Indulge in Decadence: Irresistible Chocolate Pecan Tassies with a Flaky Cream Cheese Crust

Prepare to be enchanted by these Chocolate Pecan Tassies, a delightful fusion of tradition and chocolatey innovation. Each miniature pie boasts a perfectly flaky, tender cream cheese crust, cradling an exquisite filling bursting with the rich, nutty goodness of pecans and the irresistible allure of chocolate. It’s truly like enjoying a bite-sized pecan pie, elevated with a decadent chocolate twist.

A Special Treat for the Holidays (or Any Day!)

Delicious Chocolate Pecan Tassies with a flaky cream cheese crust, perfect for any occasion.

A Sweet Legacy: My Great-Grandmother’s Pecan Tassies, Reimagined with Chocolate

There’s an old saying that goes, “When in doubt, add chocolate!” And for someone like me, who has been undeniably smitten with chocolate since my very first bite, this adage holds profound truth. My love affair with chocolate began at the tender age of one, when my mom presented me with a majestic three-tier chocolate cake. That epic, life-changing moment wasn’t just a taste; it was the genesis of an enduring obsession. This wasn’t a casual, “I enjoy chocolate sometimes” kind of affection; it evolved into a deeply ingrained passion that required self-imposed, albeit frequently broken, chocolate rules.

My chocolate commandments were once quite strict: no chocolate before noon (2:00 PM if I was feeling particularly virtuous), no chocolate after 8 PM (a rule I’ve consistently failed to uphold), no eating chocolate directly from the bag (a noble but often futile effort), and definitely no chocolate on the couch (a rule that, frankly, has seen better days). Despite my best intentions, I constantly strive to adhere to at least one of these at any given time – a testament to the powerful draw of cocoa!

Close-up of a Chocolate Pecan Tassie, showcasing the rich filling and golden crust.

It was amidst one of my delightful chocolate frenzies several months ago that a brilliant idea struck me. What if I introduced chocolate to my great-grandmother’s beloved pecan tassies? Her recipe was legendary in our family, a cherished treat passed down through generations. The thought of enhancing that classic, comforting flavor with the deep, complex notes of chocolate was too tempting to ignore. The result? Pure magic! Chocolate pecan magic, to be precise. It was a revelation, transforming an already perfect dessert into something even more extraordinary.

A tray of freshly baked Chocolate Pecan Tassies, ready to be enjoyed.

Why These Chocolate Pecan Tassies Are a Must-Try

Imagine all the delightful pecan pie flavors you adore, now graced with a subtle, yet utterly captivating hint of chocolate. These mini pecan pies offer a harmonious blend of sweet, nutty, and rich notes that will tantalize your taste buds. The star of the show, beyond the incredible filling, is undeniably the cream cheese crust. Its delicate flakiness and buttery richness create a divine contrast with the gooey, brown sugar pecan pie filling. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

You’ll quickly discover that these sweet treats aren’t just for special occasions; they are perfect for enjoying all year round! My great-grandmother certainly never let the date on the calendar dictate when she’d bake a batch, often sending me home with several dozen. And she was right – tassies are truly a year-round delight. The only dilemma now is having to choose between the original classic pecan tassie and this glorious new CHOCOLATE version. It’s a delightful predicament, much like during the holidays when I have to decide between a slice of rich bourbon pecan pie or the timeless comfort of the best classic pecan pie! No matter the choice, you’re in for an absolute treat.

Individual Chocolate Pecan Tassies presented on a plate, ready to be served.

Should you find yourself with any leftover pecans (a rare but possible occurrence after making these tassies!), consider whipping up a batch of my delightful Pecan Snowball Cookies. They would make a wonderful addition to any cookie tray, offering a visually diverse and equally delicious experience alongside these Chocolate Pecan Tassies. The sprinkling of pecans throughout both treats provides a cohesive, comforting theme. Perfection in every bite, whether chocolatey or powdered sugary!

Chocolate Pecan Tassies

by

Chef Lindsey

In these Chocolate Pecan Tassies, a flaky cream cheese crust cradles the perfect amount of chocolate pecan pie goodness! Perfect for a Christmas cookie tray, a holiday gathering, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself.

Prep:

30 minutes

Cook:

25 minutes

Total:

55 minutes

Servings:

24
Cookies

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Ingredients

For the Shells:

▢

½
cup

unsalted butter
▢

3
oz

cream cheese
▢

1
cup

flour

For the Filling:

▢

1

egg
▢

¾
cup

dark brown sugar

packed
▢

1
tablespoon

salted butter

melted
▢

1
teaspoon

vanilla extract
▢

½
cup

chopped pecans

plus 2 tablespoons (approximately) for sprinkling
▢

2
tablespoons

mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Make the Shells:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Begin by sifting the flour into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Next, cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add them to the flour. Incorporate the softened cream cheese. Using two knives or a pastry blender, cut the butter and cream cheese into the flour. Continue this process until the dough just begins to hold together. Unlike a traditional pie crust where you stop as soon as it’s crumbly, for these tassie shells, you’ll need to blend a bit longer until the dough forms a cohesive ball. This ensures the crust is sturdy enough to hold the filling without leaking.
3. Gather the prepared crust dough into a single ball. For uniform results, divide this ball into 24 equal pieces. A kitchen scale can be helpful for precision, or you can eyeball it. If any piece appears too small, simply pinch a bit from a larger neighbor. It’s crucial that each dough piece is of adequate thickness to form a proper cup in the muffin tin, preventing the filling from seeping out during baking.
4. Press each individual dough piece evenly into the bottom and up the sides of one cup in a miniature muffin tin. This creates the perfect little shell for your tassies.

