New Delhi: Christmas is just around the corner, and it is the most comforting and wonderful feeling to celebrate at home, preparing Christmas treats – sweet or savoury. With warm spices, buttery pastries and citrus peels, the sweet smell transforms the home into a haven of celebrations.

One among the holiday bakes is a classic mince pie, a timeless favourite that instantly sets the mood for celebration. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or planning a cosy winter evening, homemade mince pies add a personal touch that store-bought versions simply cannot replicate. Here is how you can prepare mince pie at home in easy steps for this festive season.

Mince pie recipe

Ingredients

For the pastry

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 egg
• A few tbsp cold water
• A pinch of salt

For the mince filling

• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, chopped apricots)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 apple, grated
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp allspice (optional)
• 2 tbsp orange juice or brandy
• 1 tbsp marmalade or jam
• Zest of 1 orange

To finish

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Icing sugar for dusting

Steps to prepare:

1. Mix all dry fruits, nuts, grated apple, sugar, spices, orange zest and brandy in a bowl.
2. Add marmalade to combine and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. In another bowl, add flour, sugar and salt.
4. Add cold butter and rub it until it looks like breadcrumbs.
5. Add egg and cold water to knead a smooth dough, let it rest.
6. Lightly dust your counter and roll the dough with medium thickness.
7. Cut circles using the cutter.
8. Grease a muffin tray, place one dough circle in each slot, and add a spoonful of filling in each.
9. Cover with a smaller dough circle or star shape.
10. Brush the tops with egg to shine, bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
11. Let them cool slightly, then dust with icing sugar. Serve warm with cream, custard or mulled wine.

Baking mince pies at home can transform your kitchen into a Christmas wonderland. The blend of spices, citrus and warm pastrycreates a cosy experience that uplifts the festive spirit.