Irresistible Brown Sugar Pecan Tassies: Your Perfect Fall & Holiday Treat
Pecan Tassies are a beloved classic, delivering all the comforting flavors of pecan pie in a convenient, bite-sized cookie form. Each delicate tartlet boasts a tender, melt-in-your-mouth pastry shell generously filled with crunchy pecans and a gooey, sweet brown sugar filling. They are the quintessential autumn indulgence, perfect for gatherings, holiday tables, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee.
This is a sponsored post, crafted by me and created in heartfelt partnership with Domino® Sugar. All opinions expressed are genuinely my own.
Embracing the Cozy Flavors of Fall with Pecan Tassies
As the vibrant hues of summer gently fade into the rich, warm palette of autumn, our culinary cravings naturally shift. The crisp air and changing leaves beckon us towards comforting flavors that evoke a sense of coziness and nostalgia. For many, brown sugar embodies this feeling perfectly. Its deep, molasses-rich sweetness is a cornerstone of fall baking, creating an unparalleled warmth that truly defines the season’s treats.
Brown sugar plays a starring role in some of my most cherished dessert creations. Recipes like these Mini Brown Sugar Pound Cakes, decadent Blondies, and my luxurious Caramel Pecan Cheesecake all celebrate its unique character. But today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and particularly in my husband’s: homemade Pecan Tassies.
These delightful mini tarts are a perennial favorite in our home. My husband, an ardent admirer of all things pecan pie, claims these little beauties are like finding his favorite dessert in the most perfect, handheld cookie form. It’s hard to argue with that!
What Exactly Are Pecan Tassies? A Sweet Southern Tradition
Pecan tassies are an exquisite bite-sized confection, a true testament to the art of Southern baking. Often described as miniature pecan pies, they feature a rich, sweet filling brimming with crunchy pecans, all nestled within a delicate pastry shell. The filling itself is a marvel – a luscious, gooey blend of brown sugar, butter, and eggs that bakes into a caramel-like texture, reminiscent of a soft praline.
The magic truly happens with the pastry. Unlike traditional pie crusts, pecan tassies are typically encased in a tender cream cheese pastry. This unique crust is incredibly delicate, practically melting in your mouth with every bite, creating a beautiful contrast to the robust filling. This combination of textures and flavors elevates the humble cookie to something truly extraordinary. Pecan tassies are a timeless classic, especially during the fall and winter holidays. Their comforting aroma and rich taste unmistakably herald the arrival of the cozy season.
The History and Appeal of Mini Pecan Pies
While the exact origins are a bit hazy, pecan tassies are widely believed to be a variation of classic pecan pie, adapted for individual servings. The “tassie” part of the name likely comes from “tasse,” the French word for cup, reflecting their cup-shaped form. These mini desserts gained popularity as a convenient and elegant treat for parties and family gatherings, offering all the joy of a full pie without the need for slicing. Their portability and perfect portion size make them an ideal addition to any dessert platter, from casual family dinners to elaborate holiday feasts like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Secret Ingredient: Quality Brown Sugar from Domino®
At the heart of any truly spectacular Pecan Tassie is the brown sugar. Its characteristic flavor and moist texture are absolutely non-negotiable for achieving that signature gooey, caramel-like filling. When I embark on any baking project, especially one where brown sugar is a key player, my go-to choice is always Domino® Sugar.
My connection with Domino® Sugar runs deep; it’s the brand I’ve trusted for as long as I can remember, a staple in my kitchen and across the Philadelphia area where I live. There’s a reason for this unwavering loyalty: Domino® Light Brown Sugar is consistently soft and moist, a quality that directly translates into a more dense, chewy, and irresistibly rich filling in my pecan tassies. This superior texture is precisely what elevates a good tassie to a truly exceptional one.
For over a century, baking professionals and home cooks alike have gravitated towards Domino® Sugar. Their commitment to quality is evident in every granule, as their sugars are made from pure sugar cane, completely free of artificial additives. This dedication to purity ensures that every batch of pecan tassies I bake is infused with the authentic, comforting sweetness that only high-quality brown sugar can provide. It’s not just an ingredient; it’s a legacy of flavor and reliability that consistently produces outstanding results.
Crafting Perfect Pecan Tassies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful mini pecan pies from scratch is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. The process is divided into two main parts: preparing the delicate cream cheese pastry and then assembling the rich, flavorful filling. Let’s walk through each step to ensure your Pecan Tassies turn out perfectly every time.
The Heavenly Cream Cheese Pastry
The foundation of an outstanding pecan tassie is its pastry. This recipe utilizes a simple yet incredibly tender cream cheese crust that truly melts in your mouth. You’ll need just four basic ingredients: cream cheese, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and a touch of kosher salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Begin by creaming together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. It’s crucial that both are at room temperature for a smooth, homogenous mixture. Beat them with an electric mixer until they are light, fluffy, and completely smooth, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently incorporate the all-purpose flour and kosher salt into the cream cheese and butter mixture. Mix on low speed, or by hand, until the dough just comes together and forms a cohesive ball. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough pastry.
- Portion the Dough: Now, decide on your tassie size! For traditional, bite-sized pecan tassies, divide the dough into 24 equal portions. If you prefer a more substantial treat, you can make jumbo pecan tassies by dividing the dough into 12 portions, using a standard-sized cupcake pan instead of a mini-muffin pan.
