Recipe

Sweet, Nutty, and Irresistible: Homemade Pecan Tassies Recipe

When holiday baking season rolls around, few treats capture warmth and nostalgia quite like Pecan Tassies — bite-sized pastry cups filled with buttery pecan goodness. But what makes this recipe truly special isn’t just the flavor — it’s the simplicity and the story behind it.

Many home bakers love the taste of traditional pecan pie but don’t want the hassle of making large pies that require long baking times or complicated crust handling. Pecan Tassies offer the same rich, caramelized flavor in a quick, easy, and shareable format — perfect for holidays, tea parties, or last-minute gifts.

If you’re a fan of nutty desserts, buttery pastries, or Southern-style treats, this recipe is for you. Busy parents, baking enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys making homemade gifts will find these tassies both fun and rewarding. Plus, the recipe is beginner-friendly — even if you’ve never baked before!

This recipe walks you through step-by-step instructions, with tips to achieve the perfect texture: flaky crust and gooey pecan filling. It also highlights smart baking prep — from grating ingredients to saving time using modern tools like the Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater for finely chopping nuts or zesting lemon for the dough.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Shells:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1 large egg

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2/3 cup chopped pecans (use multi function shredder for even texture)

• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough – In a bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling – In a small bowl, whisk together egg, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Fold in chopped pecans evenly using a spatula.

Step 3: Shape the Pastry Cups – Divide dough into 24 balls and press each into a mini muffin tin, forming small cups.

Step 4: Fill and Bake – Spoon pecan mixture into each cup, filling about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy – Let tassies cool for 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Tassies

• Chill the dough well — it prevents shrinking during baking.

• Use the manual rotary cheese grater to quickly chop nuts evenly without mess.

• Add a pinch of sea salt flakes on top for a sweet-salty contrast.

Serving Ideas

Serve your Pecan Tassies with hot coffee or vanilla ice cream. They’re also perfect for Christmas dessert trays or as edible gifts in festive boxes.

Learn More & Upgrade Your Baking Tools

Looking to make baking faster and cleaner? The hand food chopper helps with more than cheese — it’s also perfect for grinding nuts, chocolate, or zesting fruits. Explore the latest model here for better precision and safety in your kitchen.