These gorgeous Mini Peppermint Cheesecake Bites with an Oreo crust are perfect on a holiday party tray and so delicious and impressive.
This Peppermint Cheesecake recipe is a holiday treat I've been making every year for the past few seasons. This is the recipe you want if you're looking for something fairly simple, that tastes delicious and is festive yet also looks stunning on a holiday plate!
I love serving these Peppermint Cheesecake Bites at my annual Christmas dinner, too; they're the perfect sweet, elegant treat at the end of our meal. I usually put out mini cheesecakes, Christmas cookies, and bars as well as some quick bread and cheese. They're also make-ahead and are easy to pick up without much fuss. I know you'll love these little beauties as much as I do.
How to Make Cheesecake Bites
Making cheesecake bites (or mini cheesecakes) is just as easy as one whole cheesecake. The only difference is that you'll use a mini cheesecake pan instead of the traditional springform pan. Don't try to use a tart or mini muffin pan since you need to be able to push the mini cheesecakes up and out from the bottom.
For these Peppermint Cheesecake Bites, don't be intimidated by the two cheesecake layers or the chocolate star toppers. You will only make one batter then divide it into two and color one pink. You could certainly omit this step if you prefer as it won't have any effect on the final flavor, but it looks so pretty so I hope you don't!
Can you freeze cheesecake?
You can definitely freeze cheesecake! In fact, I'll often double this mini cheesecake recipe just so I can have some ready when a craving strikes. They're the perfect size since I can take just one out and let it thaw on the counter for about 30-45 minutes, and I know I won't overdo it. Whole cheesecakes can be frozen just as easily, although you may want to freeze it in individual slices to make it easier to thaw.
Tips & Variations
- Use full fat cream cheese.
- Make up to 3 days ahead. Let them cool completely, wrap and store in the fridge.
- Oreos or any chocolate sandwich cookies will work.
- Experiment with different types of Oreo flavors or substitute with crushed chocolate Teddy Grahams, waffle cone, or graham crackers.
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts, almonds or pecans.
- Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream or ice cream.
Mini Peppermint Cheesecakes
These gorgeous Mini Peppermint Cheesecake Bites are perfect on a holiday party tray and so delicious and impressive.
Ingredients
- 12 Oreos, crushed fine
- 3 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, (can use all white sugar if preferred)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
- ½ cup melted chocolate for drizzling over cheesecakes, (extra if you want to make stars and hearts for toppers)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a mini cheesecake pan.
- Combine melted butter and finely crushed Oreos in a small bowl. Place a heaping teaspoon (more or less, depending on how much you like crust) in each cheesecake well. Press down with fingertips.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until well mixed. Add eggs, vanilla and peppermint extracts; beat until light and fluffy.
- Divide batter between the wells. (For two colors, fill halfway, add food coloring to remaining batter and finish filling). Bake for 13-15 minutes. Cool.
- Meanwhile, pipe chocolate stars and hearts onto parchment paper or lightly greased tinfoil. Work quickly and add sprinkles before chocolate hardens to ensure they stick well. Allow to harden. (OPTIONAL)
- Push each cheesecake out of its well from the bottom. With a thin spatula, remove each cheesecake from the bottom plate and place on parchment paper or lightly greased tinfoil. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy. Drizzle with melted chocolate and place a chocolate heart or star on each cheesecake.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 666Saturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 152mgSodium: 430mgCarbohydrates: 65gFiber: 1gSugar: 52gProtein: 8g
More delicious cheesecake recipes:
- Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate-Stuffed Raspberries
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
- Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes with Bourbon Pecan Caramel Sauce
- Grilled Pineapple No-Bake Cheesecakes
- Lemon Instant Pot Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Instant Pot Cheesecake with a Granola Crust
- Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake (A Make-Ahead Holiday Favorite) - September 29, 2025
- Cucumber and Pineapple Salad with Hot Honey - July 23, 2025
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Taylor Kiser says
These have my name all over them!
