Pecan Tassies Recipe

Active Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 50 mins

Yield:

24 tassies

A cross between a shortbread cookie and a bite of pecan pie, pecan tassies are the kind of bite-sized dessert that offers just the right amount of decadence in an adorable package.

The dough that surrounds the filling is made out of a simple blend of butter, cream cheese, flour, and ground pecans. Because there's no sugar in the dough, it's entirely savory—buttery, nutty, and slightly tangy from the cream cheese—making a rich base that complements the sweet pecan filling. Cream cheese in the dough also makes the pastry itself very soft. Just like a pecan pie, the pastry supporting the sweet filling of these cookies is made to be a savory contrast so the dessert isn't overwhelming.

As for the components that comprise the filling, it's a scrumptious mix of brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and bourbon. These robust ingredients mingle into a cocktail of flavors perfect for the unmistakable richness of toasted pecans. The maple syrup lends a unique edge that isn't common in pecan pie, but it's this addition that gives pecan tassies their unique taste, distinguishing it from other pecan desserts.

Perfect to keep around the house or to serve at a party, bake these pecan tassies for a treat that's as simple as a cookie and as decadent as a pie.

Pecan Tassies - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What Is a Tassie?

The word tassie comes from the Scottish term for a small cup, derived from the French la tasse of the same meaning. These little cups can be made with savory or sweet fillings for the perfect bite-sized treat, particularly for parties where a variety of finger foods can be appreciated.

Ingredients for Pecan Tassies

The star of the show, pecans are showcased in the crust and the filling of these tassies. To make pecan tassies, you'll need:

For the dough: Pecans, unsalted butter, cream cheese, and all-purpose flour.
For the filling: Large egg, light brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, kosher salt, bourbon, and chopped pecans.

ingredients for pecan tassies — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How To Make Pecan Tassies

With under 25 minutes of hands-on time, you'll have two dozen tassies ready to serve. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Process 1/2 cup pecans until finely ground; set aside.
Step 2. Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add flour and pecans; mix until shaggy.
Step 3. Form into a ball; cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
Step 4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
Step 5. Press 1 tablespoon of dough into the bottom and up the sides of each cup. Freeze while you prepare the filling.
Step 6. Whisk together egg, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and bourbon.
Step 7. Place some chopped pecans into each cup. Pour in filling until almost full.
Step 8. Bake 20 to 24 minutes. Cool before removing from pan.

Tips For the Best Pecan Tassies

For the best tassies, keep these tips in mind:

Don't overwork the dough: Overworked dough can shrink while baking, and end up more rubbery than flaky.
Spray the pan: There's nothing worse than making bite-sized treats that then get stuck in the pan. Spray for an easy release.
Let the dough rest: Chilling and resting the dough will make it easier to work with, and less likely to shrink while baking.
Don't underfill: You may be tempted to add less filling to the tassies for fear they'll bubble up and over the top of each cup, but fill as directed for the best presentation.
Bake until just set: Pecan pie filling should be luscious and smooth; avoid overbaking which could lead to a dry pastry.
Serve cool or warm: Pecan tassies are delicious at room temperature or warmed. Feel free to serve with a dollop of whipped cream or creme fraiche for extra indulgence.

Variations on Pecan Tassies

When it comes to tassies, variety is the name of the game. Tassies can be made with an array of fillings, from key lime to savory options like bacon-Parmesan.

With a cocoa crust and drizzle of chocolate, these chocolate-pecan tassies are a decadent twist, and to change up this pecan tassie recipe, you can play with the types of nuts used, add zest, spices, dried fruit, and more.

How To Store Pecan Tassies

Cooled tassies can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days. Freeze for up to two months for longer storage. Bring to room temperature or warm before serving.

Having these bites on hand can be great party prep, and also just a delicious way to always have a quick pick-me-up ready to grab. They store well, so there's no excuse not to make some soon.

More Bite-Sized Christmas Dessert Recipes You'll Love

There's nothing more fun than a holiday dessert table filled with an eye-catching variety of bite-sized desserts. Your guests can try them all, and everyone is guaranteed to find their favorite. Start planning your spread with these festive recipes:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

Dough:

1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup all-purpose flour

Filling:

Cooking spray
1 large egg
2/3 cup light brown sugar
2 Tbsp. maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. bourbon (optional)
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Directions

Process pecans:

Place 1/2 cup pecans in a food processor and blitz until finely ground. Set aside.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Make dough:

In a bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until fully incorporated. Add flour and ground pecans and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Chill dough:

Use your hands to press the dough into a solid mass. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Prepare oven and mini muffin pan:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
Press dough into muffin cups:

Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup. Use your fingers to evenly press dough into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup. Transfer muffin tin to freezer while making the filling.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Make filling:

Whisk together egg, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and bourbon, if using, until sugar is dissolved and mixture is homogenous.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Add pecans and filling to pastry cups:

Remove muffin tray from freezer. Place 1 teaspoon of chopped pecans in each of the muffin cups. Pour the filling over the pecans until it almost completely fills the pastry cups.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Bake pecan tassies:

Bake until the filling has puffed and the pastry has lightly browned, 20 to 24 minutes. Allow to cool before removing pecan tassies from muffin pan with an offset spatula.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make sure my crusts are evenly pressed into the muffin tins?

If you want to really make each one uniform, lightly flour the back of a shot glass or spoon handle and use to help press in the dough.
Can I add anything to these pecan tassies?

For extra oomph, throw a few chocolate chips, dried cranberries, a little spice or zest in with the pecan filling.
Can I use a different type of nuts for pecan tassies?

Of course pecans are classic, but feel free to substitute with other types of nuts, from mixed nuts to pistachios, walnuts, peanuts, and more.