Quick and Easy Mince Pie Parcels (No Time, No Tin)

When time is short but Christmas cravings are strong, these mince pie parcels are your answer. No tins, no fiddly shaping, just golden pockets of festive flavour ready in under half an hour. Think of them as the shortcut mince pie that still feels completely homemade. Perfect for last-minute guests or a quick baking fix on Christmas Eve.

Ingredients

Sweet Pastry

• 560g plain flour

• 360g butter, cold and diced

• 80g caster sugar

• 2 eggs

• Zest of 2 oranges

Filling

• Homemade or pre-made mincemeat

Method

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (350°F).

2. Roll out chilled pastry to 3mm thickness.

3. Cut circles of pastry using a cutter. I also use a chirstmas tree cutter for some extra festive cheer!

4. Place a spoonful of mincemeat in the centre of each.

5. Brush edges with beaten egg and seal with a fork or by crimping with your fingers.

6. Brush tops with egg wash, sprinkle with caster sugar, and bake for 25 minutes until golden.

7. Serve warm with a dusting of icing sugar.

Chef’s Tips

• These are best served straight from the oven, crisp and golden.

• They make fantastic little gifts — wrap a few in parchment and string for a rustic Christmas touch.

• You can make them ahead and freeze unbaked; bake from frozen with an extra 5 minutes in the oven.