Classic Pecan Tassies: Your Essential Holiday Miniature Pecan Pie Cookie Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with these utterly delightful Pecan Tassies, often hailed as miniature pecan pies in cookie form! Perfect for holiday gatherings, festive cookie trays, or thoughtful edible gifts, these bite-sized wonders boast a buttery, flaky crust enveloping a rich, sweet pecan filling. They are a staple on holiday dessert tables, bringing a touch of Southern charm and irresistible flavor to any occasion. Easy to make and universally loved, these tassies are a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond, promising a burst of classic pecan pie goodness in every bite.
Why These Pecan Tassies Will Be Your New Holiday Favorite
The holiday season, especially in the kitchen, is all about maximizing flavor and joy with minimal fuss. While a traditional pecan pie holds a special place in our hearts, these Pecan Tassies offer the same beloved taste in a convenient, portable, and incredibly charming package. Imagine all the rich, nutty, gooey goodness of a full-sized pecan pie, concentrated into a perfect two-bite treat that’s both elegant and comforting.
What makes this specific recipe truly exceptional? It starts with a dreamily tender, flaky cream cheese crust that melts in your mouth, providing the ideal contrast to the sweet, caramelized pecan filling. This combination creates a perfect texture and flavor balance that is simply irresistible. There’s no need for elaborate frosting or intricate decorations; their rustic elegance shines through, making them ideal for edible gift boxes and holiday goodie bags. They travel well, hold their shape beautifully, and are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Plus, their miniature size means you can enjoy more than one without an ounce of guilt, making them a versatile and essential addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pecan Tassies
Crafting these delectable pecan tassies requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors reminiscent of the classic pecan pie. The magic truly happens when softened butter and cream cheese form the base of the crust, ensuring an incredibly tender and flaky texture that is both delicate and sturdy enough to hold the luscious filling. For the filling itself, a carefully balanced blend of egg, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a hint of almond extract provides that classic rich, sweet, and complex profile. This is perfectly complemented by plenty of chopped pecans, which add both a satisfying crunch and an intense nutty flavor. Gathering all your ingredients and having them at room temperature beforehand ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process, leading to consistently perfect results every time.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Pecan Tassies
Follow these easy visual steps to create your batch of irresistible Pecan Tassies. For a printer-friendly version complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply jump to the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this page. You’ll be amazed at how straightforward it is to bake these holiday favorites, even if you’re new to pie-making!
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Creating the Flaky Cream Cheese Crust
In a spacious mixing bowl, begin by combining softened salted butter and cream cheese. Using a hand mixer (or a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for hands-free convenience), beat these ingredients together. Continue mixing until the butter and cream cheese are thoroughly combined and the mixture becomes light, airy, and wonderfully fluffy. This initial step is absolutely crucial for achieving the signature tender and flaky texture that makes this tassie crust so remarkable.
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Once your butter and cream cheese mixture is fluffy, gradually add the all-purpose flour. Continue to beat on low speed until the dough gracefully pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a cohesive, soft ball. It’s important to avoid overmixing at this stage, as excessive gluten development can lead to a tough crust. Mix just until combined and the dough comes together.
The dough should be soft but firm enough to form a ball. -
Transfer the freshly mixed dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Gently use your hands to shape it into a uniform log, approximately 12 inches in length. This cylindrical shape will make slicing much easier later. Wrap the dough log securely in the plastic wrap, ensuring it’s completely sealed, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is a vital step as it solidifies the fats, making the dough much easier to handle and contributing significantly to a perfectly flaky and tender baked crust.
Chilling the dough is an important step for easy handling and a perfect crust. -
Preparing for Baking & Crafting the Rich Filling
While your dough is happily chilling, take a moment to prepare your oven and baking equipment. Preheat your oven to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Next, lightly spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring that each cavity is adequately coated. This crucial step prevents sticking and guarantees that your delicate tassies will release easily and cleanly after baking, preserving their perfect shape.
