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To make delightful mini pecan pies, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here's the list: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1 egg yolk - 2 tablespoons ice water - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/3 cup corn syrup - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 eggs - Pinch of cinnamon These ingredients work together to create a rich flavor and a lovely texture. The pecans bring a nice crunch, while the filling is sweet and gooey. The crust is buttery and flaky, giving each bite a perfect balance. Using fresh ingredients is key. Fresh pecans taste better and give a great aroma. For the best results, stick to unsalted butter for that rich flavor. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature; this helps with the mixing process. I always recommend measuring your ingredients carefully. Accurate measurements help your pies turn out just right. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients. It sets the stage for a wonderful baking experience! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Now, stir in 1 egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water. Mix until it just comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling helps the dough stay firm when you roll it out. While the dough chills, prep your muffin tin by greasing it lightly. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut circles that fit your greased mini muffin tin. Press each circle gently into the tin to form small crusts. Now, it’s time to make the filling. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/3 cup of corn syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 eggs, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir well until everything is blended. Carefully fill each mini crust with the pecan mixture. Be sure not to overfill them; you want a nice balance. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mini pecan pies in the oven and bake them for 18-20 minutes. Look for the filling to set and the crust to turn lightly golden. When done, take them out and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful sweetness of your mini pecan pies! - For the perfect crust, use cold butter. This keeps the crust flaky. - Mix the butter with flour until it looks like crumbs. Don’t overmix it. - Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps it stay firm. - When rolling dough, use a floured surface. This prevents sticking. - Cut the dough with a round cutter for even shapes. Aim for 1/8-inch thickness. - Ensure your filling is mixed well. All ingredients should blend smoothly. - Use chopped pecans for texture. They add crunch and flavor. - Avoid overfilling the pies. Leave a little space at the top to expand. - A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth. It enhances the pecan flavor. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking. This is key. - Bake for 18-20 minutes. The pies should be lightly golden on top. - Check for doneness by looking for a set filling. It should not jiggle. - Let the pies cool in the tin for five minutes. This helps them firm up. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps to firm up the butter, resulting in a flakier crust. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for the flour and sugar to ensure precision. Accurate measurements lead to better texture and flavor. Pecan Size Matters: Chop the pecans into uniform sizes to ensure even distribution in the filling. This helps each mini pie have a balanced flavor in every bite. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the mini pies while baking; ovens vary. Remove them once the filling is set and the crust is lightly golden to prevent overbaking. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of mini pecan pies. One fun idea is to add chocolate chips. Just mix in half a cup of chips with the pecan filling. The chocolate adds a rich taste that pairs well with the nuts. You can also switch up the nuts. Instead of pecans, try walnuts or almonds. Each nut brings a unique flavor and texture. Walnuts add a slight bitterness, while almonds give a nice crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix for the crust. These options work well and keep the pies tasty. For vegan versions, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds. Use a plant-based butter like coconut oil or vegan margarine. This way, everyone can enjoy these treats! Mini pecan pies taste great with a scoop of ice cream. Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice. It balances the sweetness of the pie. Whipped cream also adds a nice touch. You can also create a dessert platter. Include mini pies with other flavors, like mini apple or cherry pies. This gives your guests a variety of tastes to enjoy. Serve the platter with fresh fruit for a colorful display. After baking, let the mini pecan pies cool completely. This helps avoid soggy crusts. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to enjoy them later, make sure they are well sealed. To freeze mini pecan pies, wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them up and brings back their crispy crust. At room temperature, mini pecan pies last for about two days. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Look for signs of spoilage like an off smell or a change in texture. If the filling looks dry or the crust feels too hard, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy the freshness while you can! To make mini pecan pies, follow these simple steps: 1. Make the dough: Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add cold butter and mix until coarse. Stir in the egg yolk and ice water. Wrap the dough and chill for 30 minutes. 2. Prepare the crusts: Roll out the dough and cut circles to fit a mini muffin tin. Press the circles into the tin. 3. Mix the filling: Combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, eggs, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix well. 4. Fill and bake: Pour the pecan mixture into the crusts. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes until set and golden. 5. Cool and serve: Let the pies cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack. Yes, you can use pre-made pie crust for mini pecan pies. It saves time and effort. Pre-made crusts come rolled and ready to use. This option is great for busy cooks. However, homemade crusts add a fresh taste. The flavor and texture may differ slightly, but you can still enjoy delicious mini pies either way. Mini pecan pies pair well with many treats and drinks. Here are some ideas: - Beverages: Serve with coffee, tea, or milk. - Dessert Pairings: Try them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a creamy contrast. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing touch. Yes, you can substitute some ingredients in the mini pecan pie recipe: - Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. - Butter: Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Sugar: You can use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique taste. - Eggs: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option. These swaps can change the flavor or texture, but they still make for tasty mini pies. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and steps to make mini pecan pies. From the perfect dough to delicious filling, every step counts. We also looked at tips for great results, tasty variations, and storage tips to keep them fresh. Mini pecan pies are fun to make and enjoy. Try different flavors and share them with friends! You can create a treat everyone will love. Enjoy baking your pies and impressing your guests.

Mini Pecan Pies

Delicious bite-sized pecan pies with a flaky crust and sweet filling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 each egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons ice water
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 3 cup corn syrup
  • 1 4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 each eggs
  • 1 pinch cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
  • Add the cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Stir in the egg yolk and ice water until just combined. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut into circles to fit a greased mini muffin tin. Press the circles into the tin to form small crusts.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, eggs, and a pinch of cinnamon; mix until well blended.
  • Fill each mini crust with the pecan mixture, being careful not to overfill.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is lightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve on a decorative platter, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with whole pecans.
Keyword dessert, mini pies, pecan pie