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I stumbled upon these cute Peppermint Mini Cheesecakes years back and they've turned into my go-to holiday treat. I've tweaked the recipe over time to get it just right. There's something magical about the way the smooth cheesecake pairs with the cool peppermint kick. Guests always grab seconds and ask for my secret whenever I bring them to holiday gatherings.
What Makes These Irresistible
What I love most is how these tiny treats blend the velvety cheesecake texture with bold chocolate and zingy peppermint. They're bite-sized which makes them great for get-togethers and you can top them any way you want. I can't count how many times people have swarmed the dessert table when they spot these little gems.
Your Shopping List
- Oreos: 10 smashed into crumbs to create that chocolatey foundation.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons liquified to hold the base together.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces regular softened so it blends smoothly.
- Sour Cream: 2 tablespoons for extra creaminess and slight tartness.
- Sugar: 1/3 cup plain white to balance the flavors.
- Peppermint Extract: 1/2 teaspoon giving that fresh winter taste.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: 1/4 cup scattered throughout for chocolate surprises.
- Peppermint Chips: 1/4 cup adding holiday color and mint crunch.
- Egg: 1 large to bind everything nicely.
- Whipped Cream: Either homemade or from the store for that cloud-like finish.
- Candy Cane Kisses: To crown your masterpieces with holiday charm.
Let's Make Them Together
- Start The Base
- Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pulverize Oreos completely, stir in melted butter, and push firmly into greased mini cheesecake slots. Pop in oven for 8 minutes.
- Mix Your Filling
- Whip cream cheese with sugar, sour cream, and peppermint extract until it's silky. Fold in the egg, then toss in those peppermint bits and tiny chocolate chips.
- Cook Those Cuties
- Spoon your mixture onto the cooled bases, filling each spot equally. Bake around 20 minutes until they don't jiggle. Cool them half an hour before chilling in the fridge at least 2 hours.
- Finish With Flair
- Swirl whipped cream on top of your chilled treats and stick a Candy Cane Kiss on each one. Serve right away for the wow factor.
Smart Shortcuts
Don't skimp on cream cheese fat content it really affects how creamy they turn out. I always stick my mixing bowl in the freezer before whipping cream it gets so fluffy that way. Sometimes I add a tiny bit of pink coloring to make them pop. When peppermint chips are nowhere to be found I chop up some Andes mints instead.
Storage Secrets
These tiny treats stay yummy in your fridge for about 2 days if you keep them covered. Want to plan ahead? You can freeze them without the cream topping for up to a month. Just let them thaw in your fridge overnight before adding the final touches.
The Wow Factor
The way that dark Oreo base meets the minty filling topped with those pretty garnishes just works. They're perfectly portioned and bring such a festive vibe to any holiday spread. I've never had leftovers no matter how many batches I make.
Switch Things Up
Try graham crackers for the bottom or swap in different flavor drops. Adding melted chocolate drizzled over the whipped topping looks stunning and sprinkling crushed candy canes gives a nice texture twist. You can totally put your own spin on these.
Quick Tricks
I often prep the bottoms and mixture beforehand. While they're in the oven I fix my whipped cream. For those perfect swirls just keep your hand steady when you're piping. These little time-savers make baking them so much more fun.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a regular muffin pan?
- Sure, but double up on crust and filling amounts. Use liners, bake for 25-30 minutes, and make sure the centers don’t jiggle too much when checking.
- → Why are room temp ingredients important?
- Cold ingredients don’t blend as well. Using room temp ensures no lumps and gives a creamier result.
- → How long can I keep them?
- They last 2 days in the fridge. Wait to add whipped cream until serving. For freezing, wrap them well, and they’ll be good for a month.
- → What causes sinking in the center?
- It’s normal for the middles to dip slightly, and it’s actually a great spot for holding whipped cream!
- → Can I switch up the toppings?
- Absolutely! Try crushed mints, chocolate curls, or whatever candy you like best.