Pecan Tassies or Mini Pecan Pies Recipe

This pecan tassies or mini pecan pies  recipe was given to me years ago by my good friend in Alabama. It is a Christmas favorite at our house. I usually use muffin liners  because it is easier!  Hope you enjoy! 

Ingredients-

2 sticks (1 cup) margarine                          1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
2 (3 oz) pkgs cream cheese                        dash of salt
2 cups sifted all purpose flour                   1 1/2 cups brown sugar
                                                                                2 tbsps butter or margarine
                                                                                3 tsps vanilla

Let margarine and cream cheese soften in mixing bowl at  room temperature for about 1 hour. Blend together. Add flour in fourths, blending thoroughly after each addition. Work with fingers into smooth, blended dough. Chill for easier shaping. Shape dough into 48 – 1 inch balls. Place in ungreased 1 3/4 inch muffin pans. Muffin liners may be used. With thumbs, press dough against bottom and sides lining up evenly.

Beat eggs only enough to mix yolk with white. Add brown sugar gradually, beating well after each addition. Add butter, salt and vanilla. Mix well.

Divide 1/2 pecans among shells. Spoon about 1 1/2 tsps filling over pecans in each shell, then sprinkle with remaining nuts.

Bake in 325 degree oven for 25-30 minutes, till filling is set and pastry golden. Cool. Carefully remove from pans to racks.

The pecan tassies or mini pecan pies also freeze well!