Holiday Pecan Tassies
Holiday Pecan Tassies are delightful bite-sized pastries with a smooth cream cheese crust filled with sweet brown sugar and crunchy pecans, perfect for festive gatherings and cookie platters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup margarine until smooth.
- Add the sifted all-purpose flour and blend well to form a dough.
- Chill the dough for about 2 hours or overnight.
- Shape the chilled dough into 24 one-inch balls.
- Press each ball into 1 3/4-inch muffin cups to form tart shells.
- Fill each shell with a mixture of brown sugar, vanilla, and a dash of salt, then top with chopped pecans.
- Bake until golden and filling is bubbly (baking time to be determined by recipe).
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're short on time, skip chilling the dough, though it may be easier to handle when cold. Ensure to pack the brown sugar tightly for the filling to achieve the right sweetness. For a twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling mixture. These tassies are a perfect complement to a cup of coffee, much like the Twin Mountain Coffee Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pecan tassies warm or at room temperature. They make an excellent dessert for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack alongside tea or coffee. Pair them with Creamy Brunch Punch for a festive touch, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. They also make delightful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pecan tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in a warm oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Pecan Tassies contains roughly 138 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them into small pieces and use them in the filling. However, keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile slightly, so choose nuts you enjoy.
What if I don't have cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. These substitutes will provide a similar texture, although the flavor may differ slightly. Adjust the sweetness if needed since some alternatives can be sweeter.
How do I prevent the crust from sticking?
To prevent sticking, make sure to grease the muffin cups well with butter or cooking spray before pressing in the dough. You can also lightly dust the cups with flour after greasing. If the tassies do stick, use a small knife to gently loosen the edges before removing them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).