Preheat oven to 325 degrees F . For pastry, in a mixing bowl beat the 1/2 cup butter and cream cheese until combined. Stir in the flour. Press a rounded teaspoon of pastry evenly into the bottom and up the sides of 24 ungreased 1 3/4-inch muffin cups.

For pecan filling, in a bowl beat egg, brown sugar, and the 1 tablespoon melted butter until combined. Stir in pecans. Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of filling into each pastry-lined muffin cup. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until pastry is golden and filling is puffed. Cool slightly in pan. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Makes 24 cookies.

Prepare as above, except instead of pecan filling, in a small saucepan heat and stir 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces and 2 tablespoons butter or margarine over low heat until melted; remove from heat. Stir in 1/3 cup sugar, 1 beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. If desired, place 1 hazelnut (filbert), almond, macadamia nut, or walnut piece in each pastry-lined muffin cup. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate mixture into each pastry-lined muffin cup. Bake in a 325 degrees F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until pastry is golden and filling is puffed. Continue as directed.