Why You’ll Love These Mincemeat Pinwheels

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for both beginners and busy bakers.
• Minimal Ingredients: Only five ingredients that you probably already have.
• Versatile Options: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, desserts, or festive spreads.
• Impressive Presentation: Looks and tastes like a professional bakery treat.
• Highly Customizable: Add your own twists or substitutes as desired.

What is Mincemeat?

Mincemeat is a rich and sweet mixture of spiced dried fruits, citrus peel, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Although originally made with meat, today’s versions are mostly vegetarian and may be flavored with spirits like brandy or rum. Mincemeat is a festive staple in British cooking, frequently used in pies, pastries, and seasonal desserts such as mince pies.

Ingredients for Mincemeat Pinwheels

• Puff Pastry: 350g (12 oz) – The key ingredient that gives the pinwheels their flaky texture. Store-bought will save time, but feel free to make your own puff pastry for an elevated dessert.
• Mincemeat: 200g (7 oz) – A spiced fruit mixture with a delightful mix of raisins and currants. You can opt for store-bought mincemeat, or make your own for added flair.
• Egg: 1, lightly beaten – This gives the pastry a beautiful golden sheen when baked.
• Powdered Icing Sugar: 100g (¾ cup) – For the sweet drizzle that enhances the flavor.
• Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon – This is optional but it adds a lovely flavor to the icing. Vanilla extract is a great substitute.

Preparation Steps for Mincemeat Pinwheels

To prepare these festive delights, first unroll the puff pastry and slice it in half widthwise, resulting in two long rectangles. Spread the mincemeat evenly across both pieces, ensuring coverage to the edges. Next, stack one layer of pastry atop the other with the mincemeat facing up, and roll the pastry from the long edge into a compact log shape.

Wrap the rolled pastry in baking paper and place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This chill time ensures easier slicing later. While the pastry chills, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and prepare two baking sheets lined with baking paper.

After chilling, slice the pastry into 12 equal portions. Lay each pinwheel on the prepared baking sheets, giving them ample space to expand while baking. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a gorgeous golden finish. Bake the pinwheels for 12-15 minutes or until they puff up and reach a lovely golden color. Once done, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

While your pinwheels are cooling, mix the powdered icing sugar with almond extract and a tablespoon of water to create a smooth drizzle. Drizzle this icing over your mincemeat pinwheels when they are just slightly warm for a touch of sweetness that complements the spice perfectly.

Serving Suggestions for Mincemeat Pinwheels

Mincemeat Pinwheels are best served slightly warm or at room temperature, making them an excellent treat for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or festive brunches. They pair exquisitely with a hot cup of tea or a spiced latte, cultivating a cozy atmosphere. For additional flair, consider dusting with a bit of powdered sugar before serving.

Storage Tips for Mincemeat Pinwheels

• Storage: Keep the pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven to restore some of their original flakiness.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked slices of the pinwheels after cutting. Place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.