that it’s shortcrust pastry. 

Double-check all of your ingredients labels to make sure to check that they are suitable for vegans. Don't forget to also check anything extra you intend to serve the recipe with.

Are Mini mince pies cupcakes gluten-free?

This Mini mince pie recipe uses wheat flour so it isn’t gluten-free. However, it should be fairly easy to adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet. As long as you use a wheat-free mincemeat, you’ll only need to replace the flour in this recipe to make it gluten-free. 

As gluten-free food has become more widely available there are usually a few good quality gluten-free flours available in supermarkets. A good quality gluten-free flour blends a few types of non-wheat flours with some binding and sometimes potato starch and raising agents. Using gluten-free flour with a mix of flours will give you the best taste and texture.

Remember that this recipe calls for plain flour, so if you use gluten-free flour for this recipe then you should make sure you don’t buy one that includes a raising agent. If your gluten-free flour has a raising agent then your pastry will rise and look uneven.

This recipe also uses gingernut biscuits as an optional topping, so make sure you buy gluten-free biscuits. Or you could just use coconut and hazelnuts and omit the gingernuts entirely.

When cooking for someone who can’t eat gluten you should always double-check all of your ingredients labels to make sure that they’re gluten-free. If you intend to serve these mince pies with a sauce or side, don't forget to check the labels to make sure everything is gluten-free.

Are Mini mince pies keto-friendly?

These mini mince pies aren’t keto-friendly as they contain wheat flour, sugar and mincemeat. Mincemeat is a key ingredient that can’t be substituted. It contains dried fruit sugar and alcohol so it isn’t flexible for adapting to a ketogenic diet. 

Are Mini mince pies healthy?

These mini mince pies contain fat from the butter, sugar and sweet mincemeat. So while they’re a delicious festive treat they’re definitely best enjoyed as a treat. There’s nothing wrong with an occasional treat as part of a healthy diet.

Are Mini mince pies safe to eat while pregnant?

This recipe calls for mincemeat, which can often contain a very small amount of alcohol. However when ingredients that contain alcohol cook they lose a lot of their alcohol content. (A study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that food baked or simmered in alcohol for 15 minutes still retains 40 percent of the alcohol.) 

However, usually the mincemeat in mince pies has a very low alcohol content (1.5%) so mincemeat is usually considered safe for a pregnant person. 

When you’re cooking for someone in a high risk group you should take extra care to make sure that all of your ingredients are in good condition and that your food is prepared safely and hygienically.

A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.

What goes well with Mini mince pies?

Mince pies are traditionally served with cream or often with ice cream. Seasonal favourites like brandy cream or sauce will also make for an even more decadent seasonal treat. 

So these mini mince pies are perfect for serving on top of a scoop of ice cream, or just on their own as a perfectly sized snack.

Can I make this recipe with store-bought pastry?

Yes, you can make this recipe with store-bought pastry as long as it’s a sweetened shortcrust pastry. You can often find rolled out and prepared pastry in the refrigerated section of a grocery store, or sometimes in blocks in the freezer.

If you’re using rolled pastry you’ll need to make sure you let it sit for a few minutes out of the fridge before rolling it for this recipe. Letting it come closer to room temperature will ensure it’s more flexible and less likely to rip or tear.

However, this recipe was designed to give a buttery and festive taste by making the pastry with fresh butter and icing sugar to give it that rich and sweet flavour.

How should I store these vegan mince pies?

Once your mince pies are cooked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container and keep them in a cupboard, a dark corner or the fridge. You can also freeze them if you want to make them ahead of time.

 How long do Mini mince pies keep?

If you store your mince pies correctly you can keep them for up to 5 days in an airtight container or for months in the freezer. However, Mince pies are always at their best on the day you bake them as the pastry can become soggy or stale over time.

Can I leave Mini mince pies out on the counter?

Yes, as long as your mince pies are kept in an airtight container in a dark corner or out of direct sunlight then it’s fine to keep on the counter. If you keep them in the fridge then they will most likely get a bit soft and soggy more quickly.

Can I make Mini mince pies ahead?

You can make these Mini mince pies a couple of days ahead of time but they’re always at their freshest. Plus there’s nothing more festive than the smell of mince pies cooking in the oven! 

If you do make your mince pies ahead of time you can reheat them for 8 minutes at 160C / 320F (in a fan oven) before serving.

If you’re trying to save on cooking time for an event then you can still prep ahead and still have fresh mince pies on the day. If you make the pastry a couple of days ahead then all you’ll need to do is cut, fill and bake the pastry. If you do this then you should make sure that you keep the pastry wrapped in the fridge and it will be ready to roll out and complete your pies on the day. 

Can I keep Mini mince pies in the refrigerator?

If you have enough fridge space then you can keep your vegan mince pies in the fridge if you like. 

However, you’ll want to make sure you reheat them first as they might get a bit soft or soggy when stored in the fridge.

Can I freeze Mini mince pies?

Yes, your Mini mince pies should freeze really well, though it will be best to freeze them without the decorative toppings as the nuts/ coconut/ biscuit crumb won’t hold in place in the freezer. 

Once your mince pies are cooked and cooled you can spread them out on a freezable dish or plate and freeze them. Once they’re frozen you can then transfer them into an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer. (Freezing your mince pies on a dish like this helps keep them intact and stops the mince pies sticking together.) 

Your frozen Mini mince pies should keep in the freezer for up to two months. 

How should I defrost Mini mince pies?

The best way to defrost your Mini mince pies is to take them out of the freezer and put them in the fridge for a few hours in an airtight container. 

