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I stumbled upon these Mini Peppermint Cheesecakes a while back and they've become my go-to holiday treat. I've tweaked the recipe over time to get it just right. There's something truly special about the mix of silky cheesecake and fresh peppermint. Whenever I bring these to gatherings, folks can't stop raving about how cute and tasty they are.
What Makes These Irresistible
What I love most about these tiny treats is how they blend the velvety cheesecake texture with dark chocolate and cool peppermint. They're small enough for any party and you can decorate them any way you fancy. I always notice people's eyes light up when these appear on my dessert spread.
Your Shopping List
- Oreos: 10 smashed cookies to create that dark chocolate foundation.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons melted, to hold your crust together.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces full-fat, room temperature, for that luscious filling.
- Sour Cream: 2 tablespoons, adding a nice zip and creaminess.
- Sugar: 1/3 cup granulated, for the right amount of sweetness.
- Peppermint Extract: 1/2 teaspoon, giving that cool mint kick.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: 1/4 cup, for little pockets of chocolate goodness.
- Peppermint Chips: 1/4 cup, adding holiday color and crunch.
- Egg: 1 large, to bind everything nicely.
- Whipped Cream: Handmade or bought, for the fluffy topping.
- Candy Cane Kisses: To make them look pretty and taste amazing.
Step-by-Step Creation
- Build Your Base
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Turn Oreos into fine crumbs, mix with melted butter, and push into your greased mini cheesecake tin. Pop in the oven for 8 minutes.
- Whip Up The Filling
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and peppermint extract until it's nice and smooth. Add the egg, then fold in your peppermint and mini chocolate chips.
- Cook Your Treats
- Spoon filling over the cooled bases, making sure they're all even. Bake for 20 minutes until they've set. Cool for half an hour, then stick them in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Finish With Flair
- Swirl whipped cream on top of your chilled cheesecakes and pop a Candy Cane Kiss on each one. They taste best when served right away.
Handy Tricks
Don't skimp on the cream cheese, always go full-fat for the creamiest results. I like to stick my mixing bowl in the freezer before making whipped cream, it works so much better. Sometimes I'll add a tiny bit of pink coloring to make them more festive. And if peppermint chips aren't at your store, chopped Andes mints work just as well.
Storage Smarts
These tiny treats will stay yummy in your fridge for about 2 days if you keep them in a sealed container. Want to plan ahead? You can freeze them without the whipped cream for up to a month. Just let them thaw in your fridge overnight before adding the fancy toppings.
The Magic Touch
The way the dark Oreo base works with the minty cream filling and pretty decorations is just wonderful. Their bite-size shape makes them perfect for parties and they bring such holiday cheer to any dessert table. I've noticed they don't last long when I put them out.
Twist It Around
You can switch things up with graham cracker bases or try different flavors instead of mint. Adding some melted chocolate on top of the whipped cream looks amazing, and broken candy canes give a nice bit of crunch. You've got tons of ways to put your own spin on them.
Quick Shortcuts
I find it handy to get the base and filling done ahead of time. While they're in the oven, I'll get my cream topping ready. For those nice swirls on top, you just need to pipe slowly and carefully. These little shortcuts make everything run smoother.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What if I only have a big cupcake pan?
- Go ahead! Just double both the crust and filling amounts, line the pan, and bake 25-30 minutes. Jiggle the pan to check when done.
- → Why do I need room-temp ingredients?
- Mixing is easier and smoother when everything’s at room temperature, which helps avoid a lumpy cheesecake.
- → How long can I store them?
- Pop them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freeze for a month if wrapped tightly, but wait to add whipped cream until serving.
- → Why does the top cave in?
- It’s totally normal! The dip holds whipped cream or other toppings nicely.
- → Can I change the toppings?
- Sure thing! Try crushed candies, sprinkles, or chocolate curls to mix it up.