Ingredients:

For the tart shells:
– 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 2 tablespoons ice water

For the pecan filling:
– 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
– ½ cup packed brown sugar
– ⅓ cup corn syrup
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 egg, lightly beaten

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the tart shells
1. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into pea-sized pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while stirring the mixture with a fork until the dough comes together.
4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Making the pecan filling
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lightly beaten egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Assembling and baking the Mini Pecan Tarts
1. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness.
2. Use a small round cookie or biscuit cutter (approximately 2 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the rolled-out dough.
3. Gently press the dough circles into mini tart pans, ensuring they line the bottom and sides of each tart well.
4. Fill each tart shell with about a tablespoon of the pecan filling, being careful not to overflow.
5. Bake the Mini Pecan Tarts in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the tart shells are golden brown and the filling is set.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the tarts to cool completely before carefully removing them from the tart pans.

Tips and Variations:

– For a little extra crunch, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top of each tart before baking.
– If miniature tart pans are not available, you can use a standard muffin tin or opt for pre-made mini tart shells available in stores. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
– These Mini Pecan Tarts are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert.

Conclusion:

With their rich and buttery crust encasing a sweet and nutty filling, these Mini Pecan Tarts embody the essence of warmth and nostalgia. Whether served at holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply as a homemade treat, they are sure to melt hearts and create lasting memories. So go ahead, savor each and every bite of these tiny delights, keeping tradition alive one tart at a time.