Mince pies are the heart of British holiday traditions, and Mary Berry’s recipe brings this festive favorite to life with a perfect mix of rich, spiced filling and buttery, crumbly pastry. These little pies are a symbol of the season, best enjoyed warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of tea. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to fill your home with the scent of Christmas, this recipe will not disappoint.

What makes Mary Berry Mince Pie Recipe stand out is the balance between the sweet mincemeat filling and the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth pastry. Homemade mince pies are fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions, and this recipe lets you customize the sweetness and spice to your liking. These treats are perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring quietly by the fire.

Recipe at a Glance

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect from this festive recipe:

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 mince pies
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dietary Suitability: Vegetarian

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the perfect mince pies, gather these simple ingredients:

225g (1 ¾ cups) plain flour
125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
25g (2 tbsp) icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
1 egg, beaten
280g (1 cup) mincemeat (store-bought or homemade)
A little milk for brushing

Substitutes and Optional Ingredients

Butter Substitute: Use margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Mincemeat Variations: Swap traditional mincemeat for a fruit preserve if you prefer less spice.
Egg Wash Alternative: Brush with milk instead of egg for a softer golden finish.

Equipment You’ll Need for Mince Pies

Making mince pies is simple with just a few basic tools:

Mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Muffin or tart tin
Pastry cutter (or glass)
Pastry brush
Cooling rack

Mary Berry Mince Pie: Step-by-Step Guide

Time needed: 45 minutes

Follow these easy steps to bake perfect mince pies:

Make the Pastry
In a large mixing bowl, rub the flour and butter together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the icing sugar, then add the beaten egg and mix until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 10 minutes.
Roll and Cut
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thick. Cut out 12 circles for the pie bases and 12 smaller circles or stars for the tops.
Fill the Pies
Line a muffin or tart tin with the larger pastry circles. Spoon a generous teaspoon of mincemeat into each. Cover with the pastry tops and gently press the edges to seal.
Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops with a little milk or beaten egg. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack and dust with icing sugar before serving.

Step-Specific Tips or Notes

Chill Your Pastry: Cold pastry is easier to handle and results in a flakier texture.
Don’t Overfill: Too much mincemeat can cause the filling to bubble over during baking.
Creative Toppings: Use festive-shaped cutters for a decorative touch on top.

Nutrition Facts & Dietary Info

Each mince pie contains the following nutritional breakdown:

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 Mince Pie)
Calories	230 kcal
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	28g
Sugars	14g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	80mg

These mince pies are vegetarian-friendly but contain gluten and dairy.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Authentic Flavor: The perfect combination of buttery pastry and rich, spiced mincemeat makes these a holiday classic.
Simple & Quick: This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, ready in under an hour.
Perfect for Gifting: These mince pies make delightful homemade gifts during the festive season.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mince Pies

Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough helps create that tender, crumbly pastry texture Mary Berry is known for.
Use Quality Mincemeat: A good-quality mincemeat (or homemade) will elevate the flavor of your pies.
Dust After Cooling: Wait until pies are cool before dusting with icing sugar to avoid it melting into the crust.

Fun Variations & Ingredient Swaps

Add a Boozy Twist: Stir a splash of brandy or rum into the mincemeat for an extra festive touch.
Go Nutty: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Citrus Zing: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the pastry for a subtle citrus aroma.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Overworking the Dough: Handle the pastry gently to avoid tough pies.
Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg (or milk) wash gives the pies their golden, glossy finish.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on the pies during baking to prevent them from drying out.

How to Store & Serve Mince Pies

Storing

Store your mince pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in cling film, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving

Mince pies are best enjoyed warm, either on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream, clotted cream, or brandy butter. Reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Mary Berry Mince Pie FAQs

Can I make mince pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make them up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just reheat before serving.

Do I need to blind bake the pastry first?

No, there’s no need to blind bake. The pastry cooks perfectly along with the filling in the oven.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your mincemeat is gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Mary Berry mince pie recipe is the perfect festive treat, combining buttery pastry with rich, spiced mincemeat for a classic holiday dessert. Whether you’re baking for a party or just enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these pies are sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday season. Give them a try—you might find yourself making them a new tradition!