Description
Pecan tassies are mini pecan pies with a buttery crust and sweet, nutty filling—perfect for holidays or anytime you crave a bite-sized treat!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
6 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Essential Kitchen Tools
Before diving into the recipe, gather these tools:
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Muffin tin (mini or standard size)
Rolling pin
Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Wire cooling rack
Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into small portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and prevents it from shrinking during baking.
Tip: Don’t overmix the dough, as this can make it tough.
Making the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Stir in the chopped pecans. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
If desired, add a dash of cinnamon or rum extract for extra depth of flavor.
Assembling the Tassies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
Roll the chilled dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Press each ball into the muffin tin, forming a cup shape.
Fill each cup with the pecan mixture, ensuring it doesn’t overflow.
Use a spoon to adjust the filling level if needed.
Baking to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Add a Twist: Try incorporating dark chocolate chips or a splash of bourbon into the filling.
Decorative Touch: Garnish with whole pecan halves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overfilling the Cups: Leads to spillage and uneven baking. Always leave a small gap at the top.
Underbaked Dough: Check for a light golden color on the edges.
Filling Separation: Mix ingredients thoroughly to prevent this.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes