Mince Dumpling: A Traditional Holiday Treat
Mince dumpling are a classic festive dessert with a rich background and a deliciously spicy filling. These small, sweet dumpling are filled with a mixture of dried fruits, spices and often a splash of brandy or rum and covered with a buttery, flaky pastry. Perfect for festive gatherings, mince pies are a beloved treat that brings warmth and joy to any celebration.
Ingredients For Mince Dumpling:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 water glass of icing sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg yolk
2-3 tablespoons of cold water
For filling
2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dates and chopped dried apricots)
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar-free apple sauce
1/4 cup brandy or rum
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 lemon zest and juice
1 large apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped
Instructions Prepare the filling:
In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, dark brown sugar, apple sauce, brandy or rum, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon zest, lemon juice and chopped apple. Mix well and leave for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Prepare the cake:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and icing sugar. Add the cold, diced butter and rub the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Add the egg yolks and cold water, stirring until the dough comes together. Roll the dough into a disc, wrap in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Assemble the mince dumpling
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease a 12-ring muffin tin.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a round cutter, cut out circles large enough to line the muffin cups, and using a smaller cutter, cut out the lids for the dumpling .
Line the muffin cups with the large circles of dough and place in the mould, pressing down lightly. Fill each cup with the prepared mince filling.
Moisten the edges of the dough with water and place the smaller dough circles on top, pressing the edges closed. Cut a small slit or poke a hole in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
Bake and Serve:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the pies/ dumpling to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sprinkle with icing sugar before serving and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Mince Pie:
For a richer filling, soak the dried fruits in brandy or rum overnight.
Customise the filling by adding nuts or candied ginger.
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Mince dumpling or pies are a festive favourite that add a traditional flavour to your festive celebrations. The sweet, spicy filling and buttery pastry make them a delightful treat that is sure to become a holiday staple in your home.