Mincemeat Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Mincemeat cookies combine the rich, spiced sweetness of traditional mincemeat with a soft, buttery cookie base. These festive treats are simple to make and perfect for sharing during the holiday season or any time you crave a cozy snack.
Ingredients
- 125g softened butter
- 100g dark brown soft sugar
- 50g golden caster sugar
- ½ heaped tsp fine sea salt
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 tbsp mincemeat (check the label if you’re vegetarian)
- 220g plain flour
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both types of sugar and the salt until fluffy and well combined.
- Step 2: Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and mincemeat until the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: Gently stir in the plain flour and bicarbonate of soda until just combined. Cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- Step 4: Scoop tablespoons of the chilled mixture onto two baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just firm but the centers remain soft. The cookies will set further as they cool.
- Step 6: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian-friendly option, check that your mincemeat contains no suet or animal products.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a chewier cookie, reduce the flour slightly or bake for a shorter time.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh, warm them gently in a low oven for a few minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. You can also freeze the dough before baking or the baked cookies; thaw completely before eating or baking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without mincemeat?
Yes, if you don’t have mincemeat, you can substitute with a mixture of dried fruits and spices or your favorite fruit jam to maintain the festive flavor.
Will the cookies be soft or crunchy?
The cookies are soft in the center with just firm edges, offering a tender bite that will slightly firm up as they cool.
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Mincemeat Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and flavorful Mincemeat Cookies, perfect for festive occasions or a cozy treat. Featuring a blend of dark brown and golden sugars, aromatic vanilla, and traditional mincemeat, these cookies offer a soft center with just a hint of spice, balanced by a crisp edge. Easy to prepare and bake, they make an ideal sweet snack or dessert with a hint of holiday nostalgia.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 125g softened butter
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 tbsp mincemeat (vegetarian if desired; check label)
Dry Ingredients
- 100g dark brown soft sugar
- 50g golden caster sugar
- ½ heaped tsp fine sea salt
- 220g plain flour
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 180C (160C fan) or gas mark 4 to get it ready for baking the cookies.
- Mix butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, dark brown soft sugar, golden caster sugar, and fine sea salt until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Add egg, vanilla, and mincemeat: Beat in the egg, then the vanilla extract. Fold in the mincemeat carefully, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Stir the plain flour and bicarbonate of soda into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up, which helps with handling and results in a better texture.
- Shape cookies: Using tablespoons, scoop dollops of dough onto two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Space them evenly to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just firm and lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely to set, during which they firm up but remain tender inside.
Notes
- Check mincemeat labels if you require vegetarian options, as some contain suet.
- For crisper cookies, bake towards the longer end of the suggested time.
- To store, place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or mulled wine during festive gatherings.
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruits to vary the texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: mincemeat cookies, festive cookies, holiday baking, British desserts, soft cookies
