Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a delightful treat that screams cozy winter vibes, you’ve got to try my hot cocoa peppermint cheesecake bites recipe! These little bites are a delicious mash-up of rich chocolatey goodness and refreshing peppermint flavor, making them the perfect indulgence for any holiday gathering or just a sweet pick-me-up on a chilly day. I remember the first time I made these; the aroma of cocoa filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to share them with friends. They were gone in no time! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on this creamy, dreamy dessert. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up—no baking required! Are you ready to dive into this fabulous recipe?
Ingredients List
To make these scrumptious hot cocoa peppermint cheesecake bites, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (to sweeten and create that silky texture)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (for that rich chocolate flavor)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (this is where the magic happens—add more if you like it minty!)
- 1 cup whipped cream (light and fluffy, it makes the filling dreamy)
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (for that festive crunch and extra peppermint punch)
- 1 package chocolate graham crackers (crushed, to create a delicious, chocolaty crust)
These ingredients come together to create a delightful combination of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more!
How to Prepare Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites
Making these hot cocoa peppermint cheesecake bites is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy treat ready to chill in no time. Trust me, the hardest part is waiting for them to set in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl. Beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the cocoa powder and peppermint extract to the bowl. Mix well until everything is combined and you have a luscious chocolatey filling. If you love that peppermint flavor, feel free to add a little extra extract!
- Now, gently fold in the whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies. This step is all about keeping that light, airy texture, so go slow and steady.
- Time to prepare the crust! Crush the chocolate graham crackers into fine crumbs and press them firmly into the bottom of a muffin tin or mini cupcake liners to form a base.
- Once your crust is ready, fill each cup with the cheesecake mixture, smoothing the top as you go. Don’t skimp—fill them generously!
- Finally, pop the tin into the fridge and let those bites chill for at least 2 hours. This is where the magic happens, and they firm up beautifully!
Once they’re set, you’ll have delightful bites that are perfect for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—no baking required!
- Rich chocolate flavor combined with refreshing peppermint for a perfect holiday treat.
- Perfectly portioned bites, making them easy to share at parties or gatherings.
- Decadently creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable—adjust the peppermint flavor to suit your taste!
- Festive and fun presentation that will impress your guests.
Tips for Success
Oh, I’ve got some great tips to make sure your hot cocoa peppermint cheesecake bites turn out absolutely perfect! First off, make sure your cream cheese is really softened; it’ll mix much easier and create that smooth, creamy texture we’re aiming for. If you want to switch things up, try using white chocolate instead of cocoa powder for a delightful twist on the classic flavor—yum!
Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the peppermint extract to your liking; a little more can really amp up that refreshing taste. And here’s a fun serving idea: sprinkle some extra crushed peppermint candies on top right before serving for a pop of color and crunch! Lastly, remember to let them chill long enough—patience is key for that perfect bite!
Nutritional Information Section
When indulging in my hot cocoa peppermint cheesecake bites, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Each bite is estimated to have around 120 calories, with 6g of fat and 2g of protein. You’ll also find about 15g of carbohydrates and 10g of sugar per serving. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. So, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, enjoy every delicious bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I make these cheesecake bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! These hot cocoa peppermint cheesecake bites can be made a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
No worries! You can substitute it with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile, or use crushed peppermint candies for that minty freshness.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes! While chocolate graham crackers are delicious, you could try using Oreo cookies or even a simple digestive biscuit crust for a fun twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
Can I freeze these cheesecake bites?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your hot cocoa peppermint cheesecake bites is super easy! Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but with how delicious they are, they might not last that long! If you want to freeze them, wrap each bite tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed—serve them chilled for the best taste and texture!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your hot cocoa peppermint cheesecake bites experience, consider pairing them with a warm cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint! It’s the perfect cozy duo. For an extra festive touch, serve them alongside a platter of fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, which adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast. You could also lay out some holiday cookies for a delightful dessert spread that guests will adore. Trust me, these combinations will make your treats even more irresistible!
For more delicious recipes, check out these chocolate chip cheesecake cookies or no-bake pumpkin cheesecake balls!
Print
Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Recipe You’ll Adore
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious treat combining hot cocoa and peppermint flavors in cheesecake bites.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 package chocolate graham crackers
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add cocoa powder and peppermint extract; mix well.
- Fold in whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.
- Crush chocolate graham crackers and press into the bottom of a muffin tin.
- Fill each cup with the cheesecake mixture.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use white chocolate for a different flavor.
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: hot cocoa peppermint cheesecake bites recipe