Nothing says Christmas like mince pies and no-one knows baking like Mary Berry, which is why we asked the queen of The Great British Bake Off to give us an exclusive recipe, just in time for Christmas Day. Mary told Stylist, “I’ve used a star cutter for the top, but if you’re feeling creative, you could also cut out holly or Christmas tree shapes. The cranberry jam adds a seasonal bite.”

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Ingredients (makes 18)

• 175g plain flour
• 75g butter, cut into cubes
• 25g icing sugar
• Finely grated rind of 1 orange
• 1 egg, beaten
• 350g mincemeat from any good supermarket
• 1 egg, beaten, to glaze
• Icing sugar for dusting
• 100g cranberry jam

Method

Step 1: Measure the flour, butter, icing sugar and grated orange into a food processor and process until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg and pulse until the dough starts to form a ball. Knead lightly on a floured board.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/Gas 6. Roll the pastry out thinly on a lightly floured surface and cut out 18 rounds using a 7.5cm (3in) fluted cutter. Use these to line 18 holes of two 12-hole bun tins. Place a small spoon of cranberry jam in each pastry case and then a spoon of mincemeat.

Step 3: Re-roll the pastry trimmings and cut out 18 stars using a 4.5-5cm star cutter. Put a star on top of the mincemeat, and brush with the egg.

Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Mary Berry’s Family Sunday Lunches and Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection (£20 and £18.99, Headline) are available now