- Form the Shells: Press each dough portion into the bottom and up the sides of the wells in your ungreased muffin or cupcake pan. A handy trick I love to use is a wine cork! Its rounded end is perfect for creating a smooth, even well in the center of each pastry cup, making the process quick and easy. This ensures your tassie shells are uniform and ready to hold that delicious filling.
The Rich & Gooey Pecan Filling
The filling for these pecan tassies is a luscious blend of sweet, nutty, and slightly boozy flavors. It’s incredibly easy to whisk together while your pastry chills or bakes.
- Whisk the Base: In a small mixing bowl, beat one large egg until lightly whisked. Then, add the star of the show: Domino® Light Brown Sugar. The soft, moist texture of this sugar is vital for the filling’s perfect chewiness. Incorporate melted unsalted butter, a generous splash of pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt to balance the sweetness.
- The Secret Ingredient (Optional): For an extra layer of depth and warmth, I highly recommend adding a couple of teaspoons of bourbon whiskey. It beautifully complements the rich pecan and brown sugar flavors, adding a sophisticated note without being overpowering. Of course, if you prefer to omit it, your tassies will still be absolutely delicious!
- Add Pecans: Stir in the roughly chopped pecans. You want a good amount of crunch in every bite, so don’t be shy!
- Fill and Garnish: Spoon the irresistible filling into your prepared pastry cups, filling each one almost to the brim. For a beautiful presentation and an extra pecan punch, top each tassie with a perfect pecan half.
- Bake to Perfection: Place your muffin pan into a preheated oven (350°F or 175°C). Bake the small tassies for approximately 25 minutes, or the jumbo tassies for about 30 minutes. The filling should be set and slightly golden brown, and the pastry edges should be lightly browned. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage and Serving Suggestions for Your Pecan Tassies
One of the many wonderful aspects of Pecan Tassies is how beautifully they store, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy holiday seasons or spontaneous entertaining. Proper storage ensures they retain their tender pastry and gooey filling for days, even weeks.
How Long Do Pecan Tassies Stay Fresh?
- Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store your pecan tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerator: For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. The pastry might firm up slightly when cold, but they are still delightful!
- Freezer: Pecan tassies are excellent candidates for freezing. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Wrap them well to prevent any freezer burn or absorption of odors. They will maintain their quality for several months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them gently in a low oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Serving Ideas
While delicious on their own, pecan tassies can be elevated with a few simple serving suggestions:
- Classic Pairing: Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
- A La Mode (Mini Style): A tiny dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or a swirl of fresh whipped cream can turn these into an even more decadent treat.
- Drizzled Delight: A light drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can enhance their already rich flavors.
- Gifting: Their small size makes them perfect for holiday gift baskets or party favors. Arrange them in decorative boxes or cello bags tied with a festive ribbon.
Inspired Baking: A Nod to Martha Stewart & Domino® Sugar
This delightful Pecan Tassies recipe was born from an appreciation for timeless baking, much like the inspiring work of Martha Stewart herself. Her dedication to quality, beautiful presentation, and sophisticated yet accessible recipes has always been a tremendous source of inspiration for me in my own culinary journey.
It’s wonderful to highlight the past partnership between Domino® Sugar and Martha Stewart’s acclaimed show, Martha Bakes. This collaboration underscored the shared values of excellence in baking and a passion for creating memorable homemade treats. In the past, this exciting partnership offered bakers the incredible chance to win a trip to New York City to meet Martha Stewart in person and attend a live taping of her Emmy®-nominated cooking show, Martha Bakes, followed by an exclusive meet-and-greet. Such initiatives truly celebrate the joy of baking and connect enthusiasts with culinary icons.
While that specific sweepstakes has concluded, the spirit of inspiration and community remains. When you bake these pecan tassies (or any of your favorite Domino® Sugar recipes), I encourage you to share your creations on Instagram. Use the hashtag #imsomartha to connect with a wider community of home bakers, and don’t forget to tag @dominosugar to celebrate the quality ingredients that make these treats so special!
4 stars (2 ratings)
Brown Sugar Pecan Tassies
24 small or 12 jumbo pecan tassies
45 mins
25 mins
1 hr 10 mins
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Ingredients
For the pastry
- 4 ounces (113.4 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (170.25 g) (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (link to product)
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) kosher salt (link to product)
For the filling
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (220 g) Domino® Light Brown Sugar (link to product)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons Bourbon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (link to product)
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) kosher salt (link to product)
- 1/2 cup (49.5 g) roughly chopped pecans
- 24 pecan halves, for garnish (link to product)
Instructions
To make the pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the flour and salt, and mix until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the dough into 24 equal portions for small tassies (or 12 for jumbo tassies). Place into the wells of an ungreased mini-muffin pan (or standard cupcake pan for jumbo).
- Press the pastry firmly into the bottoms and up the sides of each well, creating an even cup. A wine cork or tart tamper can be helpful here.
- Once the pastry shells are formed, proceed to spoon in the filling.
To make the filling:
- Beat the egg in a small mixing bowl until lightly whisked.
- Add the Domino® Light Brown Sugar, melted butter, bourbon (if using), vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
- Fold in the roughly chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
- Spoon the pecan filling mixture into the prepared pastry shells, filling each almost to the top.
- Gently place one whole pecan half on top of each filled tassie for a beautiful finish.
- Bake for 25 minutes for small tassies, or 30 minutes for jumbo tassies, or until the filling is set and the pastry is lightly golden.
Calories: 117 kcal
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 18 mg
Sodium: 69 mg
Potassium: 40 mg
Sugar: 9 g
Vitamin A: 145 IU
Calcium: 17 mg
Iron: 0.4 mg
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