Mincemeat Cookies

Mincemeat Cookies Recipe | United Kingdom | Shortening, Sugar, Flour

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Mincemeat cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are filled with a sweet and spiced mincemeat filling that adds a unique and flavorful twist to a classic cookie recipe.

History

Mincemeat has been used in cooking for centuries, with early recipes dating back to the 15th century. Originally, mincemeat was made with finely chopped meat, suet, fruits, and spices. Over time, the recipe evolved to include more fruits and less meat, resulting in the sweet and spiced filling that we know today. Mincemeat cookies became popular in the 19th century and have since become a beloved holiday treat.

Ingredients

1 cup of shortening
1.5 cups of sugar
3 eggs
3 cups of flour
1 tsp of baking powder
0.5 tsp of salt
1.33 cups of mincemeat filling

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening.
Add the sugar and blend well.
Add the eggs and beat until smooth.
Gradually add the mixed dry ingredients and stir in the mincemeat.
Blend the mixture well.
Drop teaspoonfuls of the dough onto a greased cookie sheet, making sure to leave at least 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake the cookies at 400°F (204°C) for 12 minutes or until they are lightly browned.
If desired, you can substitute margarine for the shortening and add chopped nuts to the dough.
You can also experiment with the sugars by using a combination of brown and white sugar.

Variations

Add chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with different sugars, such as brown sugar or coconut sugar, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the shortening and sugar together well to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a more flavorful cookie, consider adding chopped nuts or experimenting with different sugars in the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Mincemeat cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the shortening and sugar together well is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture in the cookies.

- Be sure to leave enough space between each cookie on the baking sheet to allow for even baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Margarine can be substituted for shortening in this recipe.

- Feel free to use a store-bought mincemeat filling or make your own from scratch.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for mincemeat cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve mincemeat cookies on a festive platter or cookie tray for a beautiful and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Mincemeat cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, such as hot tea, coffee, or mulled cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Mincemeat cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of mincemeat cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of mincemeat cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of mincemeat cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of mincemeat cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mincemeat cookies are not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Mincemeat cookies may contain allergens such as wheat, eggs, and nuts.

Summary

Mincemeat cookies are a sweet and indulgent treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Mincemeat cookies are a delightful and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. With a sweet and spiced filling, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Mincemeat Cookies. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, had passed down many recipes to me over the years. But this one was special. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations in our family, and it was a closely guarded secret.

I remember the day I first learned how to make these delicious cookies. It was a crisp autumn day, and the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air. My grandmother had invited me into her cozy kitchen, where she had all the ingredients laid out on the counter. She began to explain the recipe to me, her hands moving deftly as she mixed the ingredients together.

"First, you need to start with the mincemeat," she said, handing me a bowl of the sweet and spicy mixture. "This is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their unique flavor."

I watched as she added flour, sugar, and spices to the mincemeat, creating a thick dough that she then shaped into small balls. As she placed the cookies on a baking sheet, she explained that they needed to be baked at a low temperature for a long time, in order to develop their rich, complex flavors.

As the cookies baked in the oven, my grandmother told me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own mother, who had learned it from her grandmother before her. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, with each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

Over the years, my grandmother had perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there until it was just right. She had shared it with only a select few, and I felt honored to be one of the chosen ones.

As the cookies emerged from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, my grandmother smiled and handed me one to try. The warm, spicy flavors exploded in my mouth, and I knew that I had discovered something truly special.

From that day on, I made the Mincemeat Cookies whenever I wanted to bring a taste of my childhood to my own kitchen. They became a staple at family gatherings, holiday parties, and special occasions. And each time I made them, I thought of my grandmother and the generations of women who had come before her, passing down this precious recipe.

As the years went by, I too began to add my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and variations. But no matter how I changed it, the essence of the Mincemeat Cookies remained the same – a connection to my past, a taste of tradition, and a reminder of the love and care that went into every batch.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of cinnamon and nutmeg, I can't help but smile as I mix together the ingredients for another batch of Mincemeat Cookies. I know that with each bite, I am keeping alive a tradition that has been passed down through the generations – a tradition that I will one day pass on to my own grandchildren.

And as I take a bite of a warm, freshly baked cookie, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the women who came before me, for the recipes they shared, and for the love that they poured into each and every dish. I know that as long as I continue to make these Mincemeat Cookies, a part of my past will always be present in my kitchen, connecting me to my family and my heritage.