Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe

If you’re looking for a charming little treat that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen, then you’re going to adore Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe. These mini pecan pies come with a buttery, flaky cream cheese crust and a sweet, slightly gooey pecan filling that’ll have your family begging for more. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s been a beloved classic in my family for years. Ready to make some magic? Let’s dive in!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe plays a pivotal role, creating a harmony of textures and flavors. The cream cheese in the crust keeps things tender and rich, while a good quality brown sugar balances the filling with just the right amount of sweetness. Here are the must-haves and my little tips on choosing them.

• Cream Cheese: Use softened full-fat cream cheese for that ultra-creamy texture that makes the crust melt in your mouth.
• Salted Butter: I always reach for quality salted butter to layer in flavor. Softening it makes mixing fuss-free.
• All-Purpose Flour: This gives the crust just enough structure and flakiness without being tough.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better and help the filling set up nicely.
• Brown Sugar: I prefer dark brown sugar for its molasses hit, which deepens the filling’s flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla is key here — it always elevates any baked good.
• Chopped Pecans: Fresh, toasted pecans add that irresistible crunch and nuttiness.

Variations

I love that Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe lends itself to a little creative tweaking. Whether you want to make them pop with some extra flavor or adapt them for dietary needs, there’s room to make this recipe your own.

• Add a Touch of Cinnamon: I’ve sprinkled a bit of ground cinnamon into the filling before, and it gives the tassies a cozy warmth my family goes crazy for.
• Try Different Nuts: Walnuts or even chopped hazelnuts can replace pecans if that’s what you have on hand; the texture changes slightly but it’s still divine.
• Make Them Mini Minis: For parties, I sometimes use mini muffin tins to create bite-sized tassies — everyone loves popping these little treats!
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives, and use maple syrup or coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for allergy-friendly options.

How to Make Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe

Step 1: Bring the Dough to Life

Start by creaming together the softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth — I use a hand mixer but you could also go old-school with a wooden spoon if you have some elbow grease to spare! Then, mix in your flour gently until the dough just comes together. The key here is to handle it as little as possible to keep the crust tender and flaky. Once combined, pop your dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes — this resting time helps it firm up and makes rolling easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough chills, whisk together your eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in your chopped pecans last to keep them crunchy and fresh. This filling comes together quickly, and the deep, caramel-like flavor will have you sneaking tastes when you think no one’s looking.

Step 3: Shape Your Tassies

Take your dough out of the fridge and roll into small balls, about a tablespoon each — I always like to eyeball it so they’re consistent in size. Press each ball into the cups of a mini muffin tin, making a little cup with the dough. The secret I discovered: coat your fingers with just a touch of flour to prevent sticking and to get smooth edges. Fill each dough cup with a spoonful of the pecan filling, being careful not to overfill or the filling will bubble over in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your tassies into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling looks set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Pro tip: Allow them to cool completely in the pan first before trying to remove them — this helps the filling firm up and avoids messy breakage.

How to Serve Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving — it adds a snowy touch and a hint of extra sweetness without overpowering the buttery pecan flavors. Sometimes, I drizzle a tiny bit of warm caramel sauce for a special occasion. It’s a subtle upgrade that wows guests.

Side Dishes

These pecan tassies shine as dessert on their own, but I love pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting finish. For brunch, they go surprisingly well alongside spiced coffee or chai tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange the tassies neatly on a tiered cake stand surrounded by fresh pecans and sprigs of rosemary — it’s an easy but elegant display that always gets compliments. I’ve also gifted them in little boxes tied with twine for a homemade touch that’s always appreciated.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store leftover tassies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 3 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option but I prefer room temp to keep crust texture perfect.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, they freeze beautifully. I freeze the baked and cooled tassies in single layers separated by parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready, I just thaw them at room temperature — they taste like fresh-baked every time.

Reheating

To bring the tassies back to life, I pop them in a 325°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This warms the filling and crisps the crust just right, avoiding sogginess. Avoid the microwave if you can — it tends to make the crust chewy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Grandma Rose’s Pecan Tassies Recipe is truly one of those treasure-filled family gems that I’m thrilled to share with you. Baking these little delights always brings warm memories and smiles — and the best part? The buttery crust and sweet pecan centers taste like pure comfort wrapped in every bite. I hope you find as much joy making and sharing them as I do. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch your loved ones fall head over heels in love, just like mine did.

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