Bake Festive Joy with Nigella’s Star-Topped Mince Pies

by | Dec 5, 2024 | Recipes

Bake Up Some Holiday Magic with Nigella’s Star-Topped Mince Pies

Nothing says Christmas quite like the cozy aroma of freshly baked mince pies! Mince pies are a traditional holiday favorite, and Nigella Lawson’s Star-Topped Mince Pies bring a delightful twist to the classic recipe. With their rich filling and beautiful star-topped crust, these little pies are sure to make your holiday celebrations even sweeter. Perfect for gifting, sharing with friends, or enjoying with family, these mince pies are as festive as they are delicious. Find the full recipe here.

Why You’ll Love Nigella’s Star-Topped Mince Pies

These mince pies are a joy to bake and a delight to eat. With Nigella’s signature touch, the recipe is straightforward and yields a wonderfully flaky crust paired with a spiced, fruity filling. The star-shaped pastry topping adds a whimsical, festive look that’s sure to impress at any holiday gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pastry:

  • 240g plain flour
  • 60g vegetable shortening, cold and cubed
  • 60g butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 orange, zest only
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Juice of 1-2 clementines (or small oranges) for binding

For the Filling:

  • About 350g mincemeat of your choice

For the Topping:

  • Icing sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Recipe

  1. Make the Pastry: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, shortening, butter, and orange zest. Rub the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Then, slowly add the clementine juice until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or 425°F. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles for the pie bases, and a star-shaped cutter to cut out the tops.
  3. Assemble the Mince Pies: Place the circles of pastry in the cups of a lightly greased mini muffin tin, pressing gently to shape them. Fill each with a teaspoon of mincemeat, being careful not to overfill, then top with a pastry star.
  4. Bake and Dust: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Let the pies cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring to a wire rack. Once cool, dust with icing sugar for a snow-dusted finish.

Tips for Perfect Mince Pies

  • Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and shortening help make a flaky, tender crust.
  • Don’t Overfill: A little mincemeat goes a long way! Overfilling can lead to spilling and burning.
  • Add a Festive Touch: A dusting of icing sugar or a drizzle of brandy butter adds a festive finish.

Why Mince Pies are Perfect for Gifting

Mince pies make wonderful homemade gifts! Place them in a festive tin or box, wrap them with a bow, and you have a thoughtful, delicious present that friends and family will love. There’s something about the traditional flavor and festive look of these pies that brings holiday cheer.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The pastry dough can be made up to two days ahead and kept in the fridge, or frozen for up to a month.

Q: Can I use store-bought mincemeat?

A: Yes, store-bought mincemeat works beautifully and saves time. Feel free to add a bit of brandy or extra spices if you want to customize the flavor.

Q: How long do mince pies last?

A: Stored in an airtight container, these mince pies can last up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make them in advance and thaw when needed.

Conclusion

Nigella’s star-topped mince pies are a holiday treat that combines tradition with festive flair. With a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, fruity filling, these little pies are perfect for Christmas gatherings or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Happy baking, and enjoy spreading some holiday joy with each bite!