How to Make Delicious Mince Pies with Ready Made Pastry

Mince pies are a staple of the holiday season. They are the perfect dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea or to serve at a festive gathering. While making mince pies from scratch can be time-consuming, using ready made pastry can make the process much quicker and easier. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of making delicious mince pies with ready made pastry. So, put on your apron and let’s get started!

Ingredients:
– Ready made pastry (shortcrust or puff pastry works best)
– Mincemeat
– Butter
– Icing sugar
– Milk

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Before you start assembling your mince pies, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your pies cook evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the pastry
If you are using pre-rolled pastry, you can skip this step. Otherwise, roll out your pastry on a floured surface until it is around 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter or a small cup, cut out circles from the pastry to fit your muffin tin.

Step 3: Line the tin
Carefully press the pastry circles into a greased muffin tin, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles or air pockets. If you want to add a decorative touch, you can cut out smaller shapes from the remaining pastry to use as a pastry lid.

Step 4: Add the mincemeat
Spoon a generous amount of mincemeat into each pastry case, filling them almost to the top. Be sure not to overfill the pies, as the mincemeat will expand slightly as it cooks.

Step 5: Add the pastry lids (optional)
If you have cut out smaller shapes for pastry lids, gently press them on top of the mincemeat filling. If you prefer a simpler look, you can leave the pies open-faced.

Step 6: Bake in the oven
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the mince pies for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to ensure they don’t burn.

Step 7: Add the finishing touch
Once the mince pies are out of the oven, transfer them to a wire rack to cool. While they are still warm, sprinkle them with a dusting of icing sugar for a festive finish.

Step 8: Enjoy!
Once the mince pies are cool enough to handle, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them with a dollop of cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a piping hot cup of tea for a truly delicious treat.

Making mince pies with ready made pastry is a fun and easy way to enjoy this festive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and get baking – your friends and family will thank you for it! Happy baking!