Mint Chocolate Cookie Cheesecake Bites
Indulge in these delightful Mint Chocolate Cookie Cheesecake Bites, crafted with a crunchy mint-chocolate cookie base and a rich, creamy, slightly green cheesecake filling. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations or any time you crave a minty chocolate treat. These individual cheesecakes are a hit with kids and adults alike, and are a unique creation meant to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chocolate and Mint Cookies
18-24 (such as Keebler Grasshoppers or Girl Scout Thin Mints)
Cream Cheese
16 oz (softened)
Granulated Sugar
1 1/4 cups
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/3 cup
All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons
Large Eggs
3 (beaten lightly)
Chocolate Mint Extract
1/2 teaspoon (or variation of mint and chocolate extracts or chocolate liqueur)
Sour Cream
2 cups (divided evenly for filling and topping)
Green Food Coloring
3 drops
Granulated Sugar
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Line a regular muffin tin with 18-24 foil cupcake liners.
3
Place one mint chocolate cookie at the bottom of each lined muffin cup to form the crust.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and flour until smooth and fully combined.
5
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
6
Stir in 1 cup of sour cream and the chocolate mint extract (or your preferred variations of mint and chocolate extracts). Mix until fully integrated.
7
Add 3 drops of green food coloring, stirring gently until the color is even throughout.
8
Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cookie bases in the prepared muffin tin.
9
Bake the cheesecakes for 20-25 minutes until the edges are set and the centers still appear slightly soft but do not jiggle.
10
Allow the cheesecakes to cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes.
11
In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and the vanilla extract to create the topping.
12
Spoon a dollop of the sour cream topping onto each cheesecake, spreading it gently and evenly.
13
Let the cheesecakes cool completely in the tins, which should take about 30 minutes.
14
Chill the cheesecakes thoroughly in the refrigerator before serving, ideally for a few hours.
15
For an extra touch, crumble additional mint chocolate cookies to sprinkle on top, and optionally add a fresh mint leaf for garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mint Chocolate Cookie Cheesecake Bites?
These are individual cheesecake desserts featuring a mint-chocolate cookie crust and a creamy green-tinted mint chocolate filling.
What kind of cookies are recommended for the base?
You should use chocolate and mint cookies such as Keebler Grasshoppers or Girl Scout Thin Mints.
How do I make the crust for these cheesecake bites?
The crust is incredibly simple; just place one whole mint chocolate cookie at the bottom of each lined muffin cup.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for baking these cheesecakes.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes between 18 and 24 individual cheesecake bites.
What type of cupcake liners should I use?
The recipe recommends using foil cupcake liners in a regular muffin tin.
What are the main ingredients for the cheesecake filling?
The filling consists of cream cheese, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, flour, eggs, sour cream, and chocolate mint extract.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it beats smoothly with the sugar and cocoa.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 3 large eggs, added one at a time to the cream cheese mixture.
What flavor extracts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses chocolate mint extract for the filling and vanilla extract for the topping.
Can I substitute the chocolate mint extract?
Yes, you can use a variation of mint and chocolate extracts or even a chocolate liqueur.
How do you get the cheesecake to look green?
Add approximately 3 drops of green food coloring to the filling and stir gently until the color is even.
What is the purpose of sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream is used in two ways: one cup is mixed into the cheesecake filling, and the other cup is used to create a creamy topping.
How long do the bites need to bake?
Bake the cheesecakes for 20-25 minutes.
How can I tell when the cheesecake bites are finished baking?
They are done when the edges are set and the centers appear slightly soft but do not jiggle.
Do I need to let them cool in the tin?
Yes, allow them to cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before adding the topping.
How do you make the cheesecake topping?
Mix 1 cup of sour cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How should the topping be applied?
Spoon a dollop of the sour cream mixture onto each cheesecake and spread it gently and evenly.
What is the total cooling time before refrigeration?
After adding the topping, let them cool completely in the tins for about 30 minutes.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the cheesecake bites?
Yes, they should be chilled thoroughly in the refrigerator, ideally for a few hours, before serving.
What are some recommended garnishes for these bites?
You can sprinkle crumbled mint chocolate cookies on top and add a fresh mint leaf for a decorative touch.
Is this recipe suitable for St. Patrick's Day?
Yes, with its green filling and mint chocolate profile, it is specifically suggested for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Can children help make this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is a hit with kids and is considered an easy, festive treat to prepare.
How much cocoa powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Do I need to crush the cookies for the crust?
No, you use the cookies whole to form the crust at the bottom of the liners.
What makes these cheesecakes 'unique'?
The combination of a whole cookie crust, a chocolate-mint flavored green filling, and a sweet sour cream topping makes them a unique dessert.
What size of eggs should I use?
The recipe specifies using 3 large eggs.
Is any flour used in the cheesecake batter?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are included in the filling mixture.
Can I use paper liners instead of foil?
While foil is recommended for better structure and release, paper liners can be used if foil ones are unavailable.
How much sugar is in the topping vs the filling?
The filling uses 1 1/4 cups of sugar, while the topping uses only 2 tablespoons.