Welcoming the festive spirit into our homes with warm, aromatic baked goods is a cherished Christmas tradition in the United Kingdom. One classic treat that graces many holiday tables is the delightful Walnut and Fruit Mince Pies. These little gems, packed with a rich blend of fruits, nuts, and spices, are sure to fill your kitchen with the cozy scents of the holiday season. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of tea by the fireplace, these mince pies are a must-have for your holiday baking repertoire.
Walnut And Fruit Mince Pies
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– 1-2 tablespoons cold water
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, sultanas, currants)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup candied peel
– 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
– Zest and juice of 1 orange
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon allspice
– 1 tablespoon brandy or rum (optional)
– Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub the mixture between your fingers until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water to the mixture. Stir with a spoon until the dough comes together. If needed, add more water, a little at a time, until the dough forms a ball.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the dried fruits, nuts, candied peel, brown sugar, orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, and spices. Stir well to combine. If desired, add brandy or rum for extra richness.
6. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter slightly larger than the muffin tin cups, cut out 12 circles for the pie bases. Press the circles into the greased muffin tin.
7. Fill each pastry-lined cup with a generous spoonful of the fruit and nut mixture. You can mound the filling slightly as it will settle while baking.
8. Roll out the remaining pastry and cut out 12 slightly smaller circles for the pie lids. Place a lid on top of each mince pie and press the edges together to seal.
9. With a sharp knife, make a small slit on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking.
10. Bake the mince pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
Enjoy serving these Walnut and Fruit Mince Pies warm or at room temperature, dusted with a sprinkle of icing sugar for a delightful finish. These festive treats are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days if they last that long with their irresistible aroma filling your home. Share the joy of the season with these homemade delights that capture the essence of a traditional British Christmas.