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In a separate, small mixing bowl, begin to prepare the luscious pecan filling. Whisk together the large egg (ideally at room temperature for better emulsification), light brown sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a delicate pinch of sea salt. The brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also a wonderful caramel note, while the extracts provide aromatic depth. This combination creates the signature sweet and complex flavor profile that is characteristic of classic pecan pie filling.
Ensure all filling ingredients are well combined for an even flavor. -
Once the liquid filling mixture is smooth and well combined, gently stir in half (approximately 1/3 cup) of your chopped pecans. These pecans will be wonderfully embedded within the gooey filling, adding essential texture and intensified pecan flavor to every single bite. Reserve the remaining pecans; they will be used as a beautiful and delicious topping for your tassies just before baking.
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Assembling and Baking Your Pecan Tassies
With your oven preheated and filling prepared, it’s time to assemble these delightful treats. Once sufficiently chilled, remove the firm dough log from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log into 24 uniform pieces, each piece approximately 1/2 inch thick. Striving for consistency in slice size is important, as it helps ensure that all your tassies bake evenly and have a similar appearance, contributing to a professional-looking final product.
Uniform slices make for perfectly shaped tassie crusts. -
Take each individual dough slice and carefully press it firmly into the cavities of the prepared mini muffin tin. Use your fingertips or a small wooden tart tamper (if you have one) to press the dough evenly into the bottom of each cup and gently up the sides, forming a neat and sturdy little cup or shell. This creates the perfect vessel for your rich pecan filling, ensuring it stays contained during baking.
Creating neat crusts for the filling. -
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: the pecan filling. Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the prepared pecan filling mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup. It’s important to distribute the filling as evenly as possible among all 24 crusts. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each individual tassie is perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, providing a consistent and delightful experience with every bite.
Each tassie should have a generous portion of the delicious filling. -
To complete the assembly, sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of chopped pecans artistically over the tops of the filling in each muffin cup. This final touch not only adds a beautiful visual appeal to the tassies, making them even more inviting, but also provides an extra layer of crunch and intensifies that wonderful pecan flavor. These toppings will toast beautifully in the oven.
A final sprinkle of pecans adds texture and flavor. -
Carefully place the loaded muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. The tassies are ready when the edges of the crust turn a delicate light brown and the filling has visibly puffed up and appears set in the center. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and, here’s a crucial tip, allow the tassies to cool completely in the tin before attempting to remove them. This cooling period is essential for the filling to fully firm up and ensures easy removal without breakage, resulting in perfectly formed, delicious mini pecan pies.
Allowing the tassies to cool completely ensures they set beautifully.
And there you have it! Your kitchen will now be filled with the irresistible aroma of these homemade delights, signaling that a batch of perfect Pecan Tassies is ready to be enjoyed. Get ready to share these perfect little bites of joy with friends and family, or savor them all yourself – we won’t tell!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Tassies
Absolutely! While our signature flaky cream cheese crust is wonderfully easy and highly recommended for its delicate texture, you certainly have options. You can opt for a pre-made refrigerator pie crust or a box mix for a quicker, more convenient alternative. For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider incorporating ground pecans into your homemade crust. To do this, process about 1/2 cup of pecans in a food processor until finely ground, then reduce your all-purpose flour to 3/4 cup. Mix the ground pecans and flour together before beating them into your butter and cream cheese mixture for an even richer crust.
These delightful miniature pecan pies are excellent keepers and store very well! For optimal freshness, ensure your cooled pecan tassies are placed in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and delicious for about 3-4 days. If you’re planning further ahead or live in a warmer climate and want to extend their shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This makes them an ideal make-ahead treat for any busy holiday season, allowing you to enjoy them for longer.
Yes, pecan tassies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for future enjoyment! To freeze them, first ensure they are completely cooled to prevent condensation. Then, wrap each tassie individually in freezer paper or waxed paper for maximum protection. Once wrapped, transfer the cookies to a sturdy zipper freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months without losing their quality or flavor. To defrost, simply remove the desired number of tassies from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. They’ll taste just as fresh and delicious as the day you baked them!
