Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will guarantee the tarts bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

If making your own tart shells, combine all-purpose flour, cold butter, and water in a food processor to create a dough. Roll out the dough and cut it into rounds to fit into the cups of a mini muffin pan, pressing it gently into place.

In a separate bowl, prepare the pecan filling by mixing melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and chopped pecans. For added flavor, consider including vanilla extract or a pinch of salt. Pecan Butter Tarts are considered Canada's quintessential pastry, making them a beloved treat.

Once the tart shells are ready, fill each shell with the pecan filling, leaving a little space at the top for expansion during baking.

Place the mini muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the tarts are delicately browned and the filling is set.

After baking, allow the tarts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Extra Tips:

When making Buttery Pecan Tarts, consider toasting the pecans in the oven before adding them to the filling. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.

Be sure to store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

These tarts are best served at room temperature and can be presented beautifully on a tiered dessert stand for an impressive display.

Enjoy the process and feel free to involve kids in the baking, making it a fun and memorable activity!