Name: Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 100 g Oreo Cookies Crushed with the filling; 30 g butter melted; 450 g cream cheese; 150 g granulated sugar; 20 g all purpose flour; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 60 g heavy cream; 2 eggs; red & green food coloring as needed; Whipped cream as needed; Sprinkles as needed

There’s something incredibly festive and fun about bite-sized treats during the holidays, and this Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites Recipe seriously hits the spot. With their creamy texture, vibrant red and green swirls, and the perfect Oreo crust, these little cheesecakes make holiday gatherings even more joyful and delicious.

The image shows six festive cupcakes on a white lace doily over a white marbled surface. Each cupcake has five layers starting from the bottom with a dark chocolate crust, followed by a cream-colored layer, a bright red middle layer, another cream layer, and a green top layer. The top of the cupcakes is decorated with a large swirl of white frosting sprinkled with red, green, and gold sprinkles. Each has a golden star-shaped candy on top. In the foreground, some red and green Christmas decorations add to the festive feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of cheesecakes in my kitchen, but there’s just something about these mini bites that makes holiday baking fun and manageable. They’re perfectly portioned, look gorgeous, and don’t require much fancy equipment. Plus, the Oreo crust is a delightful surprise that adds a little extra indulgence.

Perfectly Portion-Controlled: These mini cheesecakes give you just the right bite, so there’s no guilt and everyone can enjoy a couple without overindulging.
Festive and Fun: The red and green marbled batter adds holiday cheer and makes your dessert table instantly joyful.
Simple Ingredients, Amazing Outcome: Using everyday ingredients like Oreos and cream cheese, you create something that tastes and looks special.
Make Ahead Friendly: These bites hold up beautifully in the fridge and even freeze well, making holiday prep more relaxed.

The image shows five colorful cupcakes arranged on a round white plate with an intricate white doily underneath. Each cupcake has three visible layers: the bottom layer is yellow, the middle layer has a mix of green and blue swirls, and the top layer is a thin red edge. On top of each cupcake is a generous swirl of white whipped cream with red, green, and gold sprinkles scattered all over. One cupcake has a round green candy placed in the center of the whipped cream. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred festive decoration visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites Recipe plays a key role in both texture and flavor. The Oreo crust gives the base a lovely crunch and chocolatey note, while the cream cheese filling stays soft and creamy. The red and green food coloring isn’t just for show—it helps bring that festive swirl to life.

Flat lay of crushed Oreo cookies with visible white filling in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with melted golden butter, a block of smooth cream cheese, a small white bowl of granulated white sugar, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a fresh lemon with some zest grating, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl containing vibrant green liquid food coloring, a small white bowl containing bright red liquid food coloring, a swirl of fresh whipped cream on a white ceramic plate, and colorful round sprinkles scattered neatly on the surface, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Oreo Cookies: I love using the full Oreo, including the filling, for that extra sweetness and moisture in the crust.
Butter: Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs into a firm, flavorful base.
Cream Cheese: The hero of any cheesecake—make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps and get a smooth batter.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake just right without overpowering the cream cheese.
All-Purpose Flour: Adds just enough structure so your mini cheesecakes hold their shape without being cakey.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the richness and brings warmth to the flavor.
Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness.
Heavy Cream: Makes the batter silky and creamy—don’t skip this!
Eggs: Eggs provide the stability and richness needed for the perfect cheesecake texture.
Red & Green Food Coloring: For that classic Christmas vibe—just a few drops go a long way.
Whipped Cream & Sprinkles: The finishing touch for that extra festive look and a soft contrast to the tangy cheesecake.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites Recipe is a canvas for your creativity. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or swap the Oreo for ginger cookies to mix things up — both ways are delightful. You can also tailor the sweetness or add a splash of your favorite liqueur for an adult twist.

