Pecan Pick-Ups
Pecan Pick-Ups are sweet, nutty pastries with a cream cheese and pecan filling, perfect for snacking or entertaining, offering rich flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, butter or margarine, and self-rising flour until well mixed.
- Divide the mixture into 24 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
- Press each ball into a greased miniature muffin tin to form a pastry crust.
- Mix the chopped pecans, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- Fill each pastry crust with the pecan mixture.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and allowing it to come to room temperature before mixing. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired, or even use a gluten-free flour blend in place of self-rising flour. If the dough is too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes can make shaping easier. Also, these Pecan Pick-Ups can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Pecan Pick-Ups make a delightful dessert or snack on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving them alongside Easy Cheesecake Bars for a dessert platter, or with fresh fruit for a balanced treat. They can be a great addition to holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through. This will help maintain their texture and taste, ensuring they remain delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Pick-Ups contains roughly 136 calories, with 2g protein, 20g 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 regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour. Just add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour to mimic self-rising flour. This will help achieve the desired texture in your Pecan Pick-Ups.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape it into balls, then freeze them for up to a month. When you're ready to bake, simply place the frozen balls in the muffin tin and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Both will provide a similar creaminess, though the flavor might vary slightly. Adjust the sweetness if needed, particularly with yogurt, as it can be tangier.
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).