Delicious Pecan Tassies: Your Ultimate Guide to Mini Pecan Pies

Delight in the irresistible charm of Pecan Tassies, miniature bites of pure heaven encased in a tender, buttery, and incredibly flaky cream cheese crust. Often described as elegant mini pecan pies, these delightful treats are more than just cookies; they’re a timeless classic perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re filling your holiday cookie tray, preparing for a special gathering, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this easy-to-follow recipe promises to make your Pecan Tassies the star of the show.

The Irresistible Charm of Pecan Tassies: A Timeless Treat

Pecan Tassies hold a special place in the hearts of many, including mine. My fondest childhood memories often feature these delightful confections. Each year, our dear family friend would arrive with her annual holiday cookie tray, and without fail, Pecan Tassies would be prominently featured. I distinctly remember gravitating towards them, savoring every delicate bite. It wasn’t just the Pecan Tassies; her cornflake wreaths were also a yearly favorite. The anticipation of those flavors, the warmth of tradition, and the joy of shared moments made them truly unforgettable.

For years, I enjoyed them as a recipient of this wonderful tradition, never venturing into making them myself. It wasn’t until recently that I decided to recreate that childhood magic in my own kitchen, and I quickly realized what I had been missing! These Pecan Tassies are surprisingly straightforward to prepare, requiring minimal effort for such an exquisitely flavorful result. The reward far outweighs the simple steps involved, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Why Our Cream Cheese Pecan Tassie Recipe Stands Out

What truly elevates this pecan tassie recipe above others is the brilliant inclusion of cream cheese in the dough. This simple addition transforms the crust from merely good to absolutely sublime. The cream cheese works wonders, contributing to an incredibly tender, buttery, and flaky texture that melts in your mouth. Unlike some crusts that can be dry or crumbly, this one remains moist and delicious, providing the perfect counterpoint to the rich, nutty pecan filling.

Each tassie is like a miniature pecan pie, but with an even more delicate crust. The balance between the sweet, gooey pecan filling and the savory undertones of the cream cheese crust is simply divine. This recipe has been perfected to ensure ease of preparation without compromising on that luxurious, homemade taste. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can create the most extraordinary flavors.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pecan Tassies

Crafting these delectable Pecan Tassies requires a handful of common pantry staples. The quality of your ingredients, especially the pecans and butter, will significantly impact the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our tender crust.
• Unsalted butter: Essential for that rich, buttery flavor and flaky texture in both the crust and filling. Ensure it’s softened for easy blending.
• Cream cheese: The secret ingredient for an exceptionally tender and moist crust. Also softened to room temperature.
• Egg: Acts as a binder for the filling, giving it structure and a rich custard-like consistency.
• Brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the pecan filling. Packed firmly for accurate measurement.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note to the filling.
• Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the nutty flavors.
• Millican Pecans, chopped: The star of the show! High-quality pecans are crucial for that authentic, rich pecan taste and delightful crunch. Chopping them ensures they distribute evenly throughout the filling.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Pecan Tassies

Making Pecan Tassies is a rewarding process, and with these detailed steps, you’ll achieve perfect results every time.

Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Pan:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, take a 24-cavity mini muffin pan and lightly spray each well with cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your tassies release easily after baking. Set the pan aside.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Dough:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, and softened cream cheese. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut the butter and cream cheese into the flour. Continue blending until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Once crumbly, use your fingertips to gently press the mixture together to form a cohesive dough. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to a tough crust.

Portion the Dough Evenly:

For uniform tassies, it’s helpful to weigh your dough. I recommend measuring the total dough weight and then dividing it by 24 for 24 servings. This will give you the precise weight for each dough ball, which for this recipe came out to approximately 0.42 ounces per ball. Alternatively, you can eyeball equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball.

Form the Crusts:

Take each dough ball and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of each cavity in your prepared mini muffin tin. You can use your thumb, a small tart shaper, or the back of a small spoon for this. Ensure the crust is thin but covers the base and edges to hold the filling.

Prepare the Pecan Filling:

In another medium bowl, combine the egg, packed brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the chopped pecans. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be thick and syrupy, with the pecans evenly distributed.

Fill and Bake:

Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the pecan filling into each dough-lined cavity. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will expand slightly during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are lightly golden brown and the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.

