With their rich, buttery pastry crusts, beautifully spiced and fruity fillings, and snow-like dusting of sugar, mince pies are the ultimate staple for any Christmas kitchen. And, whether you prefer using shop-bought or homemade mincemeat, making your own mince pies is a great festive activity that bakers of any age can enjoy getting involved with.
From tried-and-true classic recipes from your favourite chefs, to air fryer and vegan versions, to cakes and brownies with an inventive twist, here are our favourite must-try mince pie recipes.
Mary Berry’s Star Almond Mince Pies
This recipe for star-topped festive treats from Mary Berry uses marzipan in lieu of a typical pastry lid, and the almond-flavoured pastry crust adds a mild nutty sweetness.
Rick Stein’s Mince Pies
Rick Stein draws from his mother’s recipe for rich, buttery pastry, which pairs beautifully with the fruity and rounded flavours of mincemeat.
Classic Mince Pies Flaky Pastry, Mincemeat, Sweet Squash, Almonds & Maple Syrup
Inspired by traditional mince pies, Jamie’s flaky pastry treats are filled with a moreishly sweet mix of mincemeat, maple syrup, and squash.
Air Fryer Mince Pies
Air fryers are ideal for getting the perfect crisp finish on your bakes, and this recipe turns out deliciously golden mince pies without the need for any special cake tins.
Frangipane mince pies
Topped with light and creamy rum-flavoured frangipane in lieu of pastry, these mince pies from renowned pastry chef Richard Bertinet brings a touch of French finesse to a festive classic.
Mince Pies
For those who want to make their mince pies plant-based, look no further than this easy five-ingredient vegan recipe that will have you and your guests coming back for seconds.
Mary Berry’s Apple and Mincemeat Squares
This quick and simple bake by Mary Berry brings together all the elements of a mince pie, plus Bramley apples, to create a delicious festive pastry.
Jane’s Patisserie’s Mince Pie Brownies
Perfect for those who love chocolatey festive treats, Jane’s Patisserie has combined the light, buttery pastry base of a mince pie with mincemeat and an indulgent brownie topping.
Six-Minute Mince Pie Mug Cake
Want the festive, comforting flavours of a homemade mince pie, but without the faff of baking? These microwaveable mug cakes require just a handful of ingredients and come together in mere minutes.
