Pecan Tassies Recipe

Ah, Pecan Tassies – those little bites of heaven that encapsulate the warmth and joy of the holiday season. As a seasoned pastry chef, I find myself drawn to the kitchen each year as the festive spirit begins to stir, eager to recreate these delightful treats that hold a special place in my heart.

I remember, as a child, watching my grandmother deftly mix, roll, and fill each tiny pastry cup. The aroma of toasted pecans and buttery dough would fill the air, mingling with the scent of pine and spices that is so quintessentially Christmas. It was magical, and now, each year as I bake these tassies, I’m transported back to those cherished moments.

This recipe yields about 24 Pecan Tassies, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 oz (170g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups (150g) chopped pecans
• 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the dough into 24 balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.

Step 2: Shape the Tassies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Press each dough ball into the cups of a mini muffin pan, forming a small shell. Ensure the dough is evenly spread.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Spoon the filling into each pastry shell, filling them about 3/4 full.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is set.
3. Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chef’s Secrets

• Quality Ingredients: The key to the best Pecan Tassies lies in the quality of ingredients. Use the freshest pecans you can find and good-quality butter.
• Toasting Pecans: For an extra depth of flavor, lightly toast the pecans before chopping them.
• Cream Cheese in Dough: The cream cheese in the dough is my secret to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
• Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough. It makes it easier to handle and keeps the tassies from spreading too much while baking.

As you bite into these Pecan Tassies, you’ll experience the nutty, buttery flavors dancing on your palate, each bite a reminder of the joy and love that fills the air during Christmas. Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄🍪