Easy Pecan Tassie Nut Cups

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There’s something magical about bite-sized desserts that pack all the flavor of their larger counterparts. These Easy Pecan Tassie Nut Cups are the perfect example of indulgence in miniature form. They capture the essence of a classic pecan pie but are conveniently sized for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to tea parties. With a rich cream cheese crust and a gooey, nutty filling, they offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors in each little bite.

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The buttery crust, combined with the sweet and slightly savory filling, makes these pecan tassies a crowd favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this delectable treat that will have your guests coming back for more!

Ingredients

For the Nut Cup Dough:

• 2 cups flour
• ½ lb butter, room temperature (see note)
• 6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature (see note)

For the Nut Cup Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1½ cups light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups pecans, chopped small (see note)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Filling

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a medium bowl, combine 2 eggs, light brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth.
• Stir in the chopped pecans, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a foamy filling, which we want to avoid.
• Refrigerate the filling mixture until ready to use.

2. Make the Nut Cup Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese. You can do this using a fork, just as Gram did, or a mixer if you prefer!
• Once combined, add in the flour and mix with a rubber spatula until it comes together into a dough.
• At this stage, finish mixing the dough by hand. This ensures everything is incorporated without overworking the dough, which can result in a tough crust.

3. Shape the Dough

You have two options for shaping your dough, depending on how rustic or neat you want the cups to look:

Option 1:

• Use your fingers to press enough dough into each cavity of a mini muffin tin. Be sure the dough is evenly distributed across the bottom and sides.
• Add more dough if you prefer a thicker crust, or less if the tin cavities are small.

Option 2:

• Roll the dough out to a thickness of about ¼ inch.
• Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
• Press the dough circles into each muffin tin cavity, ensuring they fit snugly.

4. Fill the Nut Cups

• Spoon the chilled pecan filling into each dough-lined cup, filling it all the way to the rim (about 1-2 teaspoons of filling per cup).

5. Brush with Egg Wash

• Crack the third reserved egg into a small bowl and scramble it.
• Brush the top of each filled nut cup with the egg wash, focusing on the crust. This will give the tassies a golden, shiny finish as they bake.

6. Bake and Serve

• Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
• Allow the pecan tassies to cool slightly before using a thin metal spatula or knife to gently remove them from the muffin tin.
• Serve warm, or allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

The Easy Pecan Tassie Nut Cups offer an irresistible combination of flavors. The filling is sweet with a subtle caramel-like flavor from the brown sugar, enhanced by the nuttiness of the pecans. The rich, buttery dough melts in your mouth, providing a perfect contrast to the chewy, nut-filled center. The cream cheese in the crust adds a tangy depth that perfectly balances the sweetness of the filling. As these little cups bake, your kitchen will fill with the warm aroma of toasted pecans, sweet sugar, and buttery goodness—a true comfort scent that signals something special is about to be enjoyed.

Tips for Success

• Make-Ahead Option: The dough and filling can be prepared in advance. Simply store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before using, and keep the filling chilled until ready to bake.
• Customize the Filling: If you prefer a twist on the classic, you can experiment with adding a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the filling for a deeper flavor profile.
• Texture Variations: For a bit of crunch, toast the pecans before chopping them and adding them to the filling. This will bring out their nutty flavor even more!

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations:

• Chocolate Lovers: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate-pecan combination.
• Spiced Option: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling to introduce a warm, spiced flavor.
• Nut Alternatives: Swap the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts if you prefer.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve these pecan tassies at a holiday party alongside other bite-sized treats like mini cheesecakes or shortbread cookies.
• For a more elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar just before serving and pair with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
• These nut cups also make fantastic gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tied with a festive ribbon.

These Easy Pecan Tassie Nut Cups are the perfect treat to make ahead for any celebration or afternoon tea. With their buttery, flaky crust and rich, gooey filling, they’re bound to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or as a personal indulgence, these bite-sized desserts are sure to impress.