Melt-In-Your-Mouth Mincemeat Cookies Recipe
Let me tell you about a recipe that is both timeless and delicious: Mincemeat Cookies with Coffee Icing. As the leaves begin to fall and winter approaches, we find ourselves searching for a cozy and warm snack to enjoy with our afternoon coffee. These cookies will certainly do the trick.
Now, you may be thinking, “Mincemeat? In cookies?” but let me assure you that this combination of spicy, fruity mincemeat and delicate cookie crust is a match made in heaven. And to top it off, we have a delectable coffee icing that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookie.
As a barista, I am always on the hunt for delicious coffee pairings, and I can confidently say that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen during the holiday season. So why not give it a try? Follow along with me as I guide you through the ingredients and steps to create these tasty treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear coffee and cookie lovers,
Do you want to bring some excitement to your taste buds this holiday season? Look no further, for I have the perfect solution for you: mincemeat cookies with coffee icing! These cookies are not only a crowd-pleaser but also easy to make. Trust me, once you try one bite of these mouth-watering treats, you won’t go back to regular sugar cookies.
The combination of traditional holiday mincemeat and a rich coffee icing is so irresistible that it will make anyone’s heart flutter. Imagine biting into a delicious soft and chewy cookie that is filled with spiced fruits and pecans. Plus, the perfect amount of richness from the coffee icing complements the spices in the cookie dough.
What’s more, this recipe has options for substitutions and variations for anyone who needs a little customization. You can even use homemade mincemeat or condensed mincemeat instead of store-bought ones. The possibilities are endless!
Not to mention, these cookies are versatile enough to pair well with any type of coffee—brewed or not. Whether you’re indulging in a cup of steaming hot coffee on a cold winter day or sipping on an iced latte on a warm afternoon, mincemeat cookies with coffee icing are fulfilling companions.
So, why settle for bland sugar cookies when you can have deliciously flavored mincemeat cookies with a cozy coffee twist? This recipe is easy to follow and will make any holiday gathering feel special. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Sincerely,
A fellow coffee and cookie enthusiast
Ingredient List
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 cup of shortening
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 4 cups of mincemeat (homemade, None Such® condensed or store-bought)
- For coffee icing:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons of brewed coffee (cooled)
- 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar
- Pecan halves for garnish
These Christmas cookies are bursting with flavor and spices from the holiday mincemeat, making them perfect for a festive treat.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone over the ingredients, let’s get to the fun part: making these delicious mincemeat cookies with coffee icing! Follow these simple steps to create your new favorite holiday treat.
Step 1: Preheat oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This step is important to ensure that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream shortening and sugars
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of shortening with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in egg
Add one egg to the creamed mixture and beat thoroughly until it is fully incorporated into the dough.
Step 5: Add dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture from step 2 to the mixing bowl containing the creamed mixture from step 3. Beat everything together until fully combined and no clumps remain.
Step 6: Mix in mincemeat
Fold in 2 cups of mincemeat into the cookie dough using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Be sure not to over mix; just fold it in enough so that it is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Form cookie balls
Using your hands, roll pieces of dough into small balls about 1-2 inches in diameter. Space out each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 8: Bake cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make coffee icing
While the cookies are cooling, make the coffee icing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of brewed coffee, 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar, and 1/4 cup of softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Decorate and serve
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spoon or drizzle some of the icing over each cookie using a fork or small spoon. Top each cookie with a pecan half for an extra touch of decadence. Now you are ready to enjoy your homemade mincemeat cookies with coffee icing!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. There are plenty of substitutions and variations that can be made to suit your taste buds.
For those who don’t have mincemeat on hand or don’t care for it, I suggest trying this recipe with other fillings such as homemade fruit preserves or chocolate chips. Simply swap out the mincemeat in the recipe with an equal amount of your preferred filling.
If you are looking to reduce the sugar content in this recipe, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Though it may change the texture slightly, it will still produce delicious cookies.
For a nut-free alternative, opt for chopped dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, or dates instead of pecans. Or, include a variety of add-ins such as toasted coconut flakes or chopped candied ginger.
Another variation is to turn these cookies into thumbprint cookies by using your thumb to make a small indentation in each cookie dough ball before baking. Fill each indentation with your favorite jam after baking and allow them to cool completely.