Cool Completely:

Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the Pecan Tassies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove them. This is a critical step; if you try to remove them while warm, the delicate crust may crumble, and the filling may stick. Patience will be rewarded with perfectly intact tassies!

Expert Tips for Flawless Pecan Tassies

Achieving bakery-quality Pecan Tassies is simple with a few helpful tips:

• Don’t Overfill: Be precise with the filling amount. A measuring teaspoon works perfectly for spooning the pecan mixture into each cavity. Overfilling can cause the delicious filling to bubble over, stick to the pan, and create a messy appearance.
• Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If your kitchen is warm or if the dough becomes too soft to handle, briefly chilling it for 15-20 minutes can make it easier to press into the muffin tin.
• Cool Completely for Easy Removal: This cannot be stressed enough. Pecan Tassies are delicate when warm. Allow them to cool entirely in the mini muffin tin. The filling will firm up, and the crust will set, making them much easier to pop out without breaking. A small offset spatula can also be helpful for gentle removal.
• Storage Solutions: You can store baked Pecan Tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For a longer shelf life, especially in warmer climates, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. The texture remains wonderful either way.
• Use Quality Pecans: The pecans are a star ingredient. Investing in fresh, high-quality pecans will significantly enhance the flavor profile of your tassies.

Pecan Tassie FAQs

What exactly are Pecan Tassies?

Pecan Tassies are delightful miniature dessert pastries, often compared to bite-sized pecan pies. They feature a tender, flaky crust—typically made with cream cheese—and a rich, sweet filling primarily composed of chopped pecans, brown sugar, butter, and egg. They are a popular choice for holiday cookie trays and festive gatherings due to their charming size and classic flavor.

Are Pecan Tassies the same as mini pecan pies?

While very similar in flavor profile and appearance, Pecan Tassies often have a distinct crust made with cream cheese, which lends them an exceptionally tender and flaky texture that differentiates them slightly from traditional pecan pie crusts. The filling is essentially the same, making them a perfect, easier-to-eat version of the beloved pecan pie.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Certainly! While classic Pecan Tassies are, well, made with pecans, you can experiment with other nuts for different flavor profiles. Walnuts or even a mix of pecans and walnuts would work wonderfully. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size to integrate well into the filling.

How far in advance can I make Pecan Tassies?

Pecan Tassies are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake them up to a week in advance and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully (see the freezing section below). The dough can also be prepared and refrigerated for a few days or frozen for longer.

Can You Freeze Pecan Tassies?

Yes, Pecan Tassies are incredibly freezer-friendly, both in their dough form and after baking! This makes them a fantastic option for holiday meal prep or for simply having a delicious treat on hand whenever a craving strikes.

• Freezing Pecan Tassie Dough: If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a zip-top freezer bag. The dough will last for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before pressing into the muffin tin and baking.
• Freezing Baked Pecan Tassies: Once your Pecan Tassies have completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a heavy-duty zip-top freezer bag, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two, or gently warm them in a low oven for a few minutes.

Creative Variations for Your Pecan Tassies

While our classic Pecan Tassie recipe is perfection on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize them to your taste. Here are a few delightful variations:

• Chocolate Pecan Tassies: For chocolate lovers, melt a tablespoon or two of your favorite chocolate (dark, milk, or semi-sweet) and swirl it into the pecan mixture before spooning it into the crusts. The chocolate adds a rich, decadent layer of flavor.
• Cinnamon Cream Cheese Dough: Infuse your crust with a hint of spice by adding about half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the flour mixture when making the cream cheese dough. This adds a warm, inviting aroma and subtle spice.
• Spiced Pecan Filling: Elevate the classic pecan flavor by adding a quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the pecan filling mixture. These spices complement the pecans beautifully and add depth.
• Bourbon Vanilla Pecan Tassies: For an adult twist, substitute half of the vanilla extract with a good quality bourbon in your pecan mixture. The bourbon adds a sophisticated, warm note that pairs wonderfully with pecans. A combination of both vanilla and bourbon is also exquisite.

Pecan Tassies Recipe

Yield: 24 tassies

These Pecan Tassies are little bites of Heaven in a buttery, flaky crust. Reminiscent of mini pecan pies, this easy recipe will be the star of your cookie tray.

