Pecan Tassies Recipe

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crust.

Cream cheese: Provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the dough.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving it structure.

Brown sugar: Sweetens the filling and adds a caramel-like flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of vanilla.

Egg: Binds the filling ingredients together.

Pecans: Adds a nutty crunch to the filling.

When creaming together butter and cream cheese, ensure both are at room temperature for a smoother, more homogenous mixture. This will help the dough come together more easily and create a tender crust for your pecan tassies.

• softened butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can mimic the texture and moisture of butter, making it a suitable alternative.

• softened butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can add a subtle coconut flavor.

• softened cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.

• softened cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone: Mascarpone offers a rich and creamy texture similar to cream cheese.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: A gluten-free flour blend can be used for those with gluten sensitivities.

• packed brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and is less processed.

• packed brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a unique flavor and moisture, though you may need to adjust the liquid content.

• melted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a similar fat content and a slightly nutty flavor.

• melted butter - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a healthy fat that can mimic the moisture and richness of melted butter.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can add a sweet and unique flavor profile.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) can be used as a vegan alternative.

• beaten egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can add moisture and act as a binding agent.

• chopped pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and slightly different but complementary flavor.

• chopped pecans - Substitute with hazelnuts: Hazelnuts offer a unique flavor and similar crunch.

• To keep your pecan tassies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to 3 days.

• If you want to extend their shelf life, place the pecan tassies in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week when stored this way. Ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

• For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, let the pecan tassies cool completely. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make them soggy.

• Arrange the cooled pecan tassies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour. This step, known as flash freezing, ensures that the pecan tassies don't stick together.

• Once they are frozen solid, transfer the pecan tassies to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the pecan tassies at room temperature for about an hour. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

• For an added touch, you can sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top of the pecan tassies after reheating to give them a freshly baked appearance.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pecan tassies on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain their crisp crust and gooey filling.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the pecan tassies on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the crust soggy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the pecan tassies in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook. This method keeps the crust crispy and the filling warm.

• For a stovetop method, use a skillet over low heat. Place the pecan tassies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even warming. This method is great for maintaining texture without drying them out.

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the pecan tassies.

• Mixing bowl: Used to cream together butter and cream cheese, and to mix the filling ingredients.

• Electric mixer: Helps to cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, brown sugar, and pecans.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like vanilla extract and melted butter.

• Mini muffin tin: Used to shape the dough into crusts and hold the filling while baking.

• Spoon: Useful for spooning the filling into each crust.

• Cooling rack: Allows the pecan tassies to cool properly after baking.

• Spatula: Helps to remove the tassies from the mini muffin tin once they have cooled.

Prepare the dough ahead: Mix the butter, cream cheese, and flour the night before and refrigerate.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine the dough ingredients using a food processor to save time.

Pre-chop pecans: Chop the pecans in advance and store them in an airtight container.

Measure ingredients: Pre-measure all ingredients and set them out before starting the recipe.

Use a cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly and quickly.

Line the muffin tin: Use mini muffin liners to make removing the tassies easier and faster.