Adorable Mini Pecan Pies Recipe: Bite-sized Sweet Treasures

Warm, buttery pecan pies in mini form capture the essence of comfort baking with this irresistible mini pecan pies recipe that transforms classic dessert flavors into bite-sized delights.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these sweet, nutty treats that melt in your mouth with rich caramel notes.

Each delicate pastry cradles a perfectly balanced filling of toasted pecans and golden syrup.

Crisp, flaky crusts provide the ideal contrast to the gooey, decadent center that promises pure indulgence.

Elegant yet simple, these miniature pies work magic at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or quiet afternoons with coffee.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques make this dessert accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Prepare to savor every delectable, miniature morsel of pure southern sweetness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 211 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Use In Mini Pecan Pies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the delicate pie shell.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the buttery crust's richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates flaky, tender texture with rich, golden taste.
• Ice Water: Binds ingredients together without warming the delicate dough.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, caramel-like sweetness and complex flavor profile.
• Corn Syrup: Creates smooth, glossy filling with perfect sticky consistency.
• Large Egg: Acts as binding agent and provides silky, luxurious texture.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth, harmonious filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth to the entire dessert.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor complexity.

• Pecans: Brings crunchy texture, nutty flavor, and elegant finishing touch to mini pies.

Tools To Bake Mini Pecan Pies

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and making dough.
• Pastry cutter or fork: Perfect for cutting cold butter into flour mixture.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out dough to the right thickness.
• Round cutter or glass: Ideal for cutting precise dough circles.
• Mini muffin tin: Creates the small pie shell shapes.
• Whisk: Great for blending filling ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure dry and liquid ingredients precisely.

Steps To Make Mini Pecan Pies Gooey And Rich

• Create Flaky Crust

Mix flour and salt, then slice in cold butter until it resembles sandy crumbs. Drizzle ice water gradually, kneading until dough forms. Shape into a disc, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for half an hour to relax the gluten.

• Prepare Muffin Tin

Warm the oven to 350F. Roll out chilled dough super thin. Use a round cookie cutter to create perfect circles. Gently press dough into mini muffin cavities, molding them into tiny pie shells with delicate edges.

• Whip Up Gooey Filling

Blend brown sugar, corn syrup, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl. Fold in crunchy pecan pieces until evenly distributed, creating a rich, decadent mixture.

• Bake Until Golden

Carefully spoon filling into each mini shell, avoiding overflow. Slide the tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling sets and crust turns a beautiful golden brown. Allow pies to cool slightly in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Tips To Dress Up Mini Pecan Pies

• Perfect Pie Crust Hack: Freeze butter for 15 minutes before cutting to ensure ultra-flaky pastry that crumbles beautifully when baked.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pie dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate, or freeze for up to 1 month to save time during holiday baking.
• Dietary Swap for Gluten-Free Friends: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these mini pies safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Nutty Flavor Boost: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before chopping to enhance their rich, deep flavor and add extra crunch to the filling.
• Vegan Version Trick: Substitute eggs with 1/4 cup of aquafaba and use coconut oil instead of butter to create plant-based mini pecan pies that everyone can enjoy.

Serve Mini Pecan Pies Anytime

• Sweet Gathering Centerpiece: Arrange these mini pecan pies elegantly on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves scattered around for a stunning dessert presentation.
• Holiday Party Favorite: Serve these bite-sized treats at thanksgiving or christmas gatherings, placed on tiered serving platters with small decorative forks for easy sharing.
• Dessert Pairing Magic: Complement these mini pies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, adding a creamy contrast to the nutty, sweet filling.
• Gourmet Gift Idea: Package these mini pies in clear individual boxes tied with ribbon, perfect as homemade edible gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday hosts.

Storage Guide For Mini Pecan Pies

• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep these delightful mini pecan pies in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stack them gently with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pie dough up to 3 days before baking and store wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Assembled mini pies can be frozen uncooked for 2 months – simply thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Room Temperature Timing: Allow mini pies to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance their rich, buttery flavor. Serve slightly warm for maximum taste enjoyment.
• Serving Suggestion Boost: Elevate these mini treats by adding a small dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Garnish with a single pecan on top for extra visual appeal.

Irresistible Mini Pecan Pies Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Southern mini pecan pies blend classic Southern hospitality with sweet, nutty charm. Crunchy pecans nestled in buttery crusts promise a delightful dessert experience that leaves you craving more.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup (105 g) chopped pecans
• ¼ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2–3 tbsps ice water
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Pastry Creation: Blend flour and salt, then incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture achieves a sandy, crumbly consistency.
2. Dough Formation: Add ice water gradually, kneading until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes to enhance texture and manageability.
3. Preparation and Shaping: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Roll out chilled dough to a thin 1/8-inch thickness, then cut circular shapes and delicately press into mini muffin tin cavities, forming elegant pie shells.
4. Filling Development: Whisk brown sugar, corn syrup, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until smooth and homogeneous. Gently fold in chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution of nutty elements.
5. Baking Process: Fill pie shells three-quarters full with pecan mixture, avoiding potential overflow. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust turns golden and the filling sets.
6. Cooling and Serving: Allow mini pies to rest in the tin for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before presenting these delectable treats.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Control: Keep butter extremely cold when making pastry to ensure flaky, tender crust texture. Freeze butter for 15 minutes before cutting into flour for optimal results.
• Precise Dough Handling: Avoid overworking pastry dough to prevent tough, dense crust. Mix just until ingredients combine, stopping when dough holds together.
• Filling Consistency Check: Ensure filling reaches smooth, glossy state before adding pecans. Whisk ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumpy or separated mixture.
• Strategic Filling Technique: Use a small ladle or spoon to fill pie shells, stopping at three-quarters to prevent messy overflow during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 211
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg