Ultimate Homemade Fruit Mince Pies with Crispy Hazelnut Crust: Your Perfect Holiday Indulgence
Searching for that quintessential festive treat bursting with rich, warming flavors? Look no further than these exquisite Fruit Mince Pies with Hazelnut Crust! They are the ultimate holiday indulgence, featuring a deeply spiced, luscious fruit filling, an irresistible crunchy texture from roasted hazelnuts, and a sophisticated hint of cognac – though orange juice offers a delightful non-alcoholic alternative. All these wonderful elements are beautifully encased in a tender, buttery pastry that simply melts in your mouth.
These pies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration in every bite. Perfectly suited for traditional Christmas gatherings, elegant high tea events, or simply a cozy afternoon at home, these fruit mince pies promise to make any moment feel as special and joyful as the holiday season itself. Their unique hazelnut crust elevates them above the ordinary, making them a truly memorable addition to your festive table.
Festive Fruit Mince Pies: A Recipe for Cherished Holiday Memories
What makes these particular fruit mince pies so extraordinarily special? This recipe masterfully combines cherished holiday traditions with a delightful modern twist. The classic, warming spices and rich, fruity filling evoke nostalgic memories of bustling Christmas markets and joyful celebrations. However, it’s the hazelnut-infused pastry that truly sets these pies apart, adding a unique depth of flavor and a wonderfully crisp texture that complements the sweet, soft filling perfectly.
Despite their gourmet taste, these festive pies are surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen, giving you the satisfaction of serving a treat that tastes like it was prepared by a professional pastry chef. Whether you’re sharing them with cherished friends and family, presenting them as a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply indulging yourself with a well-deserved treat, these hazelnut fruit mince pies are guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to any occasion. They offer a delightful blend of comforting familiarity and exciting new flavors, making them an instant holiday favorite.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Mince Pies
Crafting these delicious fruit mince pies requires a selection of quality ingredients that come together to create their signature taste and texture. While the full, detailed list can be found in the comprehensive recipe card below, here’s a closer look at some key components and a few handy tips for substitutions and considerations:
For the Irresistible Fruit Mince Filling
- Dried Fruits: Our recipe calls for a delightful mix of currants, raisins, and dried cranberries. This trio provides a varied sweetness, chewiness, and a slight tang, creating a complex flavor profile. For an even richer filling, consider adding finely chopped dried apricots or candied peel.
- Apples: Fresh grated apples add moisture and a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the dried fruits. Any firm, tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will work wonderfully.
- Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar contributes a deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps to create that rich, syrupy consistency characteristic of traditional fruit mince.
- Spices: Ground cloves and allspice are the stars here, infusing the mince with quintessential holiday aromas. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your preference, or add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: These bright ingredients cut through the richness of the fruits and spices, adding a fresh, zesty lift to the overall flavor. Don’t skip them!
- Cognac: This is our secret ingredient for a truly sophisticated, deep flavor. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a complex warmth.
- Substitution Tip: For a non-alcoholic option, replace cognac with an equal amount of good quality orange juice. You’ll still get a lovely citrusy aroma and a hint of sweetness.
- Roasted Hazelnuts: Added just before baking, these provide a fantastic textural contrast and reinforce the hazelnut theme of the crust. Ensure they are coarsely chopped for the best crunch.
For the Perfectly Tender Hazelnut Crust
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our tender pastry. Using a standard all-purpose flour will give you the best results for a flaky, yet sturdy, crust.
- Ground Hazelnuts: This is where the magic happens! Finely ground hazelnuts are incorporated directly into the dough, lending a delicate, nutty flavor and a tender crumb that pairs wonderfully with the fruit mince.
- Substitution Tip: If you prefer a different nutty flavor, you can easily swap ground hazelnuts with ground almonds or walnuts. Each will offer its own unique characteristic to the crust.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, it makes the crust delightfully tender and sweet, dissolving easily into the dough without leaving a grainy texture.
- Gingerbread Spices: A blend of warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the crust further enhances the festive feel and complements the fruit mince. If you don’t have a pre-made gingerbread spice mix, you can create your own using individual spices.
- Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is crucial for a flaky pastry. Cut into small pieces, it creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a light and airy texture.
- Egg Yolk & Ice Water: These bind the dough without making it tough. The cold water helps keep the butter firm, which is essential for flakiness. Add just enough to bring the dough together.
Crafting Your Mince Pies: Instructions in 4 Easy Steps
Making these delicious fruit mince pies is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly baked, flavorful pies every time. Remember, good preparation is key!
- Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Mince Filling
Begin by combining all the fruit mince ingredients – currants, raisins, cranberries, grated apples, dark brown sugar, ground cloves, allspice, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cognac (or orange juice) – in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until all components are well combined and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the fruit mixture. This ensures every bite of your pie will be packed with flavor. Once mixed, transfer this fragrant fruit mince into a clean, airtight jar. Allow it to marinate at room temperature for at least 1 day, or even longer if time permits. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more complex and delicious filling. Just before you’re ready to assemble your pies, stir in the coarsely chopped roasted hazelnuts for an added layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
- Step 2: Craft the Hazelnut Crust Dough
In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, finely ground hazelnuts, confectioners’ sugar, and gingerbread spices. Add the cold butter, cut into small pieces. Pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the butter is evenly distributed but still in small pieces. Next, add the egg yolk and gradually incorporate a little ice water, pulsing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pastry tough. Once a cohesive dough forms, turn it out onto a piece of plastic wrap, gently knead it once or twice to bring it into a smooth ball, and flatten it slightly into a disc. Wrap it tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is vital for the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll and preventing shrinkage during baking.
- Step 3: Assemble Your Fruit Mince Pies
Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). Lightly grease an 8-cup cupcake or muffin tin. On a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of baking paper, roll out the chilled dough to an even thickness of about ¼ inch (½ cm). Using a 3-inch (8 cm) round cutter, cut out 8 larger circles for the pie bases. Carefully press these circles into the prepared cupcake tin cavities, forming a shallow cup. Fill each dough-lined cup generously with your prepared fruit mince, adding an extra sprinkle of fresh orange zest for a vibrant aroma. Next, roll out any remaining dough and use a 2-inch (5 cm) cutter to create 8 smaller circles for the pie tops. For a traditional touch, cut a small decorative shape (like a star or cross, about ½ inch / 1 cm wide) in the center of each top. Lightly brush the edges of the pie bases with a beaten egg (this acts as glue), then carefully place the smaller dough circles on top of the fruit mince filling. Gently press the edges to seal them, ensuring no filling leaks out during baking.
- Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection and Serve
Place the assembled fruit mince pies into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the hazelnut crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning. Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and allow the pies to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before handling, preventing breakage. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the warm pies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. For a truly festive and elegant finish, generously dust the cooled pies with a snowfall of powdered sugar just before serving. These pies are absolutely divine when served warm, allowing the aromatic spices and fruit to truly shine. Enjoy your homemade holiday masterpiece!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Festive Mince Pies
These delightful fruit mince pies are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the entire experience. Here are some suggestions to complement their rich flavors and festive appeal:
- Warm Beverages:
- A steaming pot of classic Earl Grey tea or a robust English Breakfast tea.
- For something with a bit more spice, a mug of creamy, homemade spiced chai is an excellent choice.
- A traditional mulled wine or a non-alcoholic warm apple cider would also be fantastic, especially during colder months.
- For coffee lovers, a strong black coffee or a velvety latte provides a lovely contrast.
- Creamy Indulgences:
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious touch and balances the richness of the fruit mince.
- A scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, especially when the pies are served warm, creates a wonderful hot-and-cold sensation.
- A drizzle of warm brandy butter or a spoonful of clotted cream would be the ultimate traditional British accompaniment.
- Other Sweet Treats:
- Serve alongside other small festive cookies or shortbread for a varied dessert platter.
- A simple fruit salad can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the pies’ richness.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these hazelnut crust fruit mince pies are sure to be a hit!
