Mince pies combine with a spiced crumble topping in these festive cinnamon mince pies.
When mince pies were first invented in the middle ages, the pastry sides and lids probably weren't eaten at all. It's thought they were a simple flour and water paste designed to encase the filling, keeping it moist and delicious. Thankfully, we've come a long way since then. For this mince pies recipe, the lids are half the fun. Instead of plain pastry they are topped with an orange and almond crumble, infused with the sweet, woody flavour of cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 375g shortcrust pastry
- 250g good quality mincemeat
- 50g plain flour
- 4 tbsp demerara sugar
- 40g butter
- finely grated zest of ½ orange
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Pre-heat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/Gas Mark 6.
- Thinly roll out the pastry and using a 7.5-9cm pastry cutter, cut out as many disks as you can, re-rolling the trimmings as you go. Press the disks into the holes of one or two 12 hole tart tins.
- Spoon a couple of teaspoons of mincemeat into each pastry case and set aside.
- To make the crumble topping, rub together the flour, demerara sugar, butter, orange zest and cinnamon until you have a chunky crumble mixture. Scatter over the top of the mincemeat and place in the oven for around 15 minutes or until the mince pies are golden and the tops are crisp.
- Remove from the oven and leave to cool for a few minutes before taking out of the tins. Cool on a wire rack and dust with icing sugar to serve.
Top tips for making cinnamon mince pies
This crumble topping doesn't only work with mincemeat - you could use it over any fruity base to give a pudding a bit of a wintery, festive feel. And you don't need to limit it to individual portion pies - use it over a big crumble bake.
You don't need to rub together the topping together by hand. Put it in a mixer and give it a few short blasts (not too long or you may form a dough).
You might also like…
Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodToKnow is the ultimate online destination for mums. Established in 2007, our 15-year-strong archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles, 1,500 how-to videos, and 7,000 recipes.
-
Crispy rosemary and garlic potatoes
Coating your roasties in polenta makes them extra crisp without the need for excessive oil...
By Jess Meyer Published
-
Roast red cabbage, carrots and parsnips with cranberry glaze
Our cranberry glaze adds gloss and sweetness and elevates roast veg to something truly special...
By Jess Meyer Published
-
Blood orange, radicchio, pistachio and Stilton salad
This colourful first course of blood orange, radicchio, pistachio and Stilton salad is light and refreshing, so it makes the perfect start to your festive feast...
By Jess Meyer Published
-
Stuffed lamb shoulder with feta and apricot
Our stuffed lamb shoulder with feta and apricot is infused with lots of Middle Eastern flavours and it only takes 30 minutes of prep
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Stuffed spring leg of lamb with herby chutney
This stuffed spring leg of lamb with herby chutney is best made the night before so it can marinate and intensify in flavour.
By Jules Mercer Published
-
Easter coconut and lemon cake
This Easter coconut and lemon cake serves 12 and leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to three days.
By Jules Mercer Published
-
Prince Harry’s plans for a ‘British’ Christmas for Prince Archie and Lilibet - selection boxes for breakfast?
The Duke of Sussex is planning to give his children their first-ever British Christmas
By Selina Maycock Published
-
How to make Stacey Solomon’s Crafty Christmas decorations at home - and it's an easy activity to try with the kids
Stacey Solomon's festive crafting special features beautiful homemade gifts. Here's how to make two of her budget creations.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas: Recipes, guest stars and where to watch
BBC viewers can enjoy a slice of Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas in December, with the British chef sharing recipes, tips and tricks to cooking the perfect Christmas dinner.
By Emily Stedman Published