Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet little treat that packs a real punch of buttery, nutty goodness, you have to try Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe. These delightful mini pecan pies with their flaky cream cheese pastry crust have been a family favorite for years—and once you try them, they’ll be yours, too. Trust me, they’re surprisingly easy to make, visually stunning on a holiday tray, and irresistibly delicious, with just the right balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Stick around, because I’m about to share all the tips and tricks that help make this recipe absolutely foolproof!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor combo. Here’s why I stick to these favorites and some quick tips to help you shop smart!

• Cream cheese: Using full-fat, softened cream cheese adds richness and makes the pastry tender and flaky.
• Salted butter: Both for the dough and filling, salted butter balances sweetness and enhances flavor—no need to add extra salt.
• All-purpose flour: The staple for structure; I like to sift it for a smoother dough.
• Eggs: Serve double duty here, binding the dough and enriching the filling.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel notes in the filling that plain sugar just can’t match.
• Pure vanilla extract: Essential for that warm vanilla undertone—make sure it’s good quality.
• Chopped pecans: Fresh, toasted pecans bring crunch and the star nutty flavor. I always toast mine lightly to boost aroma.

Variations

I love how flexible Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your mood, occasion, or dietary needs. Here are a few ways I’ve made it my own over the years.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped all-purpose flour for a trusted gluten-free blend with xanthan gum once, and the results were surprisingly close to the original!
• Maple Syrup Swap: For natural sweetness, I substituted half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup, which added a lovely depth.
• Chocolate Pecan Tassies: By folding mini chocolate chips into the filling, I got rave reviews from my chocoholic friends.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Using sunflower seeds instead of pecans worked well for a nut allergy-friendly version—just as crunchy and tasty!

How to Make Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Start by softening your cream cheese and salted butter to room temperature—this is key. I usually take them out about an hour before starting. Then, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will give your dough that melt-in-your-mouth flakiness that sets these pecan tassies apart. Don’t rush this step; a few extra minutes of creaming ensures the butter and cream cheese are fully combined.

Step 2: Mix in Flour and Form the Dough

Add the all-purpose flour gradually and mix until you get a soft dough. It might be a little sticky—that’s okay! I often chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make handling easier, especially if your kitchen is warm. This step helps the dough firm up and prevents it from shrinking when baked.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While your dough is chilling, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is combined and glossy. Then fold in the chopped pecans. My secret? Toasting pecans lightly before chopping to deepen their flavor—it makes a noticeable difference!

Step 4: Assemble Your Tassies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin, then press about a tablespoon of dough into each cup, building up the sides to create a little bowl. I find that using my fingers works better than a spoon for shaping. Next, spoon the pecan filling evenly into each pastry shell, filling nearly to the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry edges are golden brown. Oven temps vary, so keep an eye the first time you make these. When you see those little edges turning golden and the filling bubbling slightly, you know you nailed it.

How to Serve Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually serve these little gems just as they are—the rich filling and crunchy pecans are garnished beautifully by themselves. But sometimes, I like to dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or add a tiny dollop of whipped cream. It’s a simple addition that never fails to impress guests.

Side Dishes

Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies make a fantastic finish to hearty meals. I often pair them with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine. For holiday gatherings, they sit perfectly alongside a cheese platter or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m bringing these to a party, I like to arrange the tassies on a tiered serving tray with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine for a festive vibe. Another fun idea is to place each tassie in a colorful cupcake liner to make grabbing and sharing easier. For more casual occasions, a rustic wooden board with a scattering of pecans around adds charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tassies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. I always line the container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking—the last thing you want is a crumbly mess after these little pies have cooled.

Freezing

I discovered that freezing these pecan tassies works great if you want to bake ahead. After they cool completely, I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to serve them, I thaw at room temperature for a few hours—super convenient for holiday prep!

Reheating

To enjoy leftover or thawed tassies warm, I pop them in a preheated 325°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This gently reheats the filling without drying out the crust, reviving that fresh-baked goodie feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a cherished family tradition that fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just to treat yourself, I guarantee these tassies will bring smiles all around. Give them a try—you’ll find that once you taste them, they’ll quickly become your go-to for easy, impressive, and utterly delicious mini treats. Happy baking, friend!

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