Description
Pecan Tassies are delightful bite-sized pecan tarts featuring a rich, buttery cream cheese crust filled with a sweet, gooey pecan filling. These mini treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or everyday indulgence with their tender crust and caramelized nutty center.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup (150 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Crust: Divide the chilled dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and press it firmly into the mini muffin tin cavities to create a cup-shaped shell for the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, packed brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Tassies: Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly into each crust-lined cavity. Then, fill each cup about two-thirds full with the brown sugar filling mixture.
- Bake: Place the filled mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is important to help maintain the shape and texture of the tart shells during baking.
- You can toast the pecans briefly before adding them to enhance their flavor.
- Store tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Ensure the muffin tin is well greased to make removal easier and prevent breakage.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
