"Pecan Tassies Recipe: Classic Mini Pecan Pie Treats"

Pecan Tassies: A Delicious Dessert Recipe

Pecan tassies are a classic Southern dessert that consists of miniature pecan pies filled with a gooey, nutty center, all wrapped up in a delicate pastry crust. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just a sweet indulgence at home. In this article, we'll take you through a simple recipe for pecan tassies that's sure to become a family favorite.

What You'll Need

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

The Perfect Pastry Crust

Before we dive into the filling, let's talk about the pastry crust. Pecan tassies rely on a flaky, buttery crust to balance out the richness of the filling. To make the crust, combine the flour, cold butter, confectioners' sugar, and salt in a bowl. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add in the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to chill.

The Filling: A Nutty Delight

Now it's time to make the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and salt until well combined. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be thick and creamy, with a lovely texture from the chopped nuts.

Assembling the Tassies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough. You should be able to get about 24-30 circles, depending on the size of your cutter.

Spoon a small amount of the pecan mixture into the center of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Brush the edges of the dough with a little water, then fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape. Press the edges together to seal the tassie.

Baking the Tassies

Place the tassies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each pastry. Brush the tops with a little bit of egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Bake the tassies for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set. Allow the tassies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage

Pecan tassies are best served at room temperature, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from holidays to everyday desserts. With their flaky pastry crust and gooey pecan filling, they're sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and indulge in the rich, nutty goodness of pecan tassies!