Gordon Ramsay's Mince Pies Recipe

Name: Gordon Ramsay's Mince Pies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 250 g Plain Flour; 25 g Icing Sugar; 125 g Chilled Unsalted Butter; Grated Zest of 1 Orange; 1 Medium Egg; 450 g Pink Lady Apples; 225 g Suet; 475 g Golden Raisins; 225 g Dried Apricots; 350 g Dark Soft Brown Sugar; 2 Oranges Zest; 2 lemons Zest; 50 g Nibbed Almonds; 1/4 Tablespoon Ground Allspice; 1/4 Tablespoon Ground Nutmeg; 1/4 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon; 100 ml Brandy; 60 ml Dark Rum; 1 Egg Yolk; Icing sugar

Recipe Pin

My journey with these Gordon Ramsay Mince Pies begins on a holiday winter afternoon at a market. I was instantly inspired by watching a baker pull a tray of warm Mince Pies out. The aroma of spiced fruit and baking pastry created a profound, cozy memory that I still carry with me.

I specifically chose this recipe because of Gordon Ramsay, as it offers such a beautifully balanced filling. It features a bright mixture of dried fruits, vibrant citrus zest, and warm spices. These are all grounded by a touch of comforting richness. As these pies bake, the filling becomes so soft and fragrant that it starts to deliver the classic flavor I always love to bring to my table.

Preparing the pastry is a joy in itself. I appreciate how the dough remains perfectly crisp, light, and even easy to handle for shaping, which made me connected to this entire process. I enjoy carefully cutting each slice, and then topping each pie with a delicate, star-shaped lid, which gives finished pies a warm and festive look.

The final steps are also simple yet immensely rewarding. I simply brush the top with a glaze, then bake until they are perfectly golden, and finish with a gentle dusting of sugar. I serve them with the same excitement I felt that day at the market.

Equipment Required

Food Processor: A food processor is required for quickly and efficiently making a pastry dough.
Large Bowl: Thoroughly mix all the mincemeat filling ingredients.
Cling Film: To tightly wrap the pastry dough for chilling and firming up before rolling.
Rolling Pin: A Rolling pin is required to roll the chilled pastry dough evenly..
Fluted Cutter: To cut large rounds for lining mince pie tins, a fluted cutter is required.
Small Cutter: Needed to stamp decorative tops for the pies.
Mince Pie Tins: We will use them for baking, accommodating the required yield of 24 pies.
Wire Rack: It is essential for cooling baked mince pies after removing them from the tins.

Gordon Ramsay Mince Pies Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: This recipe easily makes enough for 24 mince pieces. You can easily adjust the quantity of the ingredients to make more or less of the dish.

250g Plain Flour: You can even use whole wheat flour.
25g Icing Sugar : As a substitute, granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for.
125g Chilled Unsalted Butter: Using coconut butter as an alternative can be a good option.
Grated Zest of 1 Orange
1 Medium Egg
450g Pink Lady Apples: You can even use Crisp Pink as it is of the same variety.
225g Suet: Common suet substitutes include vegetable shortening or lard for general baking.
475g Golden Raisins: Cranberries and dried apricots can be used as a Good alternative for golden raisins.
225g Dried Apricots: Common substitutes for dried apricots include other dried fruits like dates, prunes, or figs.
350g Dark Soft Brown Sugar
2 Oranges Zest
2 lemons Zest
50g Nibbed Almonds: Alternatively, you can use chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans as a substitute.
1/4 Tablespoon Ground Allspice: I am using cinnamon instead of this.
1/4 Tablespoon Ground Nutmeg: The best ground nutmeg substitutes are mace, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice.
1/4 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon: Common substitutes for ground cinnamon include allspice, nutmeg, or cloves.
100ml Brandy: For a substitute, you can use whiskey or rum.
60ml Dark Rum
1 Egg Yolk
Icing sugar: You can also use caster sugar as an alternative.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
30 Minutes	25 Minutes	55 Minutes

How To Make Gordon Ramsay Mince Pies

Lastly, dust them with icing sugar or caster sugar and serve them a little warm.

Gather grated apples, suet, dried fruits, sugar, citrus zest, spices, almonds, brandy, and dark rum.

Then, place all these ingredients into a single large mixing bowl and stir the mixture thoroughly until all components are fully combined and evenly distributed.

Cover the bowl and transfer the mincemeat to the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.

Then, place the plain flour, icing sugar, chilled diced butter, and orange zest into a food processor.

Now, whizz all the contents until the mixture breaks down into fine breadcrumbs. After that, add the lightly beaten egg and process it until the mixture forms clumps.

Then, add 1-3 teaspoons of ice-cold water only if needed to bring the dough together into a smooth, fully cohesive ball. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly until it becomes smooth.

Wrap the finished dough tightly in cling film and chill the pastry for at least 30 minutes, or until it is firm.

Now, preheat the oven to 80 °C and roll the chilled pastry on a floured surface to the thickness of a £1 coin.

After that, use an 8cm fluted cutter to cut out 24 rounds; use these to line the mince pie tins.

