A buttery shortbread with a sweet and spiced mincemeat filling makes this treat a holiday favorite! It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Let’s be real, adding mincemeat to shortbread is like inviting friends over for a cozy chat. I love having these with a cup of tea—it feels festive and warm!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is the foundation for your shortbread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free flour blend. I like mixing it with almond flour for a bit of extra flavor!
Unsalted Butter: Feel free to use salted butter, but you might want to reduce the added salt. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
Mincemeat Filling: You can use store-bought mincemeat, but homemade has a lovely touch. If you can’t find mincemeat, try a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices for a similar flavor.
Powdered Sugar: This is for dusting. If you’re out, granulated sugar will work, but it won’t provide the same sweet finish. You could also skip it for a less sweet treat!
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Perfectly?
Creaming butter and sugar is critical to getting that light texture in your shortbread. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use room temperature butter. Cold butter won’t cream well.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter for about a minute until it’s soft.
- Add in the powdered sugar gradually while mixing until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This should take around 3-5 minutes.
Getting this step right ensures a tender shortbread that’s not too dense!
Mincemeat Shortbread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup mincemeat filling (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mincemeat Shortbread recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, it needs to cool completely before slicing, which can take around 30 minutes. So, overall, expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to delicious finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it warms up, lightly grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes—take your time to get it nice and airy!
3. Mix in the Remaining Ingredients:
Add the vanilla extract (if you’re using it) and salt to your butter-sugar mixture, mixing until everything is combined. Then, gradually add the flour and mix until a crumbly dough forms. It should hold together when you press it without being too sticky.
4. Press the Base Layer:
Take about two-thirds of the dough and evenly press it into the prepared pan to create the base of your shortbread. Make sure to press it down firmly so it holds together well during baking.
5. Add the Mincemeat Filling:
Spread the mincemeat filling over the base layer, making sure it’s evenly distributed all the way to the edges.
6. Crumble the Top Layer:
Take the remaining dough and crumble it over the mincemeat filling gently. It doesn’t need to cover it completely; some of the filling can peek through for a lovely look.
7. Bake the Shortbread:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
8. Cool and Dust:
Once baked, take the pan out and let it cool completely on a wire rack. After it’s cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for that lovely finishing touch.
9. Slice and Serve:
Now for the fun part! Cut the cooled shortbread into squares and enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. These shortbread squares are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself if you prefer!
Enjoy these buttery, crumbly shortbread squares packed with the festive, fruity mincemeat filling!
Can I Use a Different Filling Besides Mincemeat?
Absolutely! If mincemeat isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with fruit preserves, jam, or even a mixture of dried fruits and nuts. Just make sure any substitution maintains a similar consistency for even baking.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can make this shortbread vegan by using plant-based butter instead of regular butter and omitting the powdered sugar for a vegan alternative. Just check that your mincemeat filling is also vegan-friendly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Freeze Mincemeat Shortbread?
Yes, these shortbread squares freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
