Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! These pecan tassie cookies are the perfect answer. They're buttery, nutty, and delightfully crumbly – a perfect combination for any occasion, from a casual weeknight snack to a sophisticated dessert. This easy recipe makes homemade cooking feel effortless, and the results are guaranteed to impress. Get ready to enjoy these delightful little bites of happiness!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup pecan pieces, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped pecans, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Make the Dough:
- Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. Cold butter is crucial for a flaky crust!
- Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a touch of molasses flavor and deeper color.
- Add the vanilla extract and stir until just combined. Don't overmix the dough; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Shape and Bake:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. This makes it easy to form the cookies evenly.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to form a roughly 2-inch wide cookie. A slightly rustic appearance is charming!
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips for Success:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter is essential for a flaky crust. Chill your butter before starting the recipe.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies. They're done when the edges are golden brown.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Tassie Cookies: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolate pecan twist.
- Spiced Pecan Tassie Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Other Nuts: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 18-22g
- Sugar: 8-10g
- Protein: 2-3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These pecan tassie cookies are a simple yet impressive addition to your baking repertoire. They're perfect for satisfying a sweet craving, sharing with friends and family, or adding a touch of homemade goodness to any gathering. Enjoy!