Tea Time Tassies are bite-sized pastry tarts filled with a rich, nutty, pecan pie-like filling. This recipe is a nostalgic American classic, ideal for tea parties, holiday platters, or cozy afternoon treats. The buttery cream cheese pastry is delicate and flaky, while the brown sugar, egg, and nut filling brings a warm, caramelized flavor. Their miniature size makes them a perfect addition to cookie trays or dessert buffets, offering just the right touch of sweetness in a charming, elegant package.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted )
For the Filling:
- 1 egg (well beaten)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 dash salt
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (scant)
- ⅔ cup pecans (chopped, or walnuts)
Instructions
Step 1: Make Pastry Dough
- Cream together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and mix until well blended.
- Chill dough for 1 hour.
Step 2: Form the Shells
- Divide dough into 24 small portions.
- Use 1½-inch miniature muffin pans.
- Press dough evenly onto the bottom and sides of each muffin cup using floured fingers.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, combine the beaten egg, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, vanilla, and chopped nuts.
- Mix well to incorporate.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
- Spoon the filling into the pastry shells (do not overfill, they will rise).
- Bake at 325°F for about 25 minutes or until lightly browned and filling is set.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Cool in pans for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Gently remove tassies from pans and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips
- Lightly flour your fingertip when pressing shells to prevent sticking
- Mini muffin tins must be 1½-inch size as noted on the card
- Do not overfill shells, filling will not rise
- Pecans give a sweeter flavor; walnuts add mild bitterness
- Chill dough fully to prevent shrinking during baking
- Toast nuts lightly for deeper flavor
- These freeze well once baked and cooled
- Serve at room temperature for best texture
- Ideal for cookie trays and tea parties
Nutrition
Serving: 1tassieCalories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 13.8gProtein: 2.2gFat: 9.6gSaturated Fat: 4.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 68mgPotassium: 72mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 8.1gVitamin A: 310IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 0.6mg
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