Ingredients

• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup Millican Pecans, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 24-cavity mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Into a medium bowl, add flour, 1/2 cup softened butter, and cream cheese. Using a pastry blender or 2 forks, blend together until small crumbs form and then press together with your fingers to form a dough ball.
3. Measure out the dough and divide it evenly into 24 portions (approximately 0.42 oz each). Press each dough ball into the cavities of the mini muffin pan, slightly up the sides, to form the crusts.
4. Next, into a medium bowl combine the egg, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon melted butter, vanilla, salt, and chopped pecans. Mix well.
5. Spoon 1 teaspoon of the filling into each dough-lined cavity.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden brown and the filling is set.
7. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before carefully removing.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 117
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 23mg
Sodium: 27mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 1g

All information presented and written within this site is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a certified nutritionist’s advice, and any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

Cuisine: American
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Category: Dessert

A Heartfelt Thank You & More Holiday Cookie Inspiration

We extend our sincere gratitude to Ellen of Family Around the Table and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures for diligently hosting #ChristmasCookies Week! Events like these bring together a wonderful community of bakers and food enthusiasts. A special thank you also goes out to our generous sponsors, Adams Extract and Millican Pecan, whose support makes these festive celebrations possible and helps us bring delicious recipes to you.

Check out today’s cookie recipes from fellow bloggers for even more inspiration:

• Black Forest Stuffed Cookies by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Bourbon Molasses Cookies by Cookaholic Wife
• Caramel Butter Pecan Cookies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Chewy Gingerbread Cookies by Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Chocolate Pecan Thumbprint Cookies by Intelligent Domestications
• Chocolate Peppermint Pizzelles by Love and Confections
• Coconut Grinchy Christmas Breakfast Cookies by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
• Cinnamon Pecan Snickerdoodles by Blogghetti
• Dark Chocolate Pecan Croissant Cookies by Daily Dish Recipes
• Fruit Cake Biscotti by Creative Southern Home
• Fruitcake Cookies by Red Cottage Chronicles
• Gluten Free Hungarian Rugelach by Frugal & Fit
• Goat Cheese & Rosemary Thumbprints with Cherry Jam by The Spiffy Cookie
• No Bake Chocolate & Marshmallow Stained Glass Cookies by Hardly A Goddess
• Pecan Butterscotch Shortbread Cookies by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Pecan Lace Cookies by Food Above Gold
• Pecan Sandies by Books n’ Cooks
• Pecan Tassies by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
• Peppermint Blossom Cookies by Family Around the Table
• Peppermint Mocha Hershey Kiss Cookies by Food Above Gold
• Snickerdoodle Cookie by Everyday Eileen
• Speculaas Stars by Palatable Pastime
• Triple Chocolate Mint Cookies by Sweet Beginnings

A Chance to Win: Delightful Holiday Prizes!

During #ChristmasCookies Week, we’re excited to offer you the chance to win some incredible prizes from our sponsors:

Prize 1 – Millican Pecan Tower of Treats Gift Tins

Millican Pecan, with roots tracing back to the West Texas Pecan Nursery in the late 1800s, continues its legacy under 5th-generation ownership in San Saba, TX. They are dedicated to the tradition of pecan farming and sharing their knowledge with others. One lucky winner will receive their exquisite Tower of Treats Gift Tins. This impressive tower features three beautifully stacked decorative gift tins. The bottom tin holds a 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin contains their Flavored Pecan Sampler, and the top tin offers an 8 oz. tin of delicious Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles). This prize package is valued at $80.

Prize 2 – Adams Extract Prize Pack

The story of Adams Extract began in 1888 with John A. Adams in Battle Creek, Michigan, and his original Green Plant Sarsaparilla extract. In 1905, he moved his family to Beeville, TX. Inspired by his wife’s desire for a flavoring that wouldn’t bake or freeze out, John A. Adams, with just $6.71 worth of materials, developed a superior vanilla extract. When his wife declared it the “BEST flavoring I have ever used,” he responded, “Well, that’s old man Adams BEST.” This legacy of quality continues today. One winner will receive a special Adams Extract Prize Pack.

Giveaway Rules: Two (2) winners will be selected. Prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #ChristmasCookies bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter giveaway and contest is open only to US residents. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #ChristmasCookies posts or entry. Thank you to our sponsors Millican Pecan Company, and Adams Extracts and Flavorings for providing prizes.