Step 1 of 6
Mince Pies
Rub the cold diced butter into the flour, then mix in the sugar and a pinch of salt.
Step 2
Bring the mixture into a ball without adding any liquid. Knead briefly into a smooth, firm dough (like shortbread). Use immediately or chill.
Step 3
Preheat oven to 200°C / Gas 6 / 180°C fan. Press walnut-sized balls of pastry into the holes of two 12-hole patty tins to line 18 holes.
Step 4
Spoon mincemeat into each pastry case. Pat slightly smaller balls of pastry into round lids and press over the filling, gently sealing the edges.
Step 5
Brush the tops with beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes then transfer to a rack.
Step 6
Dust lightly with icing sugar to serve.
