Mincemeat Pie with Brandy Butter

Get the lowdown on how to make marvelous mincemeat tartlets inspired by the Great British Bake Off, brandy butter and all. Green apples, spices, and a medley of candied fruits join the traditional ingredient, beef suet, for a flavorful and festive filling that you can make ahead of time.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 573 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons boiling water
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• ¼ cup orange juice
• ½ cup dried currants
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons brandy
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup candied cherries, halved
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup salted butter, softened
• 3 ounces beef suet
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped
• ½ cup dried apricots, finely chopped
• ¼ cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
• ¼ cup candied lemon peel, finely chopped
• ¼ cup candied lime peel, finely chopped
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 5 tablespoons iced water, or more as needed
• 2 tablespoons sanding sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Melt beef suet in a stockpot over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, raisins, currants, cranberries, apricots, all candied peel, cherries, orange juice, and zests. Season with salt, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens and apples are tender, 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 3

Cool mincemeat filling to room temperature, at least 20 minutes. Cover and chill mincemeat overnight, about 8 hours, or up to 3 days.

Step 4

Combine flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor to make the pastry crust. Add butter and pulse, 5 to 10 times, until combined. Add 5 to 6 tablespoons water, continuing to pulse, until a dough forms. Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface. Lightly knead together, shape into two flat circles, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 5

Roll out one of the pastry circles to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out 6 circles using a 4 1/2-inch cookie cutter and roll into 6-inch circles. Place into six 4-inch tartlet pans and crimp the edges. Divide the mincemeat filling between the crusts; smooth the tops.

Step 6

Roll out the remaining dough to the same thickness. Use a cookie cutter to carve out 6 stars to cover the pies. Beat egg with a splash of water. Brush egg wash over the top of each star and the edges of the pies; sprinkle with sanding sugar. Place pies on a baking sheet.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool pies on a wire rack.

Step 8

Beat butter and powdered sugar together in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in brandy and boiling water until smooth. Chill brandy butter until ready to serve. Garnish each pie with a pat of brandy butter if desired.