What is Mince Pie?

While many people share the holiday tradition of mince pies at Christmas time, probably just as many have never heard of these holiday treats. If your family doesn’t share the tradition of mince pies, as you read more below about these unique tasty delights, you might realize that you should! The bonus: you will learn some interesting facts to impress your holiday guests!

You’ll find a blend of fruits, citrus peel, and spices cupped in a all-butter shortbread crust in modern-day mince pies. Even a mince pie croissant joined the scene this year when a bakery decided to honor the flavors and broaden the enjoyment of this special tradition.

You might be surprised to learn that, centuries ago, these pies featured “mincemeat.” Since mincemeat is a blend of fruits with suet and real meats (beef, goose, or lamb), families featured mince pies as a hearty warm dish during the cold weather around the holidays. Some research shows that Middle Eastern cooking may have inspired the dish when crusaders traveled back to Europe from the Middle East. Over time, cultural and economic shifts took the meat out of the pies, but its place at the holiday table remains the same!

Mince Pies and Christmas Traditions

Mince pies have a long history with the Christmas holiday. The signature spice blend of nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon is thought to be a tribute to the three gifts brought by the Wise Men on Christmas.

The ties to the nativity don’t end there. The original oval shape of mince pies symbolizes the nativity’s manger. Today’s pies have a smooth top crust, which represents baby Jesus’ swaddle in some cultures.

Leave Mince Pies for Santa

In some family traditions, children leave mince pies and a glass of whisky for Santa on Christmas Eve. What if Santa found a modern twist on this tradition? Find out by leaving Santa Walkers Shortbread’s Glenfiddich Mincemeat Tarts. This special variety highlights the world-renowned malt whisky-maker who neighbors our Walkers family factory in Scotland. Each bite bursts with the same decadence of your first sip. You’ll smell the rich whisky aroma as soon as you open the package!

Ways to Enjoy and Serve Mince Pie

With a beloved recipe that’s more than a century old, and convenient packaging, Walkers Shortbread mince pies can easily join your holiday traditions! All of our mince pies come ready-to-eat in an aluminum foil pie dish. Simply place the pies on a baking sheet and warm in the oven before serving.

If you just can’t wait, pop off the tin and heat in the microwave. Then you’re only seconds away from a long-time tradition! While warmed pies enhance the juicy currants and spiced notes, you can enjoy them straight out of the box too!

Walkers Shortbread Mini Mince Pies fit perfectly into your day, whether you want to indulge in a sweet-savory snack with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or add to your holiday dessert spread. These mini versions literally sparkle from the sugar dusting on top!

When you set up your holiday dessert table, our classic Walkers Shortbread Mince Pies feature a festive snowflake all-butter crust that can add to your winter décor. Treat yourself or impress guests by serving mince pies with a brandy whipped cream or brandy butter – you won’t be disappointed!

Encourage your guests to find their favorite mince pie accompaniment. Set out a variety of pairings for mince pies: vanilla ice cream, custard, Greek yogurt, clotted cream, rum butter. Then let us know the best way to enjoy mince pie by sharing on Facebook, Twitter @Shortbread and Instagram @walkersshortbread. Discover a new tradition!