Mincemeat Diamonds
Mincemeat Diamonds are delightful, buttery cookies filled with spiced mincemeat and topped with crunchy crumbs, perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet treat with tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Grate 1 1/2 teaspoons zest from lemon and squeeze 1 tablespoon juice.
- Combine mincemeat, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Put flour, remaining 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, sugar, and salt in a food processor.
- Pulse once or twice to mix.
- Cut butter into pieces and add to the processor.
- Pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Beat the egg lightly.
- Pour egg into the processor with it running.
- Process until large crumbs form. Remove 1 1/4 cups of crumbs and set aside.
- Continue processing until the dough is smooth.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan.
- Spread the mincemeat over the dough.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until edges are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mincemeat for extra flavor. If you don't have mincemeat, apple or pumpkin pie filling can be a good substitute. Make sure the butter is cold to achieve the best crumb texture. Using a food processor speeds up the process, but you can also mix by hand if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
These Mincemeat Diamonds are delightful on their own, but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Mincemeat Diamonds to cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mincemeat Diamonds contains roughly 213 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought mincemeat?
Yes, store-bought mincemeat works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s well-mixed and has a good balance of spices and sweetness to complement the other ingredients.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Mincemeat Diamonds gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Can I freeze Mincemeat Diamonds?
Yes, these diamonds freeze well. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a cool treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).