Holiday almond tassies are delightful bite-sized treats that bring a festive touch to your dessert table. These delicate pastry cups are filled with a sweet and rich almond filling, creating a beautiful combination of buttery, nutty goodness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special gift, these tassies offer a lovely balance of crisp pastry and creamy filling. Their elegant appearance and irresistible flavor make them a standout during the holiday season, and they’re sure to become a cherished tradition in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Make the Pastry: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Form the Tassies: Divide the chilled dough into 24 equal portions and press each portion into the bottom and up the sides of the mini muffin cups to form small pastry cups.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, egg, and almond extract until smooth. Stir in the chopped almonds.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon about a teaspoon of the almond filling into each pastry cup, filling them almost to the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy these delicate, nutty almond tassies as a sweet holiday treat that’s perfect for sharing!
