Nuts in a T-Shirt Recipe {Mini Pecan Pies}

Okay, everyone.  I have a confession.  I really don’t like cake that much.  *Gasp*  I know.  I much prefer pie to cake.  I love fruit pies, but sometimes I like to switch it up with a little pecan pie.  The problem?  Pecan pies are often so sweet that I can barely eat a whole slice.  The solution?  Mini pecan pies, or as my family affectionately calls them, Nuts in a T-Shirt.

(Side note: These kind of remind me of mini cupcakes, which reminded me of this hilarious rant from The Office.)

Ingredients for Nuts in a T-Shirt

Crust

• 1 stick salted butter (softened)
• 3 oz. package of cream cheese
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Filling

• 2/3 cup ground pecans
• 2/3 cup loosely packed light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. melted butter
• 1 egg (well-beaten)
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for sprinkling on finished cookies

You will also need a mini muffin tin and cooking spray.

Makes 24 mini pecan pies.

How to Make Nuts in a T-Shirt

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.

Pour the crust ingredients into a large bowl.  Mix all ingredients for the crust together with a mixer.

Spray your pan with cooking spray.  Break off enough dough to line each miniature muffin cup (about 1 1/2 Tbsp.).  Roll the dough into a ball and flatten.  Press the dough into the cup to cover the bottom and the sides.

Pour the filling ingredients into a medium bowl.  Mix all of the filling ingredients together with a spoon.

Spoon the filling into the dough-lined muffin tins.  Cups should be filled about 3/4 of the way full as the dough and filling expand while baking.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is a light golden brown.

Sprinkle powdered sugar for added taste and a pretty touch to your cookies.

We have traditionally used them as Christmas cookies, but I’ve been starting to make them for other occasions, too.  Enjoy!

For more delicious desserts, try making Cinnamon Apple Pie with a Lattice Crust.