Pecan Lassies
Pecan Lassies are rich, buttery cookies with crunchy pecans and a sweet flavor, perfect for gatherings or as a delightful treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 1 stick softened butter, cream cheese, and flour until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 24 one-inch balls and press them into miniature muffin pans to form pastry cups.
- In a separate bowl, mix remaining ingredients: brown sugar, chopped pecans, margarine, vanilla, beaten egg, and salt.
- Pour the pecan mixture into the pastry cups.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30 minutes.
- Cool in pans for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Turn out the cookies and cool on a towel.
- These cookies can be frozen for later storage.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using salted butter instead of unsalted. If you don't have cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta can serve as substitutes. To add a hint of spice, try incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing. If you want to elevate these cookies, drizzle with caramel sauce inspired by Turtle Cake Dessert.
Serving Suggestions
These pecan lassies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete dessert experience, serve alongside a slice of Mom'S Everyday Cookie Dough. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter for gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, these pecan lassies can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Lassies contains roughly 164 calories, with 2g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 10g 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and form the pastry cups up to a day in advance. Simply cover them and refrigerate until you're ready to fill with the pecan mixture and bake. This not only saves time but can enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're looking for an alternative to pecans, walnuts or almonds would work well in this recipe. Both nuts will provide a similar texture and flavor. For a nut-free option, you can substitute with sunflower seeds or omit the nuts entirely, while still enjoying the delicious pastry cups.
How do I know when they are done baking?
The pecan lassies are done when the tops are golden brown and the filling is set. You can gently press the centers; they should feel firm rather than jiggly. If they seem undercooked, you can bake them for a few extra minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent overbaking.
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).