Can I ask another 'freezing mince pies' question?

[NotFromConcentrate]

Many apologies for the extremely dense nature of my question

The recipe I am using (a really easy peasy recipe) suggests freezing them raw. However, the recipe features a biscuit-y pastry which doesn't roll well, so the method tells you to roll in your palms into walnut-sized balls, then press into the tray rather than rolling and cutting.

However, I (in my wisdom) thought it would be easier to freeze them into little cases - total nightmare for various reasons.

If I just put them straight into the tray, are they likely to be easy enough to remove and bag once frozen?

[taffetazatyousantaclaus]

I did this last week, albeit with "normal" pastry. Two recommendations:

1. Grease the indents in the tin
   
2. Make sure they are very well frozen before you remove them. One batch I left overnight and then tapped the tin hard upside down and they fell out. The next batch I didn't leave in the freezer long enough and tried to prise some out with a small palette knife and the pastry started to come away. I put them back in the freezer for another few hours and then they came out fine.

[NotFromConcentrate]

Thanks

Perhaps I should invest in a few more tins!

[taffetazatyousantaclaus]

Yes but the tins take up much more freezer space!

[bumpybecky]

oooh I want to know this too! is this the plan then...

you roll out pastry, cut, put into tins, fill, put lids on then freeze

when needed put them back into the tins and cook or do you just pop them onto a flat baking tray?

do you defrost first or cook from frozen?

[taffetazatyousantaclaus]

yes bumpy

put back in tins to cook, eggwash or brush with milk, then bake. I defrost for about 30 mins then bake for an extra couple of mins, but lots bake from frozen.

[tinselistooaddictive]

Oohh i'mglad I saw this. I am freezing mine raw now. Thanks very much

[RememberToPlaywiththeKids]

ooh good job I read this as I'm going to make some today using the same recipe!!

Good tip on freezing in the tins. I was just going to make them in the tins then gently scoop them out and sit them on baking parchment on trays in the freezer but actually using the tins is the same thing!

I would defrost first and then put them them back in to the tins to cook as I think the tin is quite important in the crisping up?? I will try some just on a baking tray too!