Ah, mini pecan pies! Just saying those three words brings a wave of nostalgia over me. I remember cozy winter afternoons at my Grandma’s house, the air rich with the scent of warm buttery crust and sweet caramelized pecans wafting through the kitchen. She would always have a batch of these little treasures waiting for us after a long day of playing outside in the crisp air. Each bite felt like a tiny hug, a sweet reminder that the best moments often happen around the table with loved ones. Today, I want to share this cherished recipe with you, so you can create your own warm, delicious memories. Trust me; these mini pecan pies are utterly irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect bite-sized treats, great for parties or cozy evenings at home.
• Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them later.
• Gloriously sweet with a satisfying crunch from the pecans.

Ingredients

Let’s gather everything you need for these delightful mini pecan pies. Here’s your shopping list:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup chopped pecans (preferably toasted for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)

Note: If you can, use fresh pecans. Toast them lightly in the oven to really bring out their nutty flavor; it makes a world of difference!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive into baking? Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get that oven nice and hot, so your mini pies bake evenly.
2. Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the softened butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t be too rough; you want some little butter bits to help create a flaky texture.
3. Add the egg: Mix in the egg until the dough comes together. If it’s too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water to help it bind.
4. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles with a cookie cutter or a glass—about 3 inches wide should do—and gently fit them into a greased muffin tin. These will be your lovely little crusts!
5. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), and chopped pecans. It should be a nice, gooey mixture that smells heavenly!
6. Fill the crusts: Pour the pecan filling into each crust, filling each one about 3/4 full. You want to leave a little space for the filling to puff up as they bake.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges and just slightly jiggly in the center. You want to catch them before they get too firm.
8. Cool them down: Once they’re done baking, let the mini pies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The smell in your kitchen right now is nothing short of divine!

Tip: Don’t be surprised if they puff up and then fall slightly once they cool—that’s perfectly normal!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the classic mini pecan pie, let’s have some fun with variations and tweaks!

• Add chocolate: For a delicious twist, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips in the filling before baking. The chocolate melts perfectly into the gooey pecan filling.
• Maple syrup swap: Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a deeper flavor that’s absolutely divine.
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for an extra hint of warmth. The spices pair beautifully with the pecans.
• Nut alternatives: If you’re in the mood for a little experiment, swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds. Each type of nut brings its own unique taste and texture!

Serving Suggestions

These mini pecan pies are perfect served warm, right out of the oven, or at room temperature. I love to pair them with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. The cold creaminess complements the sweet, sticky filling beautifully.

For an added touch, why not serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea? The cozy vibe is all around! If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a little caramel sauce on top of each mini pie for a decadent finish. Your guests will be singing your praises!

Storage Tips

These mini pecan pies store quite well, so you can enjoy them beyond just the initial bake. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerating: Store any leftover pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Delicious!
• Freezing: They freeze beautifully! Wrap each mini pie in plastic wrap and place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. They should be good for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then warm them up.

FAQs

Can I use homemade crust instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you’re feeling inspired, a homemade pie crust will take these mini pecan pies to the next level. Just make sure it’s chilled and rolled out nicely for the perfect fit in your muffin tin!

What if I have nut allergies?

No problem! You can substitute the pecans with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for that crunchy texture. Just be mindful of making adjustments to the sweetness if you change the ingredients.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

Look for a golden-brown crust and filling that’s set but still a bit jiggly in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for them to be completely solid in the oven!

Can I make these mini pecan pies ahead of time?

You sure can! These little delights are perfect for making ahead. Just follow the baking instructions, cool them, and store them covered in the fridge. They’ll still taste fabulous when it’s time to serve!

Can I make them without corn syrup?

Yes! Substitute with maple syrup, honey, or even agave syrup for a different flavor profile. Each syrup will have a unique taste, and it’s always fun to experiment!

Conclusion

There you have it—mini pecan pies that not only taste heavenly but also carry the warmth of cherished memories and kitchen love. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do! If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how your mini pecan pies turned out. Share your stories, tips, or even your delightful variations in the comments below! Happy baking!

Irresistible Mini Pecan Pies Easy Recipe for Dessert Bliss

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 mini pies 1x

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Description

Savor mini pecan pies with this easy recipe Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a blissful bite of flavor in every delicious morsel Enjoy

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup of all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1/4 cup of granulated sugar

1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

3/4 cup of light corn syrup

1 cup of chopped pecans

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Mix in the egg until the dough comes together, adding cold water if too crumbly.

Roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thick and cut out circles. Fit them into a greased muffin tin.

In a separate bowl, whisk together corn syrup, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), and chopped pecans.

Pour the pecan filling into each crust, filling each one about 3/4 full.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center.

Let them cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Delightful mini pecan pies that are perfect for parties or cozy evenings at home. A nostalgic recipe that brings warmth and sweetness to your table.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 mini pies
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 14g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g

Keywords: Pecan Pie, Mini Desserts, Holiday Baking, Easy Recipes