To make the Filling:

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla extract, dark brown sugar, and melted salted butter until the mixture is smooth and no lumps of sugar remain. Once smooth, gently fold in the chopped pecans.

To assemble the Pecan Tassies:

6. In the bottom of each prepared cream cheese shell, sprinkle approximately ¼ teaspoon (level, not rounded) of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. This ensures a delightful chocolate surprise in every bite. Carefully pour the pecan filling into each cup, filling it just below the top rim of the dough shell to allow for expansion during baking.
7. For an extra touch of visual appeal and nutty flavor, sprinkle a few additional chopped pecans on top of each tassie before baking.
8. Bake in your preheated oven for 24-25 minutes. The tassies are ready when the crusts are golden brown and the filling is set.
9. It’s vital to let the Chocolate Pecan Tassies cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove them. This allows the filling to fully set and the crust to firm up, making removal much easier. Once cooled, gently twist and lift each tassie out of the muffin tin.

Nutrition

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Calories:
122

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A top-down view of Chocolate Pecan Tassies, highlighting their texture and appealing glaze.

Tips for Tassie Triumph: Achieving Flawless Results

Creating these delightful Chocolate Pecan Tassies is a rewarding experience, and with a few key tips, you can ensure your batch turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t Overwork the Crust Dough: While the instructions recommend blending the cream cheese and butter into the flour longer than a typical pie crust, be careful not to overmix. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust, diminishing that desired flaky texture. Blend until it just comes together into a cohesive ball.
Evenly Press Dough for Consistent Shells: Taking the time to divide the dough into equal portions and pressing them uniformly into the muffin tins is crucial. If the crust is too thin in spots, the filling can leak out, resulting in a less-than-perfect tassie. Aim for an even thickness all around the cup.
Monitor Baking for Golden Perfection: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your tassies during the last few minutes of baking. The crust should be beautifully golden brown, and the filling should appear set and slightly puffed. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the tin with foil.
Cool Completely for Easy Removal: This step is non-negotiable! The pecan-chocolate filling needs ample time to set and firm up, and the cream cheese crust needs to cool and become sturdy. Attempting to remove the tassies while still warm will likely lead to them crumbling or sticking to the pan. Patience here is key to those perfectly intact, twist-and-lift moments.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Since there are relatively few ingredients in this recipe, the quality of each shines through. Use good quality butter, fresh cream cheese, and flavorful pecans for the best results.

Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions

While the classic Chocolate Pecan Tassie is utterly perfect as is, there are always opportunities to customize and enhance this recipe to suit your preferences or specific occasions:

Nutty Alternatives: While pecans are traditional, feel free to experiment with other nuts. Walnuts, chopped almonds, or even a mix of nuts could offer a delightful twist on the flavor profile.
Different Chocolates: Instead of mini semi-sweet chips, consider using milk chocolate chips for a sweeter profile, or dark chocolate chips for a more intense cocoa flavor. You could even finely chop a high-quality chocolate bar for a gourmet touch.
A Pinch of Sea Salt: A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each tassie before baking can truly elevate the flavors, creating a beautiful sweet-and-salty contrast that is incredibly addictive.
Spiced Tassies: For a warming, autumnal twist, add a tiny pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a very small amount of pumpkin pie spice to the filling mixture.
Serving Ideas: These mini pecan pies are wonderful on their own, but they also shine when paired with certain accompaniments. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert. They are also fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For holiday gatherings, arrange them beautifully on a platter with other festive treats, like the Pecan Snowball Cookies mentioned earlier, creating a diverse and appealing spread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

These Chocolate Pecan Tassies are not only delicious but also convenient to prepare in advance or store for later enjoyment:

Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, the tassies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: Chocolate Pecan Tassies freeze beautifully! Arrange completely cooled tassies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
Make-Ahead Dough: The cream cheese crust dough can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator. This can help streamline your baking process, especially when preparing for events.

Your New Favorite Indulgence Awaits!

These Chocolate Pecan Tassies are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful journey through family tradition, a testament to the magic of a simple chocolate addition, and a truly irresistible treat that will capture your heart. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering, a quiet evening indulgence, or to share with loved ones, these mini pecan pies promise a perfect balance of flaky crust, rich nutty filling, and decadent chocolate. They embody comfort, nostalgia, and a touch of modern indulgence, making them an instant classic in any home. Don’t hesitate to experience the pure joy of these incredible tassies for yourself!