When searching for an ideal cool-weather sweet, comforting, tried-and-true recipes are the first that come to mind. Just in time for fall, TeaTime reader Karen Haynes sent us her recipe for a season-perfect teatime treat.

Pecan Tassies

Makes 24 tassies

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter, divided
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
24 pecan halves

1. In a large bowl and using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine 1/2 cup butter and cream cheese; beat until well combined. Reduce mixer speed to low, and add the flour. Beat until combined. Wrap the dough tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

2. Preheat oven to 325˚.

3. Shape dough into 24 (1-inch) balls, and place in the wells of a mini muffin pan. Press the dough evenly into bottoms and up the sides of the wells.

4. In a medium bowl and using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, remaining 1 tablespoon butter, and salt; beat until well combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.

5. Spoon the pecan filling evenly into each dough cup, and top each with a pecan half. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown. Remove from oven, and let cool for 10 minutes. Transfer the tassies to a wire rack, and cool completely.

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