Grandma’s Pecan Tassies: A Timeless Recipe with a Touch of Nostalgia

There’s something undeniably comforting about recipes passed down through generations. They carry not just flavors, but memories, stories, and a sense of connection to our family history. Among the most cherished of these family heirlooms are undoubtedly Grandma’s Pecan Tassies – miniature pecan pies nestled in flaky, buttery shells. These bite-sized delights are the perfect embodiment of Southern charm and holiday warmth, and this article will guide you through recreating this beloved recipe, step-by-step.

What are Pecan Tassies?

Pecan tassies are individual, miniature pecan pies. They typically consist of a shortbread-like or cream cheese pastry crust filled with a sweet and nutty pecan filling. The origin of pecan tassies isn’t precisely documented, but it’s safe to assume they were born in the American South, where pecans are abundant and culinary traditions run deep. They’re a popular treat during the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, and are often found at potlucks, bake sales, and family gatherings. Their small size makes them perfect for snacking and sharing, and their rich flavor is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why Grandma’s Recipe is Special

While there are countless pecan tassie recipes available online and in cookbooks, Grandma’s recipe holds a special place in our hearts (and stomachs!). It’s not just about the ingredients or the technique; it’s about the intangible qualities that make a recipe truly exceptional. Maybe it’s the perfectly balanced sweetness of the filling, the tender flakiness of the crust, or the simple fact that it reminds us of Grandma’s warm kitchen and loving presence. Regardless of the reason, this recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be a family favorite.

The Essential Ingredients

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you likely already have most of these staples in your pantry and refrigerator.

For the Crust:

* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and body to the crust.
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Contributes to the tenderness and flakiness of the crust. Make sure it’s softened but not melted.
* 3 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds richness and a slightly tangy flavor to the crust, making it extra tender.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

For the Filling:

* 1 large egg: Binds the filling ingredients together and adds richness.
* 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a smooth filling.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors and adds a warm aroma.
* 1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the filling.
* 1 cup chopped pecans: The star of the show! Use good-quality pecans for the best flavor. You can use pecan halves and chop them, or buy pre-chopped pecans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect pecan tassies that will rival even Grandma’s.

Making the Crust:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. Cream butter and cream cheese: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also use a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease.
3. Gradually add flour mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough crust. Stop mixing when the dough just comes together.
4. Form dough into a disc: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently form it into a disc. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with. Chilling the dough also helps prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.

Making the Filling:

1. Whisk egg, sugar, and butter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
2. Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
3. Stir in pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Assembling and Baking the Tassies:

1. Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin (24 cups) or line it with paper liners. Greasing or lining the muffin tin will prevent the tassies from sticking and make them easier to remove.
2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut out circles of dough. Alternatively, you can pinch off small pieces of dough and press them into the muffin cups.
3. Place dough in muffin tin: Gently press each dough circle into a mini muffin cup, making sure the dough reaches the top of the cup. Use your fingers to crimp the edges of the dough for a decorative look.
4. Fill with filling: Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of pecan filling into each dough-lined cup. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will expand during baking.
5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown and the filling is set. The tassies should be firm to the touch and the filling should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
6. Cool: Let the tassies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking apart while they’re still warm.

Tips for Perfect Pecan Tassies

* Use good-quality ingredients: The flavor of pecan tassies depends heavily on the quality of the ingredients. Use good-quality butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and especially pecans for the best results.
* Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix the dough until just combined.
* Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and makes it easier to work with. It also helps prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
* Don’t overfill the tassies: Overfilling the tassies can cause the filling to spill over during baking.
* Bake until golden brown: Bake the tassies until the crust is lightly golden brown and the filling is set. This will ensure that the crust is fully cooked and the filling is not runny.
* Let them cool completely: Let the tassies cool completely before serving. This will allow the filling to set up properly and prevent them from breaking apart.
* Store properly: Store pecan tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Variations and Adaptations

While Grandma’s original recipe is perfect as is, feel free to experiment with variations and adaptations to suit your taste preferences.

* Add chocolate chips: Stir mini chocolate chips into the pecan filling for a decadent twist.
* Use different nuts: Substitute walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for the pecans.
* Add spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the filling for a warm and festive flavor.
* Use different extracts: Substitute almond extract or maple extract for the vanilla extract.
* Make a gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version of the recipe.
* Add a bourbon kick: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for an adult-friendly treat.

Serving Suggestions

Pecan tassies are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of accompaniments.

* Serve with ice cream: Top warm pecan tassies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel swirl ice cream.
* Serve with whipped cream: Serve pecan tassies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
* Serve with coffee or tea: Pecan tassies are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
* Gift them: Package pecan tassies in a decorative box or tin and give them as a gift to friends and family.

The Joy of Sharing

Ultimately, the true beauty of Grandma’s Pecan Tassie recipe lies not just in the delicious taste, but in the joy of sharing it with loved ones. Baking these miniature pecan pies is a way to connect with our past, create new memories, and spread a little bit of sweetness to those around us. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Grandma’s Pecan Tassies. You won’t be disappointed!

Recipe Summary

Here is a quick summary of the recipe for easy reference:

**Yields:** 24 tassies
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Chill time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**Crust:**
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

**Filling:**
* 1 large egg
* 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup chopped pecans

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the crust:** Combine flour and salt. Cream butter and cream cheese. Gradually add flour mixture until just combined. Form into a disc, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Make the filling:** Whisk egg, sugar, and melted butter. Add vanilla and salt. Stir in pecans.
3. **Assemble and bake:** Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin. Roll out dough, cut into circles, and press into muffin cups. Fill with pecan filling. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely.

Enjoy!

These Pecan Tassies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy sharing them with family and friends, and cherish the memories created with this timeless recipe. Happy baking!