Pecan Tassies Recipe: Perfect Bite-Sized Pecan Pies

Pecan tassies are the ultimate mini treat—think all the rich, buttery goodness of pecan pie, wrapped in a golden cream cheese crust that melts in your mouth. Each bite is filled with nutty toasted pecans and a gooey maple-bourbon filling (don’t worry, the bourbon’s optional!). These adorable mini pecan pie cups are perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and satisfying in just a few bites.

This easy pecan tassies recipe is a longtime favorite in my family. I still remember making a big batch of these with my mom every Thanksgiving—they were always the first dessert to disappear from the table! Today, I use a few little tricks to make them even better, like chilling the dough and toasting the pecans for extra flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to add these to your go-to dessert list!

Why These Pecan Tassies Are Irresistible

• Perfect texture: A tender, flaky crust paired with a luscious, custardy filling.
• Rich flavor: Toasted pecans, buttery dough, a hint of maple, and optional bourbon for a sophisticated twist.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can master these.
• Holiday-ready: These mini pecan pie cups are great make-ahead treats for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Customizable: Swap in vanilla extract or skip the bourbon to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pecan Tassies

Let’s take a closer look at a few key ingredients that make these homemade pecan tassies so special:

• Cream cheese: The secret to a super tender and flaky crust. Be sure it’s at room temperature, so it blends seamlessly with the butter.
• Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty flavor and adds a subtle crunch. You can toast them in the oven or on the stovetop for just a few minutes—don’t skip this step!
• Maple syrup: This adds a natural caramel-like sweetness to the filling. You can use honey as a substitute if necessary, but the maple flavor pairs beautifully with the pecans.
• Bourbon (optional): A splash of bourbon takes these tassies to the next level with its warm, slightly smoky flavor. Replace with a bit more vanilla extract if you prefer an alcohol-free version.

When shopping, look for fresh, high-quality pecans and real maple syrup for the best results.

Pecan Tassies Recipe Details

• Servings: 24 tassies
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 to 24 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Ingredients for Pecan Tassies

• For the dough:
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• For the filling:
• Cooking spray
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon bourbon (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Step-by-Step Pecan Tassies Instructions

1. Process pecans: Add 1/2 cup pecans to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Set aside.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Mix in the flour and ground pecans until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Chill the dough: Gather the dough into a solid ball, wrap it in plastic, and chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
4. Prep the muffin pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
5. Form the crusts: Scoop out a tablespoon of dough for each muffin cup. Press it into the bottom and up the sides to create a crust. Freeze the pan while you prepare the filling.
6. Mix the filling: In a bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and bourbon (if using) until smooth and well combined.
7. Add pecans and filling: Remove the muffin pan from the freezer. Drop 1 teaspoon of chopped toasted pecans into the bottom of each crust. Pour in the filling nearly to the top.
8. Bake: Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the filling puffs up slightly and the crust is golden brown. Let the tassies cool completely before gently removing them with an offset spatula.

Expert Tips for the Best Pecan Tassies

If you want your tassies to turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips:

• Don’t overwork the dough: Over-mixing can make the crust tough instead of tender. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Grease the pan: A nonstick muffin tin plus cooking spray ensures easy removal after baking.
• Let the dough rest: Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape and prevents shrinking in the oven.
• Pre-toast the pecans: A quick toasting amplifies their nutty flavor.
• Don’t overbake: Remove the tassies as soon as the crust is golden and the filling is just set to keep the texture silky.

Delicious Pecan Tassies Variations

• Chocolate pecan tassies: Add a few chocolate chips to each cup before pouring in the filling.
• Coconut pecan tassies: Mix shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical twist.
• Dairy-free tassies: Use a vegan cream cheese and butter substitute for the dough.

Pecan Tassies FAQs

Can I make pecan tassies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

How do I store leftover pecan tassies?

Keep them in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini one?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time to ensure they cook through evenly.

There you have it, my favorite go-to recipe for Pecan tassies. Trust me, once you take your first bite of these perfectly rich and buttery treats, you’ll understand why they’ve become a family tradition in my house. What occasion are you planning to bake these for? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear about it!