Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C (fan)/Gas 6

Step 2

Unroll the pastry and using a 7.5cm/3″ cutter, cut out 12 discs and line the base of a muffin tin. (For mini mince pies, use a 3cm cutter and a mini muffin tray). Cut out 12 smaller discs with a fluted cutter for the lids and set aside. (You can use different shaped cutters for the lids. Christmas trees and stars work really well!

Step 3

Fill each pastry case with 2 teaspoons of mincemeat; lightly moisten the underside of the pastry lids before placing on the pies, pressing the edges gently to seal. Make a hole in the top of each pie with the tip of a sharp knife (to allow any steam to escape).

Step 4

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown; allow to stand in the tin for 2-3 minutes before carefully transferring to a cooling rack. Serve warm or cold.