Sweet Shortcrust Pastry Recipe - All Butter - perfect for mince pies

Merry Christmas!

This is my tried and tested all butter shortcrust pastry recipe that I have been using for nearly 20 years. It is really easy to make in a food processor or by hand.

You'll need:

• 1 oz caster sugar
• 8oz plain white flour
• 4oz butter
• milk (enough for dough to come together)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yoke

Tips:

Have your butter at near room temp, use caster (superfine) sugar, flavour with vanilla extract not essence as the flavour is better and always refrigerate before use.

You can freeze the pastry - simply wrap well in cling film or in a zip lock bag and freeze immediately. Defrost in the fridge.

If making pastry by hand, be careful not to over work the pastry - stop as soon as it comes together.