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If you’re searching for a delightful little treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than this Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe. These bite-sized pastries combine a rich, buttery crust with a sweet, gooey pecan filling that’s nothing short of irresistible. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or simply craving a comforting dessert, these pecan tassies bring together simple ingredients in the most magical way. They’re charming, flavorful, and sure to become one of your all-time favorite homemade sweets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering this Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe. Each element is straightforward yet essential, contributing to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible home-baked look.
- Cream cheese (3 oz): Softened to ensure a smooth, tender pastry dough with a subtle tang that elevates the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup and 1 tbsp): Softened butter adds richness and flakiness to the crust and a creamy texture to the filling.
- All purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation of the dough, providing structure while keeping it tender.
- Egg (1): Adds body and binds the filling ingredients together beautifully.
- Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Delivers deep caramel notes and a lovely moist texture to the filling.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances sweetness and adds a warm aroma that fills your kitchen during baking.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and boosts all the flavors to shine through.
- Coarsely chopped pecans (2/3 cup): The star nut that provides crunch, flavor, and the classic pecan tassie character.
How to Make Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
The magic begins by creaming together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and all purpose flour. This combination yields a tender, flaky dough that’s easy to work with. Once combined into a dough, wrapping it up and refrigerating it for one hour helps it firm up so it holds its shape in the mini muffin pan.
Step 2: Shape the Crusts
After chilling, divide the dough into 1-inch balls. Press each ball gently into the bottom and sides of a greased mini muffin pan to form perfect little pastry cups. This step sets the stage for that classic tassie look, giving each bite the ideal buttery crust to support the luscious filling.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Whisk together the egg, packed brown sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and glossy. This sweet, creamy filling is straightforward yet packed with flavor, providing the perfect counterpart to the buttery crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Tassies
Begin by placing an even amount of chopped pecans in each pastry cup. Then spoon about a teaspoon of the filling over the nuts, making sure they’re well covered. The combination of crunchy pecans and the velvety filling inside that flaky crust is what makes these tassies completely irresistible. Pop the filled pan into the fridge while you preheat the oven to keep everything nice and firm before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the tassies at 325°F (163°C) for about 25 minutes or until the filling is set and turns a lovely light golden color. Your kitchen will fill with the warm aroma of toasted pecans and buttery pastry that is absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes to firm up slightly, making it easier to remove them without breaking. Serve these charming bites warm for a gooey treat or at room temperature for the perfect balance of chewy and crisp.
How to Serve Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
Garnishes
Although these tassies are delicious on their own, a simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, festive touch. For an extra festive flair, top each with a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to accentuate their sweetness and richness.
Side Dishes
Pair these pecan tassies with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced tea to complement their buttery sweetness perfectly. They also make wonderful additions to brunch spreads alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt for a balanced bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by arranging the tassies on a festive platter with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary to create a stunning holiday centerpiece. They also look adorable nestled in decorative cupcake liners or stacked in a glass jar tied with a ribbon as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store any leftover tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling indulgently soft, just like when freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze these pecan tassies either before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When frozen raw, shape and fill as usual, then freeze before baking; bake directly from frozen but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat thawed pecan tassies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to warm them through while maintaining that delightful crispiness in the crust. Avoid microwaving to keep their texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chopped walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and give that classic flavor, chopped walnuts make a great substitute, offering a slightly different but equally delicious nuttiness.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is important because it firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and helping the crust hold together during baking, leading to a tender, flaky texture.
Can I make these tassies gluten free?
Yes, you can substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, but make sure it is designed for cookies or pastries for the best texture and consistency.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Proper chilling before baking and baking at the right temperature ensures the crust cooks through and stays crisp. Also, avoid overfilling, as too much filling can cause sogginess.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! The ingredients scale up nicely, just use multiple mini muffin pans or bake in batches. Keep dough chilled in between shaping to maintain the right texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade treats, and this Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe fits the bill perfectly. With simple ingredients coming together in a buttery, sweet, and nutty delight, these tassies will quickly become go-to bites for celebrations or cozy everyday moments. I can’t wait for you to try them and make the magic of these little pastries your own kitchen favorite.
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Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 21 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Pecan Tassies are delightful mini pecan pies with a creamy cream cheese crust and a sweet, nutty filling. These bite-sized treats feature a buttery pastry base filled with a rich pecan and brown sugar mixture, perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ounces (85 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (114 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (125 g) all purpose flour
For the Filling
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup (165 g) brown sugar, packed
- 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 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 to form 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 smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Tassies: Divide the chopped pecans evenly among the pastry cups. Spoon the filling mixture on top of the pecans, about 1 teaspoon per cup, covering the nuts. Place the filled pan in the refrigerator briefly while preheating the oven.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Once preheated, bake the tassies for 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent shrinking during baking and to make shaping easier.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- Store leftover tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a festive touch, drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