Did you try this wonderfully delicious recipe? I’d love to see your festive creations! Please tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram! I genuinely enjoy seeing what you create in your kitchen and regularly share the most beautiful photos from my community. If you liked this recipe, please consider leaving a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback not only helps me improve but also assists other home cooks in discovering and enjoying these fantastic recipes.
Need more baking inspiration for your next culinary adventure?
- Explore a variety of delightful video recipes on my dedicated YouTube channel.
- And don’t forget to save your favorite recipes, including these fruit mince pies, on Pinterest! It’s the easiest way to keep them organized and find them quickly the next time you’re ready to bake. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Fruit mince
- â…” cup currants
- â…“ cup raisins, finely chopped
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
- 2 small apples, peeled and grated
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ground
- ½ teaspoon allspice ground
- ½ lemon, grated zest and juice
- 4 tablespoons Cognac
- ½ cup hazelnuts , roasted and chopped
Fruit mince pies hazelnut crust
- 1¾ cup all-purpose flour
- â…” cup hazelnuts, ground
- â…” cup confectioners sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground gingerbread spices
- 1½ stick butter, chopped into pieces
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons ice water
- fruit mince, recipe above
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Fruit mince
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Mix all ingredients, except the hazelnuts, in a bowl.⅔ cup currants, ⅓ cup raisins, ⅓ cup dried cranberries, 2 small apples, ½ cup dark brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon allspice ground, ½ lemon, 4 tablespoons Cognac
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Transfer the mixture to a jar and let it marinate for at least 1 day. This enhances the flavor.
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Stir in the roasted hazelnuts just before using the fruit mince.½ cup hazelnuts
Prepare the dough
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Combine the flour, ground hazelnuts, confectioner’s sugar, spices, and butter in a food processor. Process until the mixture looks crumbly.1¾ cup all-purpose flour, â…” cup hazelnuts, â…” cup confectioners sugar, 2 teaspoons ground gingerbread spices, 1½ stick butter
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Add the egg yolk and enough ice water (2 teaspoons) to form a dough. Use the pulse function to mix.1 egg yolk, 2 teaspoons ice water
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Place the dough on plastic wrap, knead lightly, and shape it into a ball.
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Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 430 °F.
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Grease 8 cavities of a cupcake tin.
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Roll out the dough between two sheets of baking paper to a thickness of ¼ inch (5 mm).
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Cut out 8 circles, each 3 inches (8 cm)in diameter, and press them gently into the cupcake tin cavities.
Fill the pies:
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Mix the prepared fruit mince with the orange zest.fruit mince, 2 teaspoons orange zest
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Fill the dough cups with the fruit mince mixture.
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Roll out the remaining dough to 5 mm thick. Cut out 8 circles, each 2 inches (ca. 5 cm) in diameter, using a serrated edge cutter. Cut a small shape (about ½ inch / 1 cm wide) in the center of each circle.
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Brush the edges of the dough cups with beaten egg and place the dough circles on top. Press lightly to seal.1 egg
Bake the pies:
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Bake the pies in the oven for 25 minutes.
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Let them cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a cooling rack.
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Once cooled, sprinkle the pies with confectioner’s sugar for a festive touch.
Notes
2. Storage Instructions for Freshness
- At room temperature: Once baked and cooled, your fruit mince pies will remain fresh and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their tender crust and moist filling.
- In the freezer: For longer storage, these pies are excellent candidates for freezing. You can freeze them either baked or unbaked.
- Unbaked pies: Arrange the assembled, unbaked pies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, place them directly from the freezer into a preheated oven (no need to thaw), adding a few extra minutes to the baking time until golden and bubbly.
- Baked pies: Allow baked pies to cool completely, then freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through.
3. Dietary Adaptations: For a vegan version, substitute butter with a high-quality plant-based butter and replace the egg yolk (in the dough) and beaten egg (for brushing) with plant-based alternatives like applesauce (for dough) and plant-based milk (for brushing). For gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.
4. Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with your fruit mince! Add a splash of rum or brandy instead of cognac, or include different dried fruits like figs or dates. A sprinkle of finely chopped candied ginger can also add a delightful zing.
Nutrition
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