This will let your Mini mince pies defrost evenly and save them from getting too warm or soggy.

What is the best way to Mini vegan mince pies?

The best way to warm or reheat your Mini mince pies is to put them in a preheated oven at 160C-180C for around 8 minutes. (If your mince pies are on the browner side it’s better to heat them more gently.) 

If you have topped them with nuts or coconut then it’s best to cover them with foil while you reheat them so the topping doesn’t burn.

Can I make these Mini mince pies in a different quantity?

Sure! Mini mince pies are an ideal recipe for changing the quantity of, as they cook in individual portions, so the cooking time should remain the same. So if you want to make more or less then feel free. There’s a really helpful tool in the recipe card below to help you to change the quantity and ratios.

If you scroll down to the recipe card you'll see the servings amount near the top. To change this to the number you want to make click on the number and a little slider will pop up. You can then move the slider up or down to get the amount of Mini mince pies you want to make.

All the ingredient quantities will update automatically for you so that everything is in the right ratios. As the mince pies are individual portions, the size will remain the same, so the cooking time should be unaffected.

Can I make this recipe in a bigger tin?

Sure, if you want to make some bigger mince pies I have a very easy recipe here. Or if you wanted to make one giant mince pie you could follow a fruit pie recipe like this one and replace the fruit with mincemeat. However remember that I haven’t tested this so you might want to do a little research or testing first. 

I’d love to hear how it goes or see a picture if you do make a giant mince pie. So remember to get in touch if you do!

Can I make Mini mince pies in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?

No, you should bring your pastry mix together by hand. First by rubbing the flour, sugar and butter together until the mix looks and feels like fine breadcrumbs. Then you’ll add your egg and use a spoon or spatula to bring it all together. 

You don't want to knead or overwork the dough for this recipe or the pastry will become too tough and won’t have that buttery mince pie texture. So using a stand mixer or food processor to mix the pastry wouldn’t be suitable for this recipe.

How can I make sure my Mini mince pies turn out perfectly?

This Mini mince pies recipe is very low effort, so there aren’t many ways to go wrong. The pastry doesn’t need to be mixed or kneaded excessively, you just need to bring the ingredients together and let it rest before rolling it out. 

Once you’ve shaped your mince pies you just need to make sure you put the right amount of mincemeat into the cases. However, because these mince pies don’t have a pastry top there’s no risk of them bursting, so they’re even easier than a traditional mince pie!

Why did my Mini mince pies turn out dry and burnt?

These Mini mince pies only need 10 minutes in the oven, if you leave them any longer they’ll quickly burn because they’re so small. The mincemeat should help them to stay nice and moist, so it is quite difficult to dry them out. 

If your oven was set to the right temperature but they still burned, then it might be because your oven runs hotter than the dial states. If you regularly overcook or burn food in your oven it might be worth getting an oven thermometer to check it’s running at the correct temperature. You can usually find oven thermometers in kitchenware stores or on Amazon for less than £10.

If you cooked them for the right amount of time and at the right temperature, then maybe you didn’t add enough butter to the dough. You’ll know if the dough was too dry if the dough was crumbly and difficult to shape or hold together. 

Why did my Mini mince pies turn out wet and soft?

If your Mini mince pies turned out too soft then it’s most likely because you’ve undercooked them. This can happen if your oven isn’t hot enough. So make sure you preheat it before you put your mince pies into it. 

If you put your mince pies into the oven before it was up to the right temperature it would cause the pastry dough to melt and allow the mincemeat to make the pastry soggy.

As above, if you think your oven temperature isn’t as the dial states an oven thermometer can help you regulate the temperature better.

How can I add/change the flavours in these Mini mince pies?

If you want to change the flavours of your mince pies that’s fine. This mince pie recipe is one of a few I have, so if you aren’t a marzipan fan why not try my Salted caramel mince pies? 

If you want to change the flavour of this Mini mince pie recipe you’ll need to be quite heavy handed with the amount of flavouring you use. This is because mincemeat usually has a mix of spices, brandy and dried fruit, all of which have very strong flavours and marzipan is a very strong flavour too. 

Orange zest is something that can really add flavour to your mince pies, without changing the balance of moisture. The flavour of orange would really compliment the mincemeat too. So you could add it into the pastry while mixing, or mix it into the mincemeat before spooning into the pastry cases.

Or you could take influence from some less traditional sources and add some strong spices that you might typically find in Chinese, Indian, South-East Asian and Central Asian cooking. For example, you could add Sichuan pink peppercorns to the mincemeat for little pops of fragrant spice. Or rosewater and dried barberries to the mincemeat for a Persian flavour. Barberries are tart and citrus tasting berries, like a cross between a raisin and a cranberry, so it could work well as an addition to your mince pies.

Feel free to go wild with your flavour additions, as long as it doesn’t affect the consistency of the pastry or mincemeat too much. If your pastry or mincemeat become too wet or too dry then the cooking of the mince pies will be affected. 

Where is the origin of mince pies? Why do we eat mince pies during Christmas?

Historians think that mincemeat was originally used as a way to preserve meat during the colder months, by drying it and then adding it to dried fruits, alcohol and fat. So it makes sense that it was eaten during the festive period.

Starting in the medieval period pies with similar recipes to mince pies were mentioned in cookbooks. These pies were called ‘crib cakes’ (a reference to Jesus), wayfarer’s pies (as they were served to travellers) or Christmas pies (as they became a popular Christmas treat). So their shape and origin are heavily influenced by Christian tradition.

Mince pies today would be unrecognisable to medieval cooks, as they were originally a large oblong shape, and of course they also contained meat.

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