Lastly, you can try using different types of brewed coffee in the icing recipe for a distinct twist. Brewed espresso or flavored coffee would be excellent choices to experiment with.
No matter which substitutions or variations you decide to try, this mincemeat cookie recipe will always be a holiday favorite go-to!
Serving and Pairing
These mincemeat cookies with coffee icing are the perfect accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage. Serve them alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
If you’re looking for something more indulgent, try serving these cookies with a buttercream frosting or a dollop of whipped cream on top. They also pair well with citrusy desserts like lemon cupcakes or fruity pies like apple and berry.
For those who appreciate a good wine pairing, we suggest serving these cookies alongside a sweet dessert wine such as port or sherry. The richness of the mincemeat and the sweetness from the icing complements the bold flavors of the reds.
However, if you’re craving something indulgent, try serving these cookies in the form of mini pies. Simply press some cookie dough into a muffin tin and spoon in some homemade mincemeat or store-bought condensed mincemeat. Bake until golden brown, top with some powdered sugar and enjoy a holiday mincemeat pie baked fresh right at home.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As holiday season approaches, we all get busy with shopping and activities. It is always a good idea to plan ahead when it comes to cooking and baking. These mincemeat cookies with coffee icing can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later use.
To make these cookies ahead of time, you can prepare the cookie dough and shape the cookies. Place them on a lined baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes so they can firm up before storing them. Once they are solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to a month.
When it’s time to bake the cookies, simply heat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 C) and place the frozen cookie dough on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
For storing, once the baked cookies have cooled completely, layer them between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
To reheat, simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 C) again and place the cookies on a lined baking sheet. Warm in the oven for about 3-5 minutes or until they come back to their original texture.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy freshly baked mincemeat cookies with coffee icing anytime you want without compromising their delicious taste!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your mincemeat cookies with coffee icing turn out fabulous, I have gathered together several tips for perfect results.
Firstly, always make sure to preheat your oven. This may seem like a small detail, but it can greatly impact the outcome of your baking. Preheating allows the oven to reach an even temperature and will help your cookies bake evenly.
Another crucial aspect is to not overmix the dough. Overworking the dough can cause it to become tough and chewy. Instead, mix the dough just enough to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
For a more aesthetically pleasing result, take the time to roll out your cookie dough evenly. You’ll want to ensure that each cookie is roughly the same size and thickness so that they bake evenly too.
When making the coffee icing, be extra cautious while mixing in the brewed coffee. Adding too much liquid can cause your icing to become too runny. Add a little at a time while stirring, until you reach your desired consistency.
Lastly, once you’ve baked your cookies and spread on the coffee icing, add a pecan half on top for an extra special touch! This not only adds a nutty flavor but also creates a beautiful presentation for serving or gifting during the holiday season.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll achieve the perfect texture, appearance, and taste for your mincemeat cookies with coffee icing recipe every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these mincemeat cookies with coffee icing are a true game-changer in the world of holiday cookies. With their perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, they are sure to impress all your guests and leave them asking for the recipe. Not to mention, the addition of coffee in the icing adds an extra touch of richness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking to try something new this holiday season, this recipe is a must-try. So get your apron on, preheat that oven to 350 degrees, and let’s get baking! Trust me, it will be worth it in the end when you take that first bite and experience the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
So what are you waiting for? Get creative with your substitutions, enjoy these delicious treats with friends and family or pair them with your favorite cup of coffee. These mincemeat cookies with coffee icing are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and make your season extra special. Happy holiday baking!
Mincemeat Cookies With Coffee Icing Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening (I used butter)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups prepared mincemeat
- 1 lb confectioners' sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 96 pecan halves, toasted
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- For dough, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Beat shortening and granulated sugar in a large mixer bowl on medium-high speed 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture just until combined. Stir in mincemenat until well mixed.
- Drop dough by measured tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake 10 - 12 minutes, until golden brown. Cool cookies on cookie sheets for 1 minute. Transer cookies to wire racks and cool completely.
- Meanwhile, for coffee frosting beat together confectioners sugar, coffee and melted butter in a large mixer bowl on medium speed until smooth.
- Frost each cookie with about a teaspoon of icing. Top each cookie with 1 pecan half.