Pecan Tassies: Mini Pecan Pies with Cream Cheese Crust

Pecan tassies are bite-size pecan pies baked in a mini muffin pan. They have a tender, flaky cream cheese crust that you simply press into each cup, and a gooey brown sugar and pecan filling that bakes up just like the full-size pie.

They are a classic on Southern Christmas cookie trays, and for good reason. They are easy to make in big batches, they travel well, and no one can stop at one. Plus, you do not need to roll out any dough.

For more pecan treats, try my pecan pie cookies, these pecan pie muffins, and my brown butter pecan cookies.

JUMP TO

• Why You’ll Love This Pecan Tassies
• What Is Pecan Tassies?
• Ingredients
• Kitchen Equipment
• Ingredient Tips
• How to Make Pecan Tassies
• Expert Tips for Perfect Pecan Tassies
• Delicious Variations
• What to Serve with Pecan Tassies
• Storage Instructions
• Can You Make It Ahead?
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Estimated Nutrition
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Tassies

These little pies are holiday perfection.

Bite-Size

Perfect for cookie trays and parties.

No Rolling

The cream cheese dough is pressed into the pan.

Tender Crust

Cream cheese makes it flaky and soft.

Gooey Filling

Tastes just like classic pecan pie.

Freezer Friendly

Make them weeks ahead.

What Is Pecan Tassies?

Pecan tassies are miniature pecan tarts popular in the American South. The word tassie comes from the Scottish word for a small cup.

The crust is a simple dough of butter, cream cheese, and flour, and the filling is made with brown sugar, egg, butter, and chopped pecans.

Ingredients

this Idea!

Cream Cheese Crust

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Unsalted butter, softened	½ cup	Tender crust
Cream cheese, softened	3 ounces	Flaky texture
All-purpose flour	1 cup	Structure
Salt	Pinch	Balance

Pecan Filling

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Egg	1 large	Sets the filling
Light brown sugar, packed	¾ cup	Caramel flavor
Unsalted butter, melted	1 tablespoon	Richness
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Flavor
Salt	Pinch	Balance
Pecans, finely chopped	⅔ cup	Nutty crunch

Kitchen Equipment

• Mini muffin pan (24 cups)
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Small cookie scoop
• Teaspoon

Ingredient Tips

Softened Butter and Cream Cheese

They blend into a smooth dough.

Chop Pecans Finely

Small pieces fit nicely in each tiny cup.

Brown Sugar Choice

Dark brown sugar gives a deeper molasses flavor.

Chill the Dough

It is easier to press into the cups.

Toast the Pecans

Toasting adds flavor.

How to Make Pecan Tassies

Step 1: Make the Dough

Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the flour and salt and mix until a dough forms. Chill 1 hour.

Step 2: Heat the Oven

Heat the oven to 325°F.

Step 3: Shape the Crusts

Roll the dough into 24 small balls. Press each into a mini muffin cup, up the sides.

Step 4: Make the Filling

Whisk the egg, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the pecans.

Step 5: Fill

Spoon about 1 teaspoon filling into each crust, filling about ¾ full.

Step 6: Bake

Bake 22 to 25 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is set.

Step 7: Cool

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to remove.

Step 8: Finish

Dust with powdered sugar or top with a pecan half if you like.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pecan Tassies

Use a Tart Tamper

It shapes crusts quickly and evenly.

Do Not Overfill

The filling bubbles over and sticks.

Cool Before Removing

Warm tassies can break.

Grease the Pan

Even nonstick pans benefit from a light spray.

Make Double Batches

They disappear fast.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Pecan Tassies

Add mini chocolate chips.

Bourbon Pecan Tassies

Add 1 teaspoon bourbon to the filling.

Maple Tassies

Replace part of the brown sugar with maple syrup.

Walnut Tassies

Swap pecans for walnuts.

Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle with caramel sauce.

What to Serve with Pecan Tassies

Serve on Christmas cookie trays, at holiday parties, or with coffee.

They also make lovely gifts packed in mini cupcake liners.

Storage Instructions

Storage Method	How Long	Best Practice
Room Temperature	3 days	Airtight container
Refrigerator	1 week	Airtight container
Freezer	3 months	Layered with parchment

Keep tassies in an airtight container.

Thaw frozen tassies at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Make the dough up to 2 days ahead and chill.

Bake and freeze tassies up to 3 months ahead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Warm Dough

It is sticky and hard to shape.

Overfilling

The filling bubbles over.

Overbaking

The crust gets dry.

Removing Too Soon

They can crumble.

Thick Crust Bottoms

Press evenly so they bake through.

Estimated Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	110
Carbohydrates	10g
Protein	1g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	3g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	7g
Sodium	35mg
Cholesterol	20mg

Estimate per tassie, based on 24 pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Pecan tassies are bite-size pecan pies with a tender cream cheese crust. They are a Southern Christmas cookie tray classic and a perfect holiday gift.

Make a batch and watch them disappear.

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