Easy Gingerbread Mince Pies
Gingerbread mince pies are a classic Christmas treat that are easy to make and always a hit with family and friends. Here is a simple recipe for making delicious gingerbread mince pies:
Ingredients:
* 1 cup plain flour
* 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
* 1/4 cup light brown sugar
* 1 tsp ground ginger
* 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
* 1/4 tsp ground cloves
* 1 egg yolk
* 1 tbsp milk
For the mincemeat:
* 1 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, sultanas, and currants)
* 1/2 cup chopped apple
* 1/4 cup chopped mixed peel
* 1 tbsp brown sugar
* 1 tsp ground cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
* 1/4 cup mincemeat liquor (or orange juice)
Instructions:
1. Make the pastry: In a large bowl, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar and spices. Add the egg yolk and milk and mix until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the mincemeat: In a medium bowl, combine the dried fruit, apple, mixed peel, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mincemeat liquor. Stir until well combined.
3. Assemble the pies: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3mm. Cut out 12 circles of dough using a 7cm cutter.
4. Spoon a spoonful of mincemeat into the center of each circle of dough. Fold the edges of the dough over the mincemeat to form a pie shape. Crimp the edges to seal.
5. Place the pies on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve the pies warm with custard or cream.
Tips:
* For a more intense flavor, use a dark brown sugar.
* If you don't have any mincemeat liquor, you can use orange juice instead.
* These pies can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
* To make a vegan version of these pies, use plant-based butter and milk.