Pecan Tassies: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfect Miniature Pecan Pies

Brown Butter Brownies: Prepare to enter a realm of fudgy, nutty, and intensely chocolatey bliss! Have you ever wondered how to elevate a classic brownie to something truly extraordinary? The secret lies in one simple, yet transformative ingredient: brown butter. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about unlocking a depth of flavor you never knew existed in a brownie.

While the exact origins of brownies are debated, their popularity exploded in the early 20th century, quickly becoming a beloved treat in American households. But let’s be honest, not all brownies are created equal. What sets these Brown Butter Brownies apart is the rich, caramel-like notes imparted by browning the butter. This technique, often used in French pastry, adds a sophisticated twist to a comforting classic.

People adore brownies for their ease of preparation and satisfyingly decadent texture. They’re the perfect treat for a cozy night in, a potluck gathering, or simply when you need a chocolate fix. But these brownies? They’re next-level. The brown butter creates a depth of flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly, resulting in a brownie that’s both intensely fudgy and unbelievably delicious. Get ready to experience a brownie that will redefine your definition of chocolate perfection!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cream Cheese Pastry:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Pecan Filling:
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Preparing the Cream Cheese Pastry:

1. Cream Together the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (or by hand if you’re feeling ambitious!), cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. This is a crucial step, so take your time to ensure they are fully incorporated. You don’t want any lumps of cream cheese lurking in your pastry!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for flavor.
3. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough pastry. Mix until the dough just comes together.
4. Form the Dough into a Disc, Wrap, and Chill: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a disc, about 1 inch thick. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential! It allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with and preventing it from shrinking during baking. The cold butter also helps create a flaky crust.

Making the Pecan Filling:

1. Combine Brown Sugar and Egg: In a medium bowl, whisk together the packed light brown sugar and the lightly beaten egg until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar.
2. Add Melted Butter, Vanilla, and Salt: Stir in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is smooth and homogenous. The melted butter adds richness and moisture to the filling, while the vanilla extract enhances the pecan flavor.
3. Stir in Chopped Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the filling. I like to use a combination of finely chopped and coarsely chopped pecans for a variety of textures.

Assembling and Baking the Pecan Tassies:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. You can also use paper liners, but I find that the tassies release more easily from a greased tin.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. You want it thin enough to be delicate, but not so thin that it tears easily. If the dough is sticking, add a little more flour to your work surface.
3. Cut Out Circles: Use a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter or a glass with a similar diameter to cut out circles from the dough. You can re-roll the scraps to get as many circles as possible.
4. Press Dough into Muffin Tin Cups: Gently press each circle of dough into a mini muffin tin cup, making sure the dough comes up the sides of the cup. Try to avoid stretching the dough too much, as this can cause it to shrink during baking.
5. Fill with Pecan Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pecan filling into each dough-lined cup. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will expand slightly during baking.
6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
7. Cool and Remove from Tin: Let the tassies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. A thin spatula or knife can help you gently loosen them from the tin.

Tips for Perfect Pecan Tassies:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of your pecan tassies. Use good quality butter, cream cheese, and pecans for the best results.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough pastry. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for a tender and flaky crust. Don’t skip this step!
• Don’t Overfill the Cups: Overfilling the cups will cause the filling to spill over during baking.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Let the tassies cool completely before serving. This will allow the filling to set properly.
• Storage: Store pecan tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Use Different Nuts: Substitute walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for the pecans.
• Add Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the pecan filling for a warm and spicy flavor.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled tassies for added sweetness.

Troubleshooting:

• Pastry is Tough: You may have overmixed the dough. Be careful not to overmix next time.
• Pastry Shrank During Baking: The dough may not have been chilled long enough, or you may have stretched it too much when pressing it into the muffin tin.
• Filling is Runny: You may have overfilled the cups, or the oven temperature may have been too low.
• Tassies are Sticking to the Tin: Make sure to grease the muffin tin thoroughly, or use paper liners.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Pecan Tassies! They are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want a sweet and nutty treat.

Conclusion:

These Pecan Tassies are more than just a dessert; they’re a tiny bite of pure comfort and Southern charm. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust combined with the sweet, nutty filling creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Seriously, one is never enough! If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive treat to bake for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because you deserve something delicious, this recipe is an absolute must-try.

Why are these Pecan Tassies a must-try? Because they’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with a buttery richness that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re individually portioned, making them ideal for parties or gifting. Forget complicated desserts that take hours to prepare; these little gems are ready in under an hour, from start to finish.

But the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! While the classic recipe is divine, feel free to experiment with variations to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Warm with Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. The contrast of the warm, nutty tassie and the cold, creamy ice cream is heavenly.
* Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
* Add a Hint of Spice: For a festive twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.
* Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips for a chocolate pecan delight.
* Espresso Powder: A teaspoon of espresso powder will deepen the flavor and add a subtle coffee note.
* Maple Syrup: Substitute some of the corn syrup with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
* Different Nuts: While pecans are the star of the show, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds.
* Boozy Boost: A tablespoon of bourbon or rum added to the filling will give these tassies a sophisticated kick.

Don’t be intimidated by the name; these Pecan Tassies are surprisingly simple to make. The recipe is straightforward, and even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results. Just follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of these delightful treats.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a family favorite that’s been passed down for generations, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some magic!

I can’t wait to hear about your experience making these Pecan Tassies! Please, leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Did you try any of the variations? What did you think? Share your tips and tricks, and let’s create a community of Pecan Tassie lovers! Happy baking!