🥧 Pecan Tassies: Tiny Bites of Buttery Bliss and Southern Charm

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,420 fans)

📸 230+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

There’s something truly magical about a bite-sized treat that transports you straight to a cozy Southern kitchen, and for me, that magic lives in every delicate Pecan Tassie. Imagine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust, cradling a rich, gooey filling bursting with toasted pecans and sweet brown sugar. Each little tart is a perfect harmony of crumbly tenderness and delightful chew, a symphony of sweet and nutty flavors that lingers beautifully on your palate. These aren’t just cookies; they’re tiny treasures, perfect for holiday gatherings, a thoughtful hostess gift, or simply a quiet afternoon indulgence with a cup of coffee. They bring a warmth and joy that’s utterly irresistible.

Quick Glance

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 30 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 24 mini tarts
• 💥 Vibe: Buttery, Nutty, Sweet

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Pecan Tassies
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful miniature pecan pies. Each component plays a crucial role in building that iconic flavor and texture we all adore. You’ll find most of these staples are likely already waiting in your pantry!

• For the Crust:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
• For the Filling:
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt

How to Make Pecan Tassies

Ready to bring these little wonders to life? Follow these simple steps, and soon your kitchen will be filled with the most heavenly aroma of baking pecans and warm butter!

1. Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to work with.
3. Preheat Oven & Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease 24 mini muffin cups.
4. Form the Tassie Shells: Take one disk of dough from the fridge. Roll small, walnut-sized balls of dough and press each ball evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared mini muffin cups. Repeat with the remaining dough.
5. Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.
6. Fill the Tarts: Spoon the pecan filling evenly into each prepared crust shell, filling them about two-thirds full.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust edges are golden brown and the filling is set. The centers might be slightly jiggly but will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool & Serve: Let the Tassies cool in the muffin tins for 5-10 minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful bites warm or at room temperature!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While classic Pecan Tassies are pure perfection, sometimes it’s fun to sprinkle in a little extra creativity! Here are a few ideas to make them even more your own:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, melt a bit of dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it artfully over the tops for an extra layer of decadence.
• Bourbon Boost: Add a teaspoon of bourbon or a splash of rum to the pecan filling mixture for a sophisticated, grown-up twist.
• Orange Zest Brightness: A half-teaspoon of finely grated orange zest in the crust or the filling can add a beautiful, bright counterpoint to the rich sweetness.
• Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a truly indulgent treat, sandwich a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cooled Pecan Tassies. Pure heaven!
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant finish and a subtle touch of sweetness.

Reviews

Don’t just take my word for it! Here’s what some of our wonderful readers are saying about these Pecan Tassies:

•  – Sarah J., ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”These Tassies are an absolute hit every holiday season! The crust is so tender, and the filling is just right – not too sweet. A definite keeper!”
• – Mark T., ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”I made these for a potluck, and they disappeared in minutes! The recipe is so easy to follow, and the result is pure perfection. My new go-to for small treats.”
• – Emily R., ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”Such a delightful little bite! I added a touch of cinnamon to the filling, and it was incredible. Will definitely be making these again and again.” 

FAQ

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making the perfect Pecan Tassies.

• Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  A: Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to a month.
• Q: How do I prevent the crust from cracking when pressing it into the muffin tins?
  A: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are very soft before mixing. Also, chilling the dough as instructed helps. If it cracks a little, simply gently press it back together with your fingers.
• Q: How do I store leftover Pecan Tassies?
  A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months.
• Q: Can I use different nuts?
  A: While traditional Pecan Tassies call for pecans, you could certainly experiment with walnuts or a mix of nuts for a slightly different flavor profile!

Conclusion

There’s an undeniable joy in sharing homemade treats, and these Pecan Tassies are truly a testament to that. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re a tiny morsel of comfort, a sweet whisper of tradition, and a wonderful way to bring smiles to those you love. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, I hope you find as much warmth and delight in these buttery, nutty wonders as I do. Get into your kitchen, let the sweet aromas fill your home, and savor every single bite!

Recipe Note

For the best texture, ensure your pecans are freshly chopped and lightly toasted beforehand. This really brings out their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the filling!

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• For the Filling:
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

1.Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to handle.
2. Preheat Oven & Prepare Muffin Tins: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease 24 mini muffin cups.
3. Form the Tassie Crusts: Roll the chilled dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter (or about 1 tablespoon per ball). Press each dough ball into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared mini muffin cups, forming a thin crust.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Fill and Bake: Spoon the pecan filling evenly into each prepared crust, filling them about two-thirds full.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is set and slightly puffed. The tops of the filling should be shiny and crack slightly.
7. Cool: Remove the muffin tins from the oven and let the Pecan Tassies cool in the tins for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Chef’s Notes: Pecan Tassies are delightful, bite-sized pecan pies with a cream cheese pastry crust. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet treat any time of year. The dough needs to be chilled for at least 1 hour, which helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to handle.