Brandie says
Gorgeous AND easy!
Jennifer Blake says
These look so elegant! Who doesn't have room for a mini cheesecake at the end of a meal??? 🙂
Joanna says
My sister and I just made this for a work party. Boy, they are so precious! They will think a professional made these. Thanks for the recipe. Who can resist chocolate and peppermint with a beautiful star on top?
Joanna says
Oh, forgot to mention. We used what we had on hand which worked out perfect. Trader Joe's has a candy cane version of their Joe Joe's. It's their cookie that's just like oreos. These worked very well.
Kristy Bernardo says
Thanks fantastic, Joanna! I just love these little beauties, too - aren't they fun? So glad you enjoyed them. Cheers!!
Vegan girl says
These look so great, Kristy! These cheesecakes are awesome! Thank you for this wonderful recipe!!!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Vegan girl! xoxo
Minnie@thelady8home says
I just came upon this post Kristy, and it is sending shivers down my spine. I live about a 100 miles from Sandy Hook. The schools in my town have changed, all of us treated with security checks and IDied, the open and responsive atmosphere replaced by a gloomy, depressed one. And the politicians haven't changed, and won't, until a greedy gun lobyist and an even more greedy politician loose their own children to this evil, nothing is going to change.
I kiss my children more often now a days...give them hugs for no reason, and they seem to understand it too, and return them with no inhibitions.
the wicked noodle says
Hugs, Minnie. Such a terrible thing, unfathomable. Even more sad now that the Senate voted against background checks. Thanks for stopping by, xoxo
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I love small desserts. I look forward to a treat after a nice meal but often it's so much I end up wasting it. These look great.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Maureen 🙂
Jen Laceda | Tartine and Apron Strings says
The Sandy Hook tragedy has really affected me as well, being a mother of 3. I cannot fathom the pain and sorrow the bereaved families and community are feeling right now. In a way, I am glad I live in Canada, where is it generally "safer" compared to the States (relying on crime stats here). But it only takes one crazed gunman to wreak such unnecessary violence. Sometimes, even with the best prevention or security, it only takes one man to snap. The world is a scary place, but I guess, we are all just trying to live peacefully and safely day by day.
On a different note, this cheesecake looks awesome! I'm lungeing into my screen and writing this comment at the same time! It's that tasty-looking!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks so much, Jen! Happy Holidays!
Kendra Nguyen says
I don't care for peppermint, but that dessert looks fantastic. Considering that it's paired with cheese cake might make me reconsider. 🙂
the wicked noodle says
LOL, Kendra!
Nik@ABrownTable says
Kristy, I love personalized desserts especially for holiday parties. This looks wonderful! Happy holidays.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Nik!
wok with ray says
News media are not interested in delivering good events anymore, so good events in a jar is an excellent idea and most especially doing it with your kids. This mini cheesecake is beautiful as always. Have a Merry Christmas to you and your family, Kristy! 🙂
the wicked noodle says
Thank you, Ray!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
The jar idea is wonderful - really a great idea! Also, your cheesecakes are very lovely.
the wicked noodle says
Thank you, Amy! xo
lisaiscooking says
What a great way to move forward--by showing gratitude and compassion. And, I love the idea of the good times jar. What a great collection of memories you'll have at the end of the year! These pretty, little cheesecakes must have been delightful treats. I want one for breakfast!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks so much, Lisa! Happy Holidays to you!
Valerie says
Your "Good Times Jar" is brilliant! Huge changes are definitely needed. I've enjoyed watching Piers Morgan fight for those changes the last few nights on CNN. (Okay, so I may have a small crush on him. But...) 😉
These mini cheesecakes are adorable! Oreo crust, be still my heart!. Happy holidays, Kristy! *peace and love to all* xo
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, V! Wish I could claim credit although I love the idea no matter whose it was 🙂 I've been watching Piers every night, too, and WOW...he has been really giving it to the gun rights activists. I've never seen anything like it. (I may have a small crush, too!!)
