These soft and squidgy American-style cookies are a great way of using up your leftover Christmas mincemeat. They make a great way, with a drink, to introduce your guests to your New Year’s Eve party.
Prep time: 30 minutes/Cook time: 15 minutes/Makes: 15 (+90 minutes chilling)
Ingredients:
125g salted butter
100g golden caster sugar
100g light brown soft sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
350g plain flour
¾ tsp bicarbonate of soda
250g mincemeat (use up any Christmas leftovers)
Method:
Beat the butter and both sugars together in a stand mixer until soft and combined, or using an electric whisk until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla, flour and bicarb until no pockets of flour remain. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hrs so the flour can absorb the liquid.
Line two large baking trays with baking parchment. Divide the dough into 50g balls, and flatten out in the palm of your hand. Add 2 tsp of the mincemeat to the centre of each one, and fold in the corners of the dough to enclose the mincemeat. Carefully roll back up into a ball and arrange on the baking trays, well spaced apart. Chill for at least 1 hr before baking to firm up. Will keep chilled for up to three days, or frozen for up to three months.
Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/355°F/gas mark 4) and bake for 12-14 mins, swapping the trays over halfway to ensure even browning, until the edges are golden and set, and the middle is still gooey. Leave to cool completely on the trays. Will keep in an airtight container for up to five days
