Traditional Irish Mince Pies Recipe

Traditional Irish Mince Pies are a delightful blend of rich, spiced fruit filling encased in buttery, flaky pastry. The warm aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves fills your kitchen as these golden treats bake to perfection.

With just 45 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking, you’ll have a batch of these festive pies ready to enjoy. Each bite offers a harmonious mix of sweet, tangy mincemeat and the crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth crust that’s simply irresistible.

These pies are perfect for sharing during cozy gatherings or savoring with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon.

The contrast of the juicy, spiced filling and the crisp, golden pastry creates a texture that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re honoring tradition or trying something new, these mince pies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.

Ingredients for Traditional Irish Mince Pies

• 2 recipes Homemade Pie Crust (make sure to chill the dough for at least 60 minutes)
• 1 recipe Traditional Mince Meat (store-bought or homemade)
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water or milk)
• Brandy Butter (for serving, optional)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
• Whipped cream (as an alternative to Brandy Butter, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: Make a double recipe of Homemade Pie Crust and let it rest in the fridge for at least 60 minutes to chill.
2. Prep the pan: Butter a 12-well cupcake pan and set it aside.
3. Roll the pastry: On a floured surface, roll the pastry to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a 3½-inch cutter to cut out 12 circles.
4. Shape the pies: Press the pastry circles into the prepared cupcake pan, ensuring they fit snugly.
5. Add the filling: Fill each pastry shell ¾ of the way with Traditional Mince Meat. (Tip: More filling makes for a tastier pie!)
6. Cut the tops: Re-roll any pastry scraps and use a 3-inch cutter to cut rounds for the pie tops. Alternatively, use festive cutters (e.g., stars, trees) for decorative tops.
7. Seal the pies: Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash, then lay the tops over the filling. Use a fork to seal the edges or place decorative cutouts on top.
8. Finish with egg wash: Brush the tops of the pies with more egg wash for a golden finish.
9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃). Bake the pies for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
10. Serve: Dust the pies with powdered sugar and serve warm with Brandy Butter or whipped cream.
11. Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 8 weeks. Reheat at 300℉ (150℃) for about 10 minutes.

Perfect Pairings: Toppings and Serving Ideas

Elevate your Traditional Irish Mince Pies with a dollop of Brandy Butter or a swirl of Whipped Cream for a rich, indulgent treat.

For a lighter option, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. Pair with a cup of spiced tea or mulled wine to complete the cozy holiday experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover mince pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 8 weeks. Reheat in a 300℉ (150℃) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their warmth and flakiness.

Time-Saving Tricks for Busy Bakers

Short on time? Use store-bought pie crust and pre-made mincemeat to cut down on prep. You can also prepare the pastry and filling a day ahead and assemble the pies just before baking. Rolling the dough between parchment paper can also speed up the process and reduce mess.

Festive Variations to Try

Experiment with different pastry shapes like stars, holly leaves, or snowflakes for a decorative touch. For a twist on the filling, add a handful of chopped nuts or a splash of orange zest to the mincemeat. You can also swap the traditional crust for a shortbread base for a buttery, crumbly alternative.

Essential Equipment for Success

Ensure you have a 12-well cupcake pan for perfectly shaped pies. A 3 ½-inch cutter is ideal for the base, while a 3-inch cutter works well for the tops. Festive cookie cutters add a holiday flair, and a pastry brush is essential for applying the egg wash evenly.

Traditional Irish Mince Pies Recipe

Shaziya

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Cuisine Irish

Servings 0

Ingredients

  

Homemade Pie Crust Recipe

• 2 recipes Homemade Pie Crust Recipe

Traditional Mince Meat

• 1 recipe Traditional Mince Meat

egg wash

• 1 recipe egg wash

Brandy Butter

• Brandy Butter to serve

Instructions

 

• Make a double recipe of my Homemade Pie Crust Recipe and allow to rest in the fridge for a minimum of 60 minutes to chill and relax.
• Butter a 12 well cupcake pan. Set aside.
• On a floured surface, roll the pastry to roughly ¼-inch thickness.
• Using a 3 ½-inch cutter, cut out 12 circles. Press these in the prepared cupcake pan.
• Fill the pastry ¾ of the way full with my Homemade Mince Meat. More filling makes for a better pie.
• Re-roll any scraps and using a 3-inch cutter, cut more rounds for the tops of the pies.
• Also using festive cutters cut shapes likes stars, trees, holly etc that can also be the top of the pie.
• Brush the edge of the pastry with egg wash and lay on the tops.
• Use a fork to seal the top and bottom together so they stick. Or lay on your holiday cut out on top.
• Brush the tops with more egg wash.
• Bake at 400℉ (200℃) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
• Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with Brandy Butter or Whipped Cream.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• The pies can also be frozen for up to 8 weeks. Re-heat in a 300℉ (150℃) for about 10 minutes.

Keyword Holiday Baking, Mince Pies, Recipe, Traditional

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