Canadian Maple Butter Tarts

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

2. 2

   Make pastry by combining flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. 3

   Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap, and chill for 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Roll dough on a floured surface to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut 12 circles slightly larger than muffin cups.

5. 5

   Press pastry circles into muffin cups, trimming excess. Prick bottoms with a fork.

6. 6

   For filling, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

7. 7

   Add raisins or pecans to each tart shell if using, then divide maple filling evenly among shells, filling ¾ full.

8. 8

   Bake 15-20 minutes until pastry is golden and filling is set but still slightly jiggly in center.

9. 9

   Cool in pan 5 minutes, then carefully remove to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.