Pecan Tassies
Sometimes, the best memories are made around the kitchen table, and that’s where my love for Pecan Tassies truly began. As a child, I’d watch my grandmother carefully craft these delightful mini pecan pies, each one a tiny treasure filled with creamy goodness. The air would fill with the sweet scent of baked butter mingling with pecans, and I couldn’t wait to sneak a taste. Now, as an adult, I find joy in recreating those moments with my family, sharing laughter and stories over warm trays of these delightful treats. Each tassie is a bite-sized piece of nostalgia, perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
0 mins
0 mins
Medium
200 kcal
3 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
Blender, Food Processor, Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
Why We Love This Pecan Tassies
A Sweet Treat for Everyone
There’s something undeniably special about Pecan Tassies. These mini pies are not just adorable; they hold a rich flavor packed into each tiny bite. The smooth filling, a perfect blend of cream cheese and pecans, creates a delightful contrast to the tender crust. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up any leftover pecans you may have lingering in your pantry.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging yourself, Pecan Tassies fit seamlessly into any event. They’re small enough to enjoy as a snack, yet elegant enough to serve at a party. I love bringing them to potlucks; they disappear in a flash!
Made with Love
One of my favorite aspects of making Pecan Tassies is the process itself. Preparing the dough, blending the ingredients, and watching them transform in the oven is incredibly satisfying. Plus, there’s nothing quite like sharing freshly baked treats with friends and family. It fosters a sense of togetherness that’s hard to replicate.
Fun for Everyone
This recipe is also a great way to involve kids in the kitchen. Rolling the pastry into balls and pressing them into muffin tins can be a fun activity. They love seeing the transformation and, of course, enjoy tasting the final product!
What to Gather for Pecan Tassies
When it comes to Pecan Tassies, the ingredients are simple yet impactful. Each element plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. The key players here are butter, cream cheese, and pecans, all working together to create a delightful dessert that’s both crispy and creamy.
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), at room temperature: This is the base for the crust, providing richness and flakiness.
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: This adds a creamy texture to the filling and balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups flour: The essential ingredient for the crust, helping bind everything together.
Recipe Directions for Pecan Tassies
Making Pecan Tassies is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas. Here’s how to create these little wonders step by step. Trust me; the end result is well worth the effort!
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This ensures that the tassies cook evenly and become beautifully golden.
- In a food processor, blend together the butter, cream cheese, and flour until you have a smooth dough. It should come together nicely without being too sticky.
- Chill the dough for about thirty minutes. This helps the butter firm up, making it easier to handle later.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by creaming the softened butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl. Look for a light and fluffy texture.
- Add in the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated. This step adds richness and flavor to the filling.
- Now, mix in the chopped pecans and any other ingredients you’d like. The filling should be nice and thick.
- Once the dough is chilled, roll it into small balls. You want them to be about the size of a tablespoon.
- Grease a mini muffin tin lightly. Place each ball of dough into the tin and press down with your thumb. The dough should form a small cup.
- Using a wooden tamper or your fingers, gently press the edges of the dough up the sides of the tin to create a shell.
- Fill each unbaked pastry shell with the pecan mixture, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake for thirty to forty minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are golden. About halfway through baking, add half a pecan on top of each tassie for added decoration and crunch.
- Remove from the oven and allow the tassies to cool in the tin for a few minutes. They can be delicate right out of the oven.
- When they’re cool enough to handle, gently remove them from the tray. Dust with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch if desired.
Things Worth Knowing
- Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough well. This prevents it from becoming too soft, ensuring your tassies hold their shape.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your tassies during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using butter and cream cheese at room temperature helps to create a smoother filling.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative! Add chocolate chips or dried fruits for a unique twist.
Expert Tips about Pecan Tassies
Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you master the art of making Pecan Tassies. Each step is important for achieving that perfect result!
- Storage: Store leftover Pecan Tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They maintain their flavor and texture beautifully.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked shells and fill them later. Just thaw and fill before baking for fresh tassies anytime.
- Pair with Coffee: These mini pies pair exceptionally well with coffee or tea. The combination elevates both flavors and makes for a delightful snack.
- Perfect for Gifting: Consider packaging them in a decorative box for gifts. They make thoughtful, homemade presents for friends and family!
- Serve Warm: If possible, serve Pecan Tassies warm for a comforting dessert experience. The filling is even more flavorful when heated!
Pairing Suggestions for Pecan Tassies
When it comes to serving Pecan Tassies, the options are endless. These delightful bites can be paired with various accompaniments to heighten the experience.
- Coffee: Pair with a rich cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or slices of apple to add a refreshing contrast.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream elevates your Pecan Tassies to a whole new level of indulgence.
- Seasonal Gatherings: Ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas, they fit perfectly into the holiday spirit.
- Picnics: These are great for outdoor gatherings. Their small size makes them easy to transport and share.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Pecan Tassies are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a bite-sized treat. Their creamy filling and flaky crust are sure to impress anyone who tries them. I encourage you to whip up a batch and share them with your family and friends—your kitchen will be filled with joy and laughter as everyone enjoys these delicious treats!
Pecan Tassies
Equipment
- Blender
- Food Processor
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter
- 6 ounces Cream Cheese
- 2 cups Flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This ensures that the tassies cook evenly and become beautifully golden.
- In a food processor, blend together the butter, cream cheese, and flour until you have a smooth dough. It should come together nicely without being too sticky.
- Chill the dough for about thirty minutes. This helps the butter firm up, making it easier to handle later.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by creaming the softened butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl. Look for a light and fluffy texture.
- Add in the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated. This step adds richness and flavor to the filling.
- Now, mix in the chopped pecans and any other ingredients you’d like. The filling should be nice and thick.
- Once the dough is chilled, roll it into small balls. You want them to be about the size of a tablespoon.
- Grease a mini muffin tin lightly. Place each ball of dough into the tin and press down with your thumb. The dough should form a small cup.
- Using a wooden tamper or your fingers, gently press the edges of the dough up the sides of the tin to create a shell.
- Fill each unbaked pastry shell with the pecan mixture, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake for thirty to forty minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are golden. About halfway through baking, add half a pecan on top of each tassie for added decoration and crunch.
- Remove from the oven and allow the tassies to cool in the tin for a few minutes. They can be delicate right out of the oven.
- When they’re cool enough to handle, gently remove them from the tray. Dust with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch if desired.
