Bite-sized, beautifully golden, and bursting with a perfectly sweet, nutty filling, Pecan Tassies are the kind of treat that always steals the show at gatherings. Think of them as adorable mini pecan pies, each one wrapped in an irresistibly tender cream cheese pastry that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a delicious holiday dessert, a potluck favorite, or simply a sweet way to brighten your day, these little gems deliver big Southern charm in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Pecan Tassies couldn’t be simpler, and each ingredient truly earns its spot. Everything here works together to create a chewy, rich filling inside a melt-in-your-mouth crust, so don’t be tempted to skip a thing!
- Unsalted butter: This is the base of the rich, tender crust and adds delicious flavor to the filling too.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese gives the pastry shell its signature tang and ultra-flaky texture.
- All-purpose flour: The framework for the delicate shells, holding everything together.
- Large egg: Essential for binding the pecan filling and giving it that custardy, classic texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel sweetness to each little pie—lightly packed for just the right amount.
- Vanilla extract: One teaspoon is all you need for warm, aromatic undertones.
- Unsalted butter (melted): For the filling, this melts seamlessly with the sugar and egg.
- Pinch of salt: Balances flavors and keeps the filling from turning too sweet.
- Finely chopped pecans: The star of the show; every tassie is studded with buttery, crunchy pecan pieces.
How to Make Pecan Tassies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 24-cup mini muffin tin. Read through your ingredients and measure everything out first—this will make the process truly painless.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Pastry
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and light. Stir in the flour gradually until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels a bit sticky, a quick chill in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes will make it just right for shaping.
Step 3: Press Dough Into Muffin Cups
Divide the dough into 24 roughly equal portions. Press each piece gently into the bottom and up the sides of your mini muffin cups to create those perfect little shells. It may feel a tad rustic at this stage, but that’s exactly what gives Pecan Tassies their charming, homemade look and taste.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and that tiny pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. This mixture will bake up into the gooey, sweet center that everyone loves.
Step 5: Fill with Pecans and Pour In the Filling
Spoon about a teaspoon of the finely chopped pecans into the bottom of each pastry shell. Then, top the nuts with roughly a teaspoon of the filling mixture, making sure not to overfill (they’ll puff up slightly in the oven).
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges of the crust are lightly golden and the filling is set. Allow them to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully loosening the edges with a thin knife and transferring each tassie to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the ultimate treat.
How to Serve Pecan Tassies
Garnishes
Pecan Tassies look absolutely darling just as they are, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of caramel brings them to the next level. If you want extra flair, top each one with a single toasted pecan half before baking for that unmistakable bakery-style finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pecan Tassies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of freshly whipped cream for a classic dessert plate. They’re wonderful alongside a cup of strong coffee, black tea, or even mulled cider—particularly when hosting guests or cozying up after a special meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your tassies in colorful mini cupcake liners for a festive buffet or to package up as edible gifts. You can also stack them on a cake stand, scatter fresh cranberries and mint leaves around for a splash of color, or send them out as part of a holiday cookie assortment. Presentation is half the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pecan Tassies store beautifully. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for up to four days. They hold their texture, and the flavors deepen as they sit, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Pecan Tassies for weeks to come? Freeze completely cooled tassies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you love a warm tassie, gently reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 6 to 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving for best texture; the oven helps revive the pastry’s crispness while keeping the filling nice and gooey.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?
Using homemade cream cheese dough truly gives Pecan Tassies their signature tang and buttery flakiness, but in a pinch, a good-quality store-bought pie dough will still turn out tasty (though the texture won’t be quite the same).
Can I make Pecan Tassies nut-free?
Pecans are the traditional star, but if you need a nut-free version, try substituting sunflower seeds or simply omit the nuts entirely. The filling will still set and taste delicious, although it will be a bit different in texture.
Can I add chocolate or other flavors to the filling?
Absolutely! A handful of mini chocolate chips mixed with the pecans, or a dash of cinnamon or bourbon in the filling, creates an exciting twist. The base recipe is friendly to all sorts of creative add-ins.
How do I prevent the tassies from sticking to the pan?
Grease your mini muffin pan thoroughly or use mini cupcake liners to ensure easy removal. It also helps to let them cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing, so the pastry has time to firm up just a bit.
Are Pecan Tassies better warm or at room temperature?
That’s up to you! They’re delicious both ways—warm for gooier centers or at room temperature for firm, chewy bites. Either way, their flavor only improves as they sit, so don’t worry about making them ahead.
Final Thoughts
If you crave the cozy comfort of pecan pie without all the fuss, you absolutely have to give Pecan Tassies a try. They’re simple to whip up, charmingly bite-sized, and sure to be the most-requested treat at any gathering. Don’t be surprised if they disappear before you’ve even had the chance to grab a second one!
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Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 tassies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Pecan Tassies, miniature pecan pies encased in a rich cream cheese pastry. Perfect for holiday gatherings or sweet treats any time of year!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes if too soft to handle.
- Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces and press each into the bottom and up the sides of the mini muffin cups to form small shells.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of chopped pecans into each crust, then top with about 1 teaspoon of the filling mixture.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is lightly golden. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before removing carefully. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Tassies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the filling for a twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tassie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
