Viennese whirl mince pies recipe

1. To make the pastry, put the butter, icing sugar and flour into a food processor and pulse until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg and half the orange zest and pulse until the pastry just comes together into a ball. Tip onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a flat circle. Wrap tightly in clingfilm and chill for 30 mins.
2. Halve the dough and save one half for another time (see tip below). Roll out the remaining half of pastry on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of a pound coin. Cut out 12 circles with an 8cm fluted cutter and lightly press into a muffin tin. Prick the base of the pastry with a fork.
3. In a bowl, mix the mincemeat with the rest of the orange zest, brandy (if using) and chopped almonds. Fill each pastry case with a tablespoon of mincemeat.
4. For the Viennese whirl topping, place the softened butter in a large bowl and beat until soft. Sift over the flour, cornflour and icing sugar and beat for 5 mins or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and beat to combine.
5. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Pipe a swirl of the topping on top of each mince pie to cover each one. Place in the fridge and chill for 30 mins or until firm to the touch. This will help the whirl keep its shape when baked.
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6. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to gas 5, 190°C, fan 170°C.
7. Bake for 15 mins or until the topping is golden and just crisp. Allow to cool slightly in the tin, then carefully loosen with a knife and transfer to a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar and serve warm, with brandy butter or whipped cream if you like. 

Tips: This recipe makes enough pastry to make 24 mince pies so there is enough for a second batch. Wrap half the pastry in clingfilm and keep in the fridge for up to a week or freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost fully before using.

Try experimenting with your mincemeat filling – you could add small cubes of marzipan, dried cherries or cranberries.

If you want to make these nut-free, omit the flaked almonds in the mincemeat and replace the almond extract with vanilla extract in the Viennese topping.

Freezing and defrosting guidelines

In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 3 months of their freezing date. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Love Your Freezer. 

See more Christmas baking recipes

As part of a healthy balanced diet, we recommend this recipe for a special occasion or treat.