Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Oh, the joy of winter treats! Today, I’m thrilled to share my favorite indulgence: the Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Recipe. These delightful little morsels perfectly blend the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of hot cocoa and a refreshing hint of peppermint. If you love the cozy vibes of winter and the sweetness of the holiday season, then these bites are going to become your new go-to treat!

What makes this recipe truly special is its unique combination of flavors that transports you straight to a snowy evening by the fireplace, wrapped in a warm blanket. The creamy cheesecake base is enhanced with a touch of cocoa and a splash of peppermint, creating a delightful balance that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which means you can whip them up for gatherings or simply treat yourself on a chilly afternoon.

Whether you’re entertaining friends, looking for a festive dessert to bring to a party, or just want a sweet bite to enjoy while watching your favorite holiday movie, these Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites are sure to impress. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into this deliciously festive recipe together!

Ingredient Notes

Creating the perfect Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites requires some delightful ingredients that bring together the rich flavors of chocolate, cheesecake, and peppermint. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cream Cheese: The base of the cheesecake. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. You can substitute with a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake. You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you prefer a low-sugar version.
Heavy Cream: This helps create a smooth and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream.
Chocolate Cocoa Powder: This is essential for that rich chocolate flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for best results.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: These add a refreshing minty flavor and a bit of crunch. You can substitute with peppermint extract if you don’t have candies on hand. Use about 1 teaspoon for a strong peppermint flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake. Pure vanilla extract is preferable, but you can also use imitation vanilla.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These serve as the base for the cheesecake bites. You can use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed nuts for a low-carb option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these scrumptious Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites!

Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until the crumbs are well coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined mini muffin tin. Place it in the refrigerator while we prepare the cheesecake filling.
Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz. of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Beat until everything is well combined and there are no lumps.
Add the peppermint crunch: Gently fold in 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies into the cheesecake mixture. This adds that delightful minty crunch!
Fill the crust: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
Chill: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake bites are set. For best results, overnight chilling is recommended.
Serve: Once set, carefully remove the cheesecake bites from the tin. You can garnish with additional crushed peppermint candies or whipped cream if desired, making them extra festive!

Tips & Suggestions

To ensure your Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites turn out perfectly, consider these handy tips:

Temperature matters: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smooth and creamy filling.
Chilling time: Don’t rush the chilling process. Allowing the bites to set properly ensures they hold their shape when served.
Experiment with flavors: While peppermint is a classic, you can switch it up by using other extracts like almond or orange for a unique twist.
Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top before serving. It adds a rich touch and looks stunning!

Storage

These Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites are perfect for making ahead of time, which is why knowing how to store them is important:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They stay fresh and delicious!
Freezing: If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze them. Place the bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites at your next gathering or simply as a sweet treat for yourself. Happy baking!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of winter, the Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Recipe is a must-try! These little bites are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and rich hot cocoa flavors, all topped off with a refreshing hint of peppermint. They’re not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season or any cozy gathering. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland of flavor. So gather your ingredients, get ready to indulge, and enjoy every moment of making the Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Recipe!