Mincemeat shortbread is a yummy treat that blends the buttery goodness of shortbread with sweet, spiced mincemeat. It’s perfect for the holidays or any snacking occasion!
These little squares are super easy to make and will fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma. I love having them with a cup of tea—it’s like a warm hug in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Fresh, softened butter is crucial for a rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or a dairy-free alternative for a similar result, but butter is my favorite for the taste!
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar gives the right sweetness and texture. You can substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor and a hint of caramel taste, which I personally enjoy!
All-Purpose Flour: This is your main dry ingredient. If you’re gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried this with success in several baking recipes.
Mincemeat: You can buy mincemeat in jars or make your own with dried fruits and spices. If you want a different flavor, try fruit preserves or apple butter, but it will change the traditional taste.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting, you can use granulated sugar instead for a crunchier top. Just remember that it won’t look as pretty, but still tasty!
How Do I Ensure My Shortbread is Perfectly Buttery and Crumbly?
To get that perfect shortbread texture, start by creaming the butter and sugar well. It should be light and fluffy before adding any other ingredients. Remember, don’t overmix once you add the flour—mix just until everything comes together to keep it crumbly!
- Use room temperature butter for easy creaming.
- When pressing the dough into the pan, use a gentle touch. You want a flat layer, not packed too tight.
- Let the shortbread cool fully in the pan to set before slicing—this helps keep those clean edges!
How to Make Mincemeat Shortbread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For The Filling:
- 1 cup (280g) mincemeat (ready-made or homemade)
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. All in all, you’re looking at about 1 hour including cooling. Just enough time for a cup of tea while you wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease and flour a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Making the Shortbread Dough:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes. Then, add in the vanilla extract and give it a quick stir to combine.
3. Incorporating Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the flour and salt to your butter mixture. Mix until everything comes together and forms a crumbly dough. It’s important not to overmix here; we want a tender texture in our shortbread!
4. Assembling the Layers:
Take about half of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This is the base layer. Next, spread the mincemeat evenly over the top, ensuring it reaches all the edges. Don’t be shy with that filling—it adds the yummy flavor!
5. Topping It Off:
Crumble the remaining dough over the mincemeat layer. Gently press it down to form a rough top layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it adds character!
6. Baking Your Shortbread:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the shortbread layers are beautifully golden brown. The smell will be heavenly, trust me!
7. Cooling and Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This helps it set and makes cutting easier. Once cool, dust the top generously with powdered sugar for that pretty finish.
8. Enjoying Your Treat:
Cut the shortbread into squares and serve them with a cup of tea or coffee. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container—if they last that long!
Enjoy your delicious mincemeat shortbread—perfectly buttery with a sweet, spiced filling that brings cozy vibes to any gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Mincemeat?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought mincemeat or make your own with dried fruits, spices, and perhaps a splash of brandy. If you prefer a fruitier filling, fruit preserves or apple butter can also work well, but note that it will change the flavor profile.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose works well for baking to achieve a similar texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Mincemeat Shortbread?
Store any leftover shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing!
Can I Use Cold Butter?
Using cold butter isn’t ideal for this recipe. Softened butter mixes better with sugar, giving you that light and fluffy texture. If you forget to leave it out ahead of time, you can cut it into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften more quickly.