Variation: Once, I mixed in a handful of crushed peppermint candies into the crust for an extra festive crunch — it's a holiday game changer!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 150°C (about 300°F) and lining a cupcake tray with casings to make cleanup easier. Crush those Oreos, fillings and all—I prefer the food processor, but a zip-lock bag and rolling pin work well too. Mix the crushed cookies with melted butter until every crumb is coated. Then, press about a tablespoon of this mixture firmly into each cupcake liner using the bottom of a small rolling pin or your fingers. The key is a compact base that won't crumble when you eat it.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth—this usually takes 30 to 60 seconds and scraping down the bowl helps keep lumps at bay. Add sugar, flour, and lemon zest, and give the mix another quick beat. Then, add both eggs along with vanilla extract, blending just enough so everything is combined without overmixing — you want a smooth batter, but too much air will cause cracks.

Step 3: Color and Marble the Batter

Gently fold in the heavy cream to keep the batter luscious and creamy. Scoop about one-third of the batter into two separate bowls and add red food coloring to one and green to the other until you get that beautiful holiday hue. You’ll pour these colors over the plain batter in your cupcake liners and then use a skewer to create a festive marbled pattern — just swirl the tip lightly in a circular motion, being careful not to touch the crust.

Step 4: Bake and Chill to Perfection

Pop the tray into the oven with a baking dish full of water inside to keep things moist during baking. Bake for about 20 minutes, then leave the cheesecakes in the warm oven for another 5 minutes to finish gently. Afterward, let them cool at room temperature for 15 minutes before refrigerating—for at least 4 hours, or better overnight—to let the flavors develop and the texture set beautifully.

Step 5: Unmold and Add the Festive Toppings

Once chilled, carefully peel off the cupcake liners—this is where the firm crust makes a difference. Top each cheesecake bite with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of your favorite holiday sprinkles. These little beauties are now ready to wow your guests.

Top Tip

When I first made these Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites, I learned that the water bath in the oven really makes a difference in getting that smooth, crack-free surface. Moist heat prevents the cheesecakes from drying out or cracking.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs aren't cold—warm ingredients blend better and give a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overbeating introduces air bubbles that can cause cracks and holes; mix just until combined for a creamy texture.
Press the Crust Firmly: A well-packed crust keeps the base intact when you peel off the liners or bite in.
Use a Water Bath or Baking Dish with Water: It keeps the oven humid and creates a tender, smooth cheesecake surface every time.

How to Serve Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Christmas Cheesecake Bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these cheesecake bites with homemade whipped cream because it adds lightness and balances the richness of the cheesecake. Toss on some Christmas-themed sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a pop of color and crunch — these small touches make them extra special on your holiday dessert table.

Side Dishes

These mini cheesecakes pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced mulled wine. For larger gatherings, I serve them alongside fresh fruit platters or a selection of seasonal cookies to keep the dessert offerings varied and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging these Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites Recipe on a tiered cake stand sprinkled with pine sprigs and fairy lights. Another fun idea is to serve them in individual clear cups with a dollop of whipped cream and a mini candy cane perched on top — so cute and grab-and-go friendly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, which is perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday weekend without rushing to finish them all at once.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well for these cheesecake bites. I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then stash them in a freezer-safe container. When you want a treat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating needed. But if you want to take the chill off, let the bites sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving — smooth and luscious without losing any of that creamy charm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While Oreos add a classic chocolate flavor, you can swap them out with ginger snaps, graham crackers, or even chocolate wafer cookies depending on your preference. Just crush them finely and mix with butter for a sturdy crust.

How do I avoid cracks on the cheesecakes?

The key to crack-free cheesecakes is to avoid overmixing your batter and to use a water bath or place a small baking dish filled with water in the oven while baking. This keeps the environment moist and prevents the cakes from drying out and cracking.

Can I make these mini cheesecakes without food coloring?

Yes! The red and green swirls are purely for festive styling. If you prefer a natural look or want to skip artificial dyes, feel free to make the batter plain or add other natural coloring like beet juice or spinach powder for a healthier twist.

How long should I chill these cheesecakes before serving?

Chilling for at least 4 hours is essential for firm, creamy mini cheesecakes. I usually make them a day ahead to make sure the texture is perfect and they’re fully set, which also helps with peeling off the cupcake liners easily.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Christmas Cheesecake Bites Recipe are a holiday favorite of mine because they bring so much joy in small packages — perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging yourself a little. Once you try them, I’m confident you’ll keep this recipe in your holiday rotation for years to come. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a creamy, colorful cheesecake bite to make the season brighter.