Traditional Mince Pies

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

2 . Stage

Sift together flour, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to mix in butter until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Stir in orange zest. Sprinkle with ice water and gather dough into a ball. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out approximately 18 (3-inch) diameter circles, and 18 (2-inch) circles, re-rolling dough as needed.

3 . Stage

Line muffin cups or mini tart tins using the 3-inch pastry circles. Fill each pastry cup with about 1 tablespoon of mincemeat filling. Top with 2-inch pastry circles, pinching circles together to seal the edges. Brush the top of each pie with egg.

4 . Stage

Bake pies in preheated oven until tops are golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool slightly on wire racks. Dust with remaining 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar just before serving.