Are you craving a deliciously sweet and nutty treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These pecan tassies are the perfect answer – a delightful blend of buttery, flaky crust and a rich, crunchy pecan filling that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a simple yet elegant dessert that's ideal for any occasion, from casual weeknight gatherings to elegant holiday celebrations. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe for homemade pecan tassies!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
Making the Filling and Assembling the Tassies:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir in the melted butter. Finally, fold in the pecan halves.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Cut out circles: Use a 3-inch cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
- Fill the tassies: Press each dough circle into a mini muffin tin. Fill each crust with about 1 tablespoon of the pecan filling.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool: Let the pecan tassies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Tassies:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter is key to a flaky crust. Make sure your butter and water are well chilled.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Blind bake (optional): For an extra-crisp crust, you can pre-bake the crust for 8-10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet tassie, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Tassies: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Pecan Tassies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the filling for a warm and comforting flavor.
- Nut variations: Substitute other nuts like walnuts or almonds for some or all of the pecans.
Nutritional Information (per tassie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
- Sugar: Approximately 15g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy pecan tassie recipes are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. They’re the perfect homemade treat for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Enjoy!