Mini Pecan Pies

Shortbread Crust

• Butter – Gives richness, structure, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture to the mini crusts.​
• Brown sugar – Sweetens the crust and helps it brown and caramelize at the edges.
• All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the dough, providing structure so the crust holds the filling.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and brings out the buttery flavor.

Pecan Pie Filling

• Eggs – Create the custard-like base and help the filling set into a soft, sliceable (or biteable) texture.​
• Brown sugar – Adds deep caramel sweetness and classic pecan pie flavor.
• Corn syrup – Gives the filling its signature smooth, glossy, gooey texture.
• Melted butter – Adds richness and buttery flavor throughout.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warm, aromatic depth.
• Chopped pecans – Provide crunch and nutty flavor in every bite.
• Salt – Keeps the filling from tasting overly sweet and enhances the nuts and caramel notes.​

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Make the dough
   • In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
   • Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms.​
2. Press into mini muffin tin
   • Generously grease a mini muffin tin (butter, shortening, or baking spray with flour).
   • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough into each cup.
   • Use your fingers, a tart tamper, or the end of a muddler to press the dough into the bottom and up the sides, forming small crusts.​

Step 2: Make the Filling

3. Mix the pecan filling
   • In another bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
   • Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.​

Step 3: Assemble

4. Fill the crusts
   • Spoon the pecan mixture into the prepared crusts, filling each about 3/4 full.
   • Top with a few extra pecan pieces on each mini pie if you’d like a decorative look.​

Step 4: Bake

5. Bake until set
   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is puffed and set and the crust is lightly golden at the edges.​
   • The centers may dome slightly and then settle as they cool.
6. Cool and remove
   • Let the mini pies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up.
   • Carefully loosen edges with a small knife if needed and lift out to cool completely on a rack.​

Why These Mini Pecan Pies Are Loved

• Perfectly portioned – Ideal for dessert tables, buffets, and finger-food events.​
• No slicing required – Everyone gets their own little pie; no messy plates or pie wedges.
• Shortbread twist – The cookie-like crust adds extra flavor and a tender, buttery bite compared with standard pie dough.​
• Rich, gooey filling – Tastes just like classic pecan pie with that caramelized, nutty, buttery center.
  
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