Christmas Pies: 5 Magical Flavors for Holiday Joy

Name: Christmas Pies: 5 Magical Flavors for Holiday Joy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup ice water; 2 cups mixed dried fruits; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

By:

Christina R. Jones

December 17, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays, don’t you think? The smell of spices wafting through the house, the laughter of family gathered around the kitchen, and the joy of sharing delicious treats like *christmas pies* is what makes this season so special. I remember the first time I made these pies with my grandmother; her kitchen was our little workshop filled with festive cheer. We’d mix the dried fruits and spices while singing along to our favorite Christmas carols. It became a cherished tradition, one that I now share with my own kids. The unique flavors of these *christmas pies*—a delightful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet, juicy fruits—bring back those warm memories every time I bake them. Trust me, nothing says “holiday spirit” quite like a slice of these homemade pies, served warm with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s pure bliss!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful *christmas pies*:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup ice water
2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots, chopped as needed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Make sure your butter is really cold; it helps create that flaky crust we all love!

How to Prepare Christmas Pies

Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these *christmas pies*! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise, the end result is absolutely worth it. First off, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important, as a hot oven helps those pies bake beautifully and evenly.

Start by making your pie dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Then, add your chilled butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it in until the mixture looks crumbly and resembles coarse sand. The key here is to work quickly so the butter stays cold. Once that’s done, stir in the ice water a little at a time until the dough holds together. Don’t overmix it! Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Preparing the Pie Dough

After letting the dough rest, flour your work surface and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. You want it thin enough to be flaky but sturdy enough to hold that delicious filling. Don’t worry if it cracks a bit; just patch it up with your fingers! Once rolled, gently lay the dough into your pie pans, pressing it into the edges. Trim the excess, and remember to poke a few holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. This step is crucial for a nice, even bake!

Making the Filling

Next up, let’s create that scrumptious filling! In another bowl, mix together the dried fruits, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, brown sugar, and lemon juice. This is where you can get creative! If you like a bit more spice, feel free to add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Toss everything together until the fruits are well-coated in that sweet, fragrant mixture. Trust me, it smells heavenly!

Assembling the Pies

Now comes the fun part: assembling your pies! Spoon the fruit mixture into each pie crust, making sure to fill them generously but not overflowing. If you want to get fancy, you can create a lattice crust on top with any leftover dough. Just cut it into strips and weave them over the filling. Once you’re done, pop those babies in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like a festive dream!

Tips for Success

To make sure your *christmas pies* turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I swear by! First, keep an eye on the temperature of your ingredients. Using cold butter is essential for that flaky crust, so don’t skip chilling it in the fridge before mixing. If you’re in a warm kitchen, consider chilling your mixing bowl too!

When it comes to the filling, feel free to mix and match your dried fruits based on what you love or have on hand. Dried cherries, figs, or even apples can add a special twist. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you’re using particularly sweet fruits.

Lastly, serving suggestions are key! These pies are simply divine warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. Trust me, it takes the festive experience to the next level! Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for one slice of these delightful *christmas pies*. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 15g

These *christmas pies* are a festive treat, so enjoy them as part of your holiday celebrations!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the perfect *christmas pies*? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I often hear:

Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits? Absolutely! Fresh fruits can be a wonderful substitute, but you may need to adjust the sugar since fresh fruits are generally less sweet. Just keep an eye on the moisture content!
How do I store leftover pies? Store any leftover *christmas pies* in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap them tightly!
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling it out.
What should I serve with these pies? A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully with *christmas pies*. You could also drizzle some warm caramel sauce for an extra treat!

I hope this helps clear up any uncertainties and makes your baking experience more enjoyable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these *christmas pies* without spending all day in the kitchen!
Festive Flavors: The combination of dried fruits and warm spices creates a delightful holiday flavor that everyone will love.
Customizable: Feel free to mix and match your favorite dried fruits and adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Perfect for Sharing: These pies yield 8 delicious slices, making them ideal for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.
Serve Warm: Enjoy these pies fresh out of the oven, topped with whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence!

Serving Suggestions

To truly elevate your *christmas pies*, I highly recommend serving them warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fluffy dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm, spiced filling with the cool creaminess is simply heavenly! For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top—it adds a delightful sweetness that complements the festive flavors perfectly. You could also sprinkle some crushed nuts for a lovely crunch or serve them alongside a spiced hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience. Trust me, your family and friends will be raving about these pies long after the last slice is gone!