Pecan tassies are tiny pecan pies in cookie form. They have a soft, buttery crust made with cream cheese and a sweet, nutty filling that’s rich and chewy. These little treats are perfect for holidays, tea parties, or any time you want something homemade and special.
Even though they look fancy, they’re easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Kids and adults both love them, and they travel well for gifting or parties. If you like pecan pie but want a smaller bite-sized version, pecan tassies are the perfect treat.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it keeps things simple while giving you a delicious, bakery-style result. The cream cheese and butter crust is soft and flaky without needing any rolling. You just press the dough into a mini muffin tin, making it super easy. The filling comes together in minutes and bakes into a golden, gooey, nutty center. Every bite has the perfect mix of crunch and sweetness.
You should make this recipe because it’s reliable, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. Pecan tassies are small enough to enjoy without feeling too full, and they freeze well too. They look beautiful on cookie trays and taste like little bites of homemade comfort. Whether it’s for a party or just a sweet craving, these tassies are always a hit.
Ingredients
Cream cheese:Makes the dough soft and rich. You can use mascarpone or full-fat Greek yogurt in a pinch.
Butter:Adds flavor and helps form the dough. Margarine can be used but won’t taste as rich.
All-purpose flour:Used for the crust. If needed, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Brown sugar:Gives the filling its sweet, deep flavor. You can also use coconut sugar or white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses.
Chopped pecans:The star of the recipe—nutty and crunchy. Walnuts can work, but pecans give the best flavor.
Tips
- Soften cream cheese and butter before mixing for smoother dough.
- Chill the dough if it gets too soft while shaping.
- Use a mini muffin pan for perfect tassie size.
- Don’t overfill—filling can bubble over and stick.
- Let tassies cool fully before removing from the pan to avoid breakage.
How to Serve
Pecan tassies are like mini pecan pies, bite-sized and full of flavor. They’re a favorite for holidays, tea time, or dessert trays. Because they’re small and easy to eat, they’re perfect for parties or gifting.
- Add to a holiday cookie box with other baked goodies.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pack them in cute boxes as a homemade gift for friends or neighbors.
Similar Recipes
Pecan Tassies
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 3 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- For the filling:
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add flour and mix to form dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide dough into 24 small balls and press each into a mini muffin cup.
- In a bowl, beat egg, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Spoon filling into each crust—don’t overfill.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and set.
- Let cool fully before removing from pan.
Nutrition
Notes
• Chill the dough if it gets too soft while shaping.
• Use a mini muffin pan for perfect tassie size.
• Don’t overfill—filling can bubble over and stick.
• Let tassies cool fully before removing from the pan to avoid breakage.
Kids and adults both love them, and they travel well for gifting or parties.