Pecan Tassies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of having the flavors of a Southern pecan pie in just a few bites, you’re going to absolutely adore these Pecan Tassies. Imagine a tender, tangy cream cheese crust that’s just the right amount of flaky, filled with sweet, buttery pecan filling in perfectly petite packages. These little treats are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, beloved at holiday parties, picnics, or just as a special homemade treat tucked into a lunchbox. They’re everything you love about pecan pie, reimagined into a shareable and irresistible bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s magical about Pecan Tassies is how a handful of everyday ingredients work together to create something so special. Each component, from the creamy dough to the nutty filling, plays an important role in flavor and texture—don’t skip a thing!

• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
• Cream Cheese (3 oz, softened): The secret to a tangy, pillowy dough with a beautifully delicate crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Gives structure to the dough, holding everything together in perfect bite-size shells.
• Salt (pinch): Enhances all the flavors, both in the dough and filling—essential for balance.
• Egg (1 large): Sets the filling and offers that lovely custardy bite you expect in pecan pies.
• Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Infuses the filling with caramel-like sweetness and gorgeous color.
• Unsalted Butter (1 Tbsp, melted): Adds richness and helps everything meld beautifully in the filling.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Rounds out and deepens the flavors, giving the filling a warm, cozy note.
• Pecans (3/4 cup, finely chopped and toasted): The star! Toasting brings out their toasty, buttery flavor—don’t skip this step.

How to Make Pecan Tassies

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Dough

Start by combining the softened butter and cream cheese in a bowl, beating until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Slowly add the flour and a pinch of salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chill time helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and creating that buttery, flaky crust we love in Pecan Tassies.

Step 2: Shape the Dough into Mini Tart Shells

Once your dough is nicely chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin. Divide the dough into 24 equal portions (use a small cookie scoop for even sizing, if you like) and roll each piece into a ball. Press each ball into a muffin cup, gently pushing it up the sides to form little tart shells. They don’t have to be perfect, but try to get a nice, even thickness—this helps each bite deliver that signature Pecan Tassies texture.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is well blended and glossy. Stir in the finely chopped, toasted pecans. Toasted pecans really make a difference, lending a depth and warmth that’s irresistible in each bite.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Tassies

Spoon the pecan filling evenly into each prepared dough cup, being careful not to overfill (some bubbling is okay, but overfilling may make them difficult to remove). Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center. Let the Pecan Tassies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps the filling set perfectly for those picture-perfect bites.

How to Serve Pecan Tassies

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar over your Pecan Tassies can give them a beautiful, frosty finish. For an extra-special touch, top each tassie with a tiny pecan half just before baking. Even a light drizzle of melted chocolate can add a more decadent note if you want to make your dessert platter pop.

Side Dishes

Pecan Tassies shine beside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, both of which balance the richness of the filling. They also pair delightfully with fresh berries or citrus slices for a little brightness and contrast—perfect for dessert buffets or brunch spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive look, arrange your Pecan Tassies on a vintage cake stand or stack them creatively in a tiered serving tray. Tuck them into decorative cupcake liners for effortless party-ready presentation, or box them up in pretty gift tins to delight friends and neighbors with a homemade treat that feels personal and celebratory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Pecan Tassies will stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If your kitchen runs warm, you can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to layer parchment paper between the tassies if you’re stacking them to keep the crusts crisp and the tops from sticking together.

Freezing

Pecan Tassies freeze beautifully, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Once completely cool, layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between each layer to prevent sticking. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months—just let them thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.

Reheating

To gently refresh the flavor and texture, you can warm Pecan Tassies for a few minutes in a 300°F oven. This brings out their buttery aroma and makes the crust a little crisper—almost like they’re fresh from the oven again. Avoid the microwave, as it may make the crust tough or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for Pecan Tassies?

While you can use store-bought pie dough in a pinch, the cream cheese crust really sets Pecan Tassies apart. It’s worth making from scratch for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle tang that you just can’t get from premade dough.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling firms up the cream cheese dough, making it much easier to handle and press neatly into muffin tins. It also helps ensure your crusts bake up perfectly tender and flaky instead of shrinking or becoming tough in the oven.

How do I toast pecans?

Toasting pecans is easy—simply spread the chopped nuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, shaking once or twice, until they’re fragrant and golden. Let them cool before stirring into the filling for maximum flavor.

Can Pecan Tassies be made gluten free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in the dough. Check that your other ingredients are certified gluten free, and you’ll have delicious, crowd-friendly tassies for all to enjoy.

How do I remove Pecan Tassies from the muffin tin?

Let the tassies cool for at least 10 minutes, then gently run a thin knife around the edge of each cup. They should pop out easily once they’ve set a bit. Using a nonstick pan and a good spritz of baking spray makes release quick and mess-free.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall in love with these adorable Pecan Tassies—the perfect marriage of pie and cookie. Whether you’re serving them at your next gathering or sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, there’s something genuinely special about sharing treats this delightful. Give Pecan Tassies a try and let them earn a well-deserved spot in your collection of favorite homemade desserts!

Print