Mini Pecan Pies (Printer-Friendly)
Buttery bite-sized pies with sweet pecan filling in flaky crusts.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pie Crust
01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 2-3 tablespoons cold water
→ Pecan Filling
05 - 3/4 cup light brown sugar
06 - 1/2 cup light corn syrup
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - 1 cup pecan halves or pieces, chopped
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup mini muffin pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fingers to work it in until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoons cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until dough just holds together when pressed.
03 - Roll dough on lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut twelve 3-inch circles using a round cookie cutter or glass. Gently press each circle into the wells of the mini muffin tin, pressing up the sides slightly.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until completely smooth. Fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
05 - Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into each prepared crust. Bake for 22-25 minutes until filling is set and crusts are golden brown.
06 - Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or topped with whipped cream.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The handheld size means everyone can try them without feeling guilty about seconds
- They bake faster than full-sized pies but pack all the same nostalgic flavor
02 -
- Let these cool completely before removing or the filling will stick to the pan
- The dough circles should be slightly larger than your muffin wells to account for the sides
03 -
- Toasting the pecans at 350°F for 5-7 minutes first transforms their flavor completely
- A tiny pinch of cinnamon in the filling adds warmth without overpowering the pecans