Pecan Tassies

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Pecan tassies are the kind of treat that makes you appreciate simple pleasures.

These small, bite-sized desserts bring together a buttery, flaky crust with a rich, nutty filling that’s hard to resist.

They’re the perfect option when you want something sweet but don’t want to commit to a full-sized pie.

Easy to make but packed with flavor, pecan tassies are a great choice for any occasion.

From family gatherings to casual get-togethers, these little delights always seem to find their way to the table.

They’re fun to bake, easy to share, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started with making your own batch of pecan tassies!

Table of Contents

Pecan Tassies Recipe (Makes 24)

Combine 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and blend until a soft dough forms. The dough might not fully come together, but that’s okay.
Place the dough on a piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to press it into a compact rectangle. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Divide the chilled dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them into ungreased mini muffin tins.
Use your thumb or a small tool to press each piece of dough into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin tin, letting it slightly overhang the edges.
In a separate bowl, whisk 1 large egg until smooth.
Stir in 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of softened unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Mix well.
Spoon the filling into each pastry shell, being careful not to overfill to avoid spills during baking.
Bake the tassies for about 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
These can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Use cold dough for crispier edges: After chilling the dough, it should be firm when you press it into the mini muffin tins. The colder dough will hold its shape better, creating crispier edges.
Toast the pecans for extra flavor: Toasting the chopped pecans before adding them to the filling brings out their natural oils and enhances the flavor of the tassies. Simply toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes, until fragrant, or in the oven.
Add a pinch of salt to the filling: A small pinch of salt in the filling balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the pecans, making the overall flavor more complex.
Use a light hand with the filling: To prevent the filling from overflowing, only fill each dough shell about 2/3 full. This ensures the filling stays inside the dough and doesn’t spill over during baking.
Check early for doneness: These bake quickly, so check them a few minutes early to ensure they don’t over-brown. The filling should be set and the dough golden.

Follow these tips to store your pecan tassies:

Wrap individually for easier storage: If you want to store individual tassies for later, wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. This makes it easy to grab a snack whenever you want one.
Reheat in the oven: For the best texture, reheat frozen tassies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, so they stay crisp and delicious.
Avoid stacking when storing in the fridge: To prevent the filling from sticking to the tops of other tassies, store them in a single layer in the container. If you must stack, place parchment paper between layers.

If you’re looking to experiment with your pecan tassies, here are some fun variations to try:

Nut variety: Instead of just pecans, try walnuts, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts. These will give the tassies a unique flavor and texture.
Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the top after baking. This will create a deliciously sweet contrast to the nutty flavor.
Spiced Filling: Spice things up by adding a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger. These spices can give your tassies a cozy, warm flavor.
Fruit: For a chewy surprise, add dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots to the filling.
Caramel: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the tops before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.

Getting your pecan tassies out of the pan without a mess can be tricky. Here are some simple ways to keep them from sticking:

Grease and Flour the Pan: Before you add the dough, generously grease the mini muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray, then lightly dust it with flour. This creates a protective layer that helps the tassies slide out easily after baking.
Use Paper Liners: For easy removal, you can line the muffin tin with paper liners. This step also makes cleanup a breeze.
Chill the Dough: Let the dough chill in the fridge for about an hour before shaping it. This helps the dough hold its shape better and makes it easier to press into the muffin tin without it sticking to your fingers.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the tassies with the filling. Overfilling can cause it to spill over the sides, sticking to the pan and making removal difficult.