<p>Christmas baking season seems to arrive earlier every year, and I’m all for it! Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen everything from big <a href="/news-trends/tesco-christmas-food-launch-2026">festive supermarket range releases</a> to some <a href="/news-trends/marksandspencer-dark-chocolate-chilli-tortillas">creative Christmas crisp flavours</a>. <a href="https://www.aldi.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aldi</a> is also wasting no time getting us ready – their first festive mince pies return to stores on 20 September, giving you plenty of time to stock up before the big day, or start a spot of sampling in between!</p><p>Their headline act is the returning Holly Lane deep filled mince pies, priced at £1.25 for six. That works out at roughly 21p each, making them one of the cheapest ways to get your mince pie fix this year. I can see why these pies have built up such a loyal following: they’re straightforward, generously filled with fruity mincemeat and exactly what you want with a cup of tea.</p><p>These are accompanied by the early return of several other mince pie varieties aimed at different tastes and budgets. If you prefer a richer pastry, the Specially Selected all butter mince pies (£2.49 for six) are back after receiving high demand last year. The buttery shortbread pastry encases a punchy filling flavoured by cognac, brandy and dry cider, so they should have plenty of warming depth.</p><p>There’s also a nine-pack of mini all-butter mince pies for the same price, which I’d choose for parties, sharing or anyone who likes to mix and match several Christmas treats in one sitting. They’re also a good alternative if you have a smaller appetite or are watching your sugar intake.</p><p>If you’re after a more indulgent treat, the new-recipe Ballycastle Mince Pies (£2.25 for four) come topped with a swirl of Ballycastle Country liqueur-infused buttercream. Resembling something like a mince pie crossed with a festive cupcake, this rich and creamy bake would either work for an afternoon snack or dessert with a dollop of cream.</p>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/09/Aldi-mince-pies-frangpane-191b7d0.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="A selection of six Aldi frangipane mince pies topped with almonds" title="Aldi frangipane mince pies" />
<p>My pick of the group would be Aldi’s Specially Selected frangipane mince pies (£2.25 for four) which combine a delicate amaretto-infused mincemeat filling and buttery frangipane layer, topped with flaked almonds for extra nuttiness. For another boozy hit, the returning Jamaican rum and almond tarts (£2.99 for six) give you the choice of two spirited fillings: rum-spiced mincemeat or brandy and almond.</p><p>Aldi’s first Christmas mince pies will be available in stores from 20 September, while stocks last. You’ll need to shop in person, as they don’t offer online delivery, so I’d recommend making a beeline for the bakery aisle if you have a particular favourite in mind.</p><p>My plan? Pick up the 21p classic (at that price, it would be rude not to!), then add a box of the frangipane or buttercream-topped versions for a more luxurious treat. It may still be September, but I’m officially braced for mince pie season.</p><p><strong>Want to get ahead with a spot of festive baking? Check out our collection of <a href="/recipes/collection/mince-pies-recipes">mince pie recipes</a> and <a href="/recipes/collection/christmas-baking-recipes">Christmas baking recipes</a>. Also keep a lookout for our official Christmas taste test to get the low-down on some of this year’s best festive supermarket buys –we’ve tried everything from mince pies to turkeys.</strong></p>