Then, re-roll the remaining pastry trimmings and use a smaller cutter to stamp out 24 tops.

Now place two teaspoons of the chilled mincemeat into each pastry case and press the decorative tops lightly into position over the filling.

Chill the fully assembled pies for at least 20 minutes before baking. After that, prepare the egg wash by beating one egg yolk with one teaspoon of water.

Brush the tops of the chilled mince pies generously with the egg wash and bake the pies for 15–20 minutes, until the pastry turns golden and crisp.

Now remove the pies from the tins. Then transfer those pies to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

Use chilled, diced butter and ice-cold water. This prevents the fat from melting into the flour too early, which is essential for achieving a flaky and crumbly shortcrust pastry.
Keep in mind that you need to handle the pastry gently and briefly when kneading it into a smooth ball.
Roll the dough by using firm, smooth strokes. Do not stretch the pastry while rolling or fitting it into the tins, as stretching the dough causes shrinkage during baking.
Ensure that your oven is fully preheated to 180 °C. A slightly cooler oven will result in pale, soft pastry.
Bake the pies until the pastry is just golden and crispy, which typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. The mince pie filling is already cooked , so you only need to focus on cooking the crust.

FAQ’s About Gordon Ramsay Mince Pies

How much time do these mince pies take to bake?

Typically, they take only 15 to 20 minutes to cook. This time is sufficient to make the pastry appear golden and crisp, rather than soft.

Why is my crust coming out tough and not short and crumbly?

The dough was likely overworked, or you used warm butter. Ensure you knead the dough briefly and keep the ingredients very cold. Use the food processor only until the mixture just forms clumps.

Why are my pastry cases shrinking down the sides of the tin during baking?

This happens when the gluten hasn’t relaxed. You must chill the pastry dough for the full minimum of 30 minutes after mixing. This relaxation time prevents the dough from shrinking in the oven.

How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust on the pies?

This is often due to a lack of chilling and inadequate heat. Ensure that the assembled pies are pre-chilled for 20 minutes and confirm that your oven reaches the full 180 °C before baking.

Why is my mincemeat bubbling up and sticking to the pie tin?

You are likely overfilling the cases. Use only two tablespoons of mincemeat. Do not pack the filling too high, as the fruit mixture expands when heated.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

This classic mince pie recipe is traditionally rich, featuring a buttery shortcrust pastry and a generous, fruit-heavy filling matured with suet and spirits. These delicious Mince Pies are not a healthy option as it has butter and sugar in them. So, it is recommended to be consumed in moderation.

Calories	291 kcal
Carbohydrates	48 g
Protein	3 g
Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat	3 g
Trans Fat	0.001 g
Cholesterol	21 mg
Sodium	12 mg
Potassium	313 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	34 g
Vitamin A	369 IU
Vitamin C	2 mg
Calcium	34 mg
Iron	1 mg

Understanding the rich nature of these classic pies often leads home cooks to consider lighter options or specialized versions. For those with specific dietary needs or preferences, minor adjustments to the pastry or filling can greatly alter the nutrient profile and ingredient list.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Vegan Diet: For this, you need to replace the chilled unsalted butter and the egg used for binding with plant-based butter or vegan block margarine, and then bind the dough using a small amount of plant-based milk. Also, suet can be replaced with an equivalent amount of vegetable suet.
Gluten-Free Diet: For a gluten-free diet, you have to replace plain flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

Refrigerator: Simply store the baked pieces in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out, and put the container into the refrigerator. This will keep the dish well for up to 1 week.
Freezer: To freeze, arrange the fully cooled pies in a single layer on a baking tray until it becomes solid. After this, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separated by layers of baking paper. You can store them for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Oven: Preheat the oven to a lower temperature, around 150°C, then place the mince pies directly onto a baking tray. Heat it for 10 minutes until the filling is warm throughout and the pastry is crisp again.
Microwave: This is the quickest method, as you simply need to place the pies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on a medium setting for 10–20 seconds per pie.

What To Serve With This

These Gordon Ramsay Mince Pies are served with drinks like Raspberry Iced Tea, Ocean Water, or Blackberry Juice. You can even pair them with Chicken Tenders and Whataburger Gravy.

I love to pair it with White Wings, Chicken Sandwich, or Cheesy Tots to make it a beautiful meal.

Printable Version

More Gordon Ramsay Recipes That You Can Try

Gordon Ramsay Eggnog — Gordon Ramsay’s Eggnog Recipe

Serving Gordon Ramsay Omelette — Gordon Ramsay’s Eggnog Recipe

Conclusion

Making Gordon Ramsay’s mince pies transforms simple seasonal baking into a true festive celebration. By following the precise chilling times and focused cooking steps, you ensure that every pie boasts a perfectly crisp, buttery crust and a richly matured, fragrant fruit filling. These recipes are designed for both enjoyment and longevity, allowing you to prepare the flavorful mincemeat well ahead of time.

Ultimately, these classic mince pies are more than just a dessert; they are a timeless contribution to your holiday traditions. With the correct storage and easy reheating methods, you guarantee a warm, perfectly spiced treat is always ready to share with family or friends throughout the entire holiday season.