Tea Cups
Delightful tea cups with a buttery, nutty filling featuring cream cheese and walnuts, perfect for afternoon tea or special gatherings, offering rich flavors in bite-sized treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together margarine, cream cheese, and salt.
- Add flour, mix, and make 24 small balls out of the mixture.
- Press each ball into an ungreased mini muffin pan, forming a cup.
- Mix together brown sugar, egg, and vanilla, then place 1 teaspoon into each muffin cup.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you don’t have walnuts, pecans or almonds are great alternatives. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help if it feels too sticky. For added flavor, consider a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cups make a delightful dessert or snack, perfect for afternoon tea or coffee breaks. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also go well with fresh fruit or a light salad, making them versatile for any occasion. They pair beautifully with Adeline'S Baked Macaroni And Cheese for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. For reheating, microwave briefly or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore their fresh texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tea Cups contains roughly 182 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 13g 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 a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese as a substitute for cream cheese, which will give a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that the consistency may vary, so adjust the amount slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels too crumbly, try adding a small amount of milk or water, one teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. Alternatively, mixing in an extra tablespoon of softened margarine can also help to bind the dough effectively.
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and form the cups ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. The filled cups can also be frozen before baking; simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).