Hot-Honey Pecan Cream Cheese Cups

These Hot-Honey Pecan Cream Cheese Cups strike the perfect balance between flaky, creamy, sweet, and spicy. Each bite brings together buttery puff pastry, velvety cream cheese, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of heat-kissed honey for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels both elegant and effortless. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a party spread, or just want an addictive little savory-sweet snack, these cups deliver big flavor in miniature form.

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup hot honey
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 package (1 sheet) puff pastry, thawed
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and slice it into 3-inch squares.
3. Gently press each square into the wells of a mini muffin tin to create small pastry cups.
4. In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, chopped pecans, hot honey, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and evenly combined.
5. Spoon the filling generously into each puff pastry cup.
6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden and puffed.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm.

Variation

• Maple-Pepper Bacon Cups
  Swap the pecans for finely chopped cooked bacon and replace hot honey with maple syrup mixed with a pinch of black pepper. This creates a smoky-sweet version perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Cups
  Add a teaspoon of chipotle paste or minced chipotles in adobo to the cream cheese mixture. The deep, smoky heat pairs incredibly well with the buttery pastry.
• Cranberry-Pecan Holiday Cups
  Fold in a spoonful of dried cranberries for a festive pop of sweetness and color. These make a fantastic holiday appetizer or Thanksgiving snack board addition.

Cooking Notes

1. The cream cheese should be fully softened for the smoothest filling and easiest mixing cold cream cheese can leave lumps.
2. Make sure the puff pastry stays cold until you’re ready to assemble; warm pastry becomes sticky and loses its flaky rise.
3. If using a nonstick muffin tin, greasing is optional, but a light spray can help the pastry cups release perfectly every time.

Serving Suggestions

1. Drizzle with Extra Hot Honey
   A final drizzle right before serving enhances the sweet heat and gives the cups a glossy, irresistible finish.
2. Pair with Fresh Herbs
   A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley brightens each bite and adds a touch of color for presentation.
3. Serve Alongside a Cheese Board
   These cups complement cured meats, fruits, and hard cheeses beautifully, making them a standout addition to any appetizer spread.

Tips

1. Cut Even Pastry Squares
   Consistent sizing helps the cups bake evenly and look uniform, especially if you’re presenting them for guests.
2. Chill the Filled Cups Before Baking
   A quick 5–10 minutes in the fridge can help the pastry hold its shape and puff more evenly during baking.
3. Adjust the Heat Level
   Use more or less hot honey depending on your preferred spice level mild honey still works beautifully if serving a crowd.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: ~3 g
• Sodium: ~150 mg (estimated, varies by brand)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the cups and refrigerate before baking, or bake them fully and reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
2. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
   You can, but the texture will be crispier and more delicate. Stack several layers of phyllo to create sturdy cups.
3. What can I substitute for hot honey?
   Regular honey plus a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes works perfectly in a pinch.
4. How should leftovers be stored?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Conclusion

These Hot-Honey Pecan Cream Cheese Cups are the kind of bite-sized treats that disappear almost instantly flaky, creamy, sweet, spicy, and downright delightful. Easy to assemble and endlessly customizable, they’re a surefire favorite for parties, holidays, or any day you want something delicious without much fuss. Enjoy every warm, indulgent bite!