Nut Cups
Nut Cups offer a delightful combination of flaky dough filled with a rich, nutty filling. The sweet and buttery flavors make them perfect for parties, holidays, or a special treat. Their crispy edges and gooey center appeal to both kids and adults alike, making them a versatile dessert option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, margarine, and cream cheese and refrigerate.
- Mix light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, and melted margarine.
- Cook the sugar mixture over low heat, watching closely as it burns easily.
- Add walnuts to the cooked mixture.
- Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut out rounds with a scalloped cookie cutter.
- Press the dough rounds into 1-inch muffin tins.
- Drop 1 teaspoon of filling into each cup, filling about 3/4 full as they will swell.
- Bake at 325°F for 20 to 25 minutes, avoiding overbrowning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, make sure your margarine and cream cheese are well-chilled before mixing. If you're out of light brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of maple syrup to the filling. Keep an eye on the cups while baking to prevent overbrowning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the nut cups warm or at room temperature as a delightful dessert or snack. They pair nicely with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a refreshing Ribbon Mold Salad for a colorful contrast. They also make great additions to dessert platters for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover nut cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for about a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness without drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nut Cups contains roughly 187 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts in the filling?
Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional, you can use pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them finely before adding them to the filling mixture.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of cold water or more melted margarine to help it bind together. Mix gently until it reaches a workable consistency. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
Can I freeze the nut cups?
Yes, you can freeze the nut cups! Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving or reheat directly from frozen.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).