My Children'S Favorite Cranberry Pecan Tassies
Cranberry Pecan Tassies are delightful bite-sized pastries blending tart cranberries, toasted pecans, and sweet filling in a buttery, flaky crust—perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until smooth; stir in the sifted flour to form the dough.
- Chill the dough for about 1 hour.
- Shape the chilled dough into 24 one-inch balls.
- Place each ball into ungreased 1 3/4-inch muffin pans.
- Press the dough evenly against the bottom and sides of each muffin cup to form a crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon softened butter, vanilla, and a dash of salt until smooth.
- Stir in the finely chopped cranberries and pecans into the egg mixture.
- Spoon the filling into the pastry-lined muffin cups.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Allow the tassies to cool in the pans before removing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the filling mixture. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried cranberries can be used, though they will alter the texture slightly. Make sure to soften the cream cheese fully for easier blending. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pastry dough instead of making the crust from scratch.
Serving Suggestions
These tassies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon snacks. For a holiday gathering, consider serving them with My Favorite Snack: Ants On A Log for a fun and festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until warm, ensuring they maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Children'S Favorite Cranberry Pecan Tassies contains roughly 158 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 9g 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 make these tassies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance. Store the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge and the filling in a separate container. When ready to bake, just assemble and follow the baking instructions.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you're allergic to nuts or dislike pecans, you can use walnuts or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Just ensure they are finely chopped to mix well with the filling.
Can I freeze the tassies?
Yes, these tassies freeze well! After baking and cooling completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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).