For those who love to get a head start on their baking, the pecan tassie dough is perfect for advance preparation, significantly reducing your stress on baking day. You can make the entire dough recipe as instructed and form it into a log. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out, and store the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, slice it into individual portions, and proceed with pressing it into the muffin tin and adding the filling. This flexibility makes holiday baking significantly less stressful and more enjoyable!
While the combination of vanilla and almond extract adds a unique depth and a subtle, sophisticated complexity to the pecan tassie filling, it’s not strictly mandatory if you or your guests are not fond of almond flavor. If you prefer, you can easily replace the almond extract with an additional half teaspoon of vanilla extract to maintain a strong vanilla presence. However, we highly recommend trying the combination at least once, as it truly enhances the overall flavor profile of these mini pies, creating a more memorable and nuanced taste experience.
Toasting pecans is a simple step that makes a significant difference in the final flavor of your tassies! When pecans are lightly toasted, their natural oils are released, which intensifies their nutty aroma and deepens their taste considerably. This process adds an incredible layer of richness, warmth, and complexity to the tassie filling that untasted pecans simply can’t match. To toast, spread your chopped pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree Fahrenheit (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they become wonderfully fragrant and begin to lightly golden. Be sure to remove them from the hot pan immediately after toasting to prevent them from over-toasting or burning.
Pecan Tassies are truly a quintessential addition to your holiday baking list, embodying the warmth and joy of the season with every sweet bite. Much like classic Pecan Pie and its popular cousin, Pecan Pie Bars, these miniature treats are a beloved feature on dessert tables for both Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities. Their inviting aroma and delicious taste create lasting memories, making them a tradition worth starting in your own home for years to come.
Discover More Festive Holiday Sweets
If you’ve enjoyed baking these delightful pecan tassies and are looking for more ways to sweeten your holiday season, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is always buzzing with new and classic recipes perfect for holiday celebrations and entertaining. Explore some of our other cherished holiday desserts below and find new favorites to add to your festive repertoire. From fruity delights to rich chocolate creations, and other seasonal delights, there’s truly something for every sweet tooth and every occasion.
- Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Strawberry Christmas Trees
- Chocolate Turtles
- Christmas Tree Brownies
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Candied Pecans
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
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Pecan Tassies
These sweet little Pecan Tassies are a wonderful addition to your holiday baking list. Great for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, they offer all the flavor of a pecan pie in a delightful mini cookie.
IMPORTANT — For helpful tips, storage advice, and make-ahead options, please review the Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post above!
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Ingredients
Crust:
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- ⅔ cup chopped pecans toasted
Things You’ll Need
- Hand mixer
- Mini muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
Expert Tips & Notes
- Flavor Variation: If you’re not fond of almond extract, feel free to substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. However, the blend of both truly creates a delicious, nuanced flavor.
- Crust Enhancement: For an extra nutty crust, you can incorporate finely ground pecans. Use 1/2 cup of pecans, process them until fine, and then reduce the all-purpose flour to 3/4 cup. Mix the ground pecans and flour before adding them to the butter and cream cheese.
- Make-Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared up to 3-4 days in advance. Form it into a log, wrap it well, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Toasted Pecans: Toasting pecans intensifies their flavor significantly. Bake chopped pecans in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove them immediately from the hot pan to prevent burning.
Instructions
For the Crust:
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In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese with a hand or standing mixer until light and fluffy.
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Beat in flour until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
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Scoop the dough onto plastic wrap, shape it into a 12-inch log, wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
For the Filling & Assembly:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
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In a small bowl, whisk together egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt.
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Stir in half (1/3 cup) of the chopped pecans into the filling mixture.
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Remove chilled dough log. Slice into 24 even, approximately 1/2-inch thick slices.
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Press each dough slice into the muffin tin cavities, forming a cup with your fingers or a small roller.
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Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into each dough cup, dividing evenly among the 24 crusts.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of pecans over the tops of the filling.
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Bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is light brown and the filling is puffed and set.
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Allow tassies to cool completely in the pan before removing.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 cookie | Calories: 119cal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 192IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.