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If you have a sweet tooth or love irresistible bite-sized treats, this Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. These mini pecan pies boast a buttery, tangy cream cheese crust paired with a rich, gooey filling and crunchy pecans on top. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, tassies are charming little morsels that bring joy with every single bite, whether for holiday celebrations, potlucks, or simple everyday treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a role in delivering the perfect crust and luscious filling that make tassies stand out, from the silky cream cheese to the crunchy pecans.
- Cream cheese, 3 ounces: Softened to create a tender, flaky dough with a subtle tanginess.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon: Adds richness and helps form the delicate pastry crust and filling.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and balance.
- Egg, 1 large: Binds the filling ingredients together for a smooth, cohesive texture.
- Brown sugar, 3/4 cup packed: Offers deep, caramelized sweetness that complements the pecans.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the other flavors.
- Pecans, 2/3 cup coarsely chopped: Provides essential crunch and nutty depth to each tassie bite.
How to Make Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and all-purpose flour in a mixing bowl until a smooth dough forms. Wrapping this dough tightly in plastic wrap and chilling it in the refrigerator for one hour is key to achieving a firm, manageable crust that bakes beautifully.
Step 2: Shape the Crusts
Once chilled, divide the dough into small 1-inch balls. Take each ball and press it gently but firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a greased mini muffin pan. This simple step creates tiny, buttery pastry cups that will hold the delicious filling perfectly.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, packed brown sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This luscious filling is the sweet, gooey heart of every pecan tassie.
Step 4: Assemble the Tassies
Distribute the chopped pecans evenly among the prepared pastry cups, then spoon the filling over the nuts, about one teaspoon per cup, covering them completely. Refrigerate the filled pan briefly while you get your oven ready.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Pop the tassies in and bake for 25 minutes or until the filling has set and developed a light golden touch. This baking time ensures a perfectly cooked filling along with a tender, flaky crust.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pecan tassies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes to firm up, which makes them easier to remove without breaking. Serve these treats warm or at room temperature for maximum gooey delight.
How to Serve Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe even further, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. A small dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess that beautifully complements the nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
These tassies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a robust cup of coffee or tea. Their small size makes them excellent finger foods for sharing at brunches or afternoon gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging tassies on a tiered dessert tray for a charming presentation at parties or holiday celebrations. Wrapping them individually in festive cellophane and tying with a ribbon also makes delightful edible gifts that friends and family will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pecan tassies stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them from becoming too soft, placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers helps maintain their crisp texture.
Freezing
These little delights freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When well wrapped, they can keep for up to 3 months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the frozen tassies in a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This quick warm-up revives the pastry’s flakiness and melts the filling back to its irresistible gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even chopped hazelnuts can work well in this recipe. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough is crucial. It firms up the fat and cream cheese, making the dough easier to handle and helping the crust keep its shape while baking.
Can I make the tassies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
How many tassies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 21 small pecan tassies, perfect for parties or sharing with a crowd.
Can I prepare the tassies ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the tassies a day in advance, keep them refrigerated, and bake just before serving. This saves time and keeps them fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Try this Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe and watch how quickly these tiny treats disappear. Their perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and buttery flavors is simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, these tassies will bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Don’t wait — go bake a batch now and share the happiness!
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Print
Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 21 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Pecan Tassies are bite-sized, buttery, cream cheese pastry cups filled with a sweet, gooey pecan filling. Perfect as a festive treat or a rich dessert, they combine a tender crust with a caramel-like pecan topping for a delightful homemade cookie that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 3 ounces (85 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (114 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (125 g) all purpose flour
Filling:
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup (165 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup (73 g) coarsely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and all-purpose flour in a mixing bowl until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour to chill and firm up.
- Shape the Crusts: After chilling, divide the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Press each dough ball evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a greased mini muffin pan, forming small pastry cups. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Tassies: Divide the chopped pecans evenly among the pastry cups in the muffin pan. Spoon the filling mixture on top of the pecans, approximately 1 teaspoon per cup, covering the nuts completely. Place the filled pan briefly in the refrigerator while preheating the oven.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Once the oven is fully preheated, bake the tassies for 25 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients like cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use a greased mini muffin pan to prevent sticking and allow easy removal.
- For a crunchier pecan topping, toast the chopped pecans lightly before adding to the filling.
- These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for extra decoration.