Hope your holiday is as wonderful as you are, my friend. You've definitely added to my life this year - thanks for that! oxo
Cathy @ Noble Pig says
I wish you the best my friend. Everytime I feel over this tradgedy it hits me again. I read the food blog of the woman who's grandson was killed, Noah, and oh my goodness. It's heartbreaking. Have a wonderful time with your family. And I love my mini cheesecake pan, which is what it looks like you used here! They look awesome! Merry Christmas.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, my friend. I'm so fortunate to have met you this year!! Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday. See you in 2013!!
Jenny @ BAKE says
these are so cute! hope you have a great Christmas holiday!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Jenny!! You do the same!! xoxo
Jen @ Savory Simple says
One of the most beautiful holiday treats I've ever seen!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks so much, Jen!!
Lynna says
These are ADORABLE! i`ve always wanted a mini cheesecake pan to make stuff like this!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Lynna 🙂
john@kitchenriffs says
Some really great thoughts. Thanks for those. Thanks also for such a nice recipe. Cheesecake is good anytime, and the mint is so appropriate. Good recipe, but you could have stopped before you got to it - the opening is so excellent.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks John. Wishing you a wonderful holiday and even better 2013!
Amy says
So well said, Kristy.
I can't believe how much I've cried since Friday. How sad I've been...how MAD I've been. How this continues to happen. How are Americans not outraged?! The gun lobby is so strong. And our politicians are so greedy, I fear it will never change - not even 20 innocent young sweet children slaughtered will get them to change. Until a senator's own child is shot, they were just look the other way.
I'm usually so hung up on my blog, sometimes (dare I say, even frequently..yeesh) irritated with my kids when they interrupt my writing or photographing. No more. I will work when they are at school, and once they're home, they get my attention. They deserve that. Life is too precious and too short.
I actually just implemented a "Caught Ya Being Good" jar. When "catch them" doing a good deed, being polite, using good manners, etc, they get a poker chip to put in their own cup. When the cup reaches the top, then we'll go out for ice cream. But I love your idea even more, because it's completely unselfish - the reward is seeing all the good things they did all year long.
Hugs to you during the holidays and always.
Amy
the wicked noodle says
Ahhh, Amy....I agree with it all. I think your idea is great, too! I just love the idea of all of us being able to look back at all the good times we had together. Even if something good happens with work, or school, or to a friend - those are all things that we can celebrate. I know that a lot of things happened last Jan, Feb, March...but can I remember them? Not really.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I hope you & the family have the best holiday ever!! Love you to pieces. xoxo
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
So glad you wrote that post in May because that's how I found your blog! 🙂 These are the cutest little cheesecakes and I love the new tradition you're starting with your family!
the wicked noodle says
I'm so glad you found me because that's how I found you, too! Wishing you the merriest of seasons, Laura! xoxo
RaqueL @ Organized Island says
Those mini cheesecakes look divine! I received the wonderful colander set from the recent Twitter party - thank you so much! Hope you have a wonderful Chistmas!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Raquel! I'm so happy you got the colander set. I picked out gifts that I would love to get myself & I'm really happy you like it! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and an amazing 2013. Hugs to you!!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
This post totally broke me down... I am crying as I type this so forgive any typos... The Sandy Hook left me so grateful for what we have and made me promise myself that I will cherish and appreciate it all everyday. Your idea of "Good Times Jar" is so beautiful! You are an amazing person, amazing mother, amazing friend. Have a wonderful and sweet Christmas! xoxo PS: These little cheesecakes are stunning!
the wicked noodle says
And now I'm tearing up reading your sweet comment! Thank you, Anna. You're definitely one of the people I'm grateful for. Wishing you and your family a very safe and very joyous holiday!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
{{{{hugs}}}}}
Amy says
Kristy - these look so wonderful! And I swear - there is nothing better than a mini dessert... You just never feel like you are having "too much".
Take care!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks so much, Amy! I hope you have a happy holiday season! xo