Mini Pecan Pies (Printer-friendly)

Buttery crusts filled with sweet pecan mixture, perfect for parties

# What You 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, packed
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 Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 12-cup mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle cold water over the mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing gently with a fork until dough holds together when pressed.
03 - Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut twelve 3-inch circles using a round cookie cutter. Gently press each circle into the wells of the mini muffin tin, ensuring the dough reaches up the sides.
04 - In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until completely smooth and well combined. Fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
05 - Divide filling evenly among prepared crusts, using about 1 tablespoon per mini pie. Bake for 22-25 minutes until filling is set and crusts are golden brown. The centers should still have a slight jiggle.
06 - Let pies cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Carefully run a small knife around the edges and lift out. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Optional: top with whipped cream.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Buttery crust that melts in your mouth without needing any fancy techniques
  • The perfect balance of sweet and nutty in every bite sized portion
02 -
  • Room temperature dough is a nightmare so keep everything chilled until you are ready to roll
  • The filling continues to set as it cools so do not panic if it seems slightly jiggly right out of the oven
03 -
  • Toast your pecans in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes before chopping them for an extra layer of flavor
  • Use a measuring spoon to portion the filling evenly so each bakes at the same rate

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