Looking for the perfect treat to satisfy your mint and chocolate cravings? These Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes combine a creamy, mint-flavored cheesecake filling with a crunchy Oreo crust, all topped off with whipped cream and a piece of Andes mint. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a decadent everyday dessert, this recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious!
What Are Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes?
Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes are bite-sized desserts that feature a rich and creamy cheesecake base infused with peppermint and studded with chopped Andes mints. The crust is made with whole Oreo cookies, providing a perfect balance of chocolatey crunch to the minty creaminess. These mini cheesecakes are great for individual servings and make a show-stopping addition to any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps or techniques—perfect for beginners.
- Individual Servings: Great for parties or portion control.
- Festive and Fun: Add green food coloring for a St. Patrick’s Day vibe or other occasions.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: They chill beautifully in the fridge, so you can prepare them in advance.
Ingredients
- 12 Oreo cookies (for crust)
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
- ½ cup (85 g) Andes mints, chopped
- Whipped cream and extra Andes mints for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Place one Oreo cookie in the bottom of each liner to serve as the crust.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring, if using, to give the cheesecakes a minty hue.
- Gently fold in the chopped Andes mints.
Assembling and Baking
- Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, covering the Oreo crusts.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
Garnishing and Serving
- Once chilled, top each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a piece of Andes mint. Serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- These mini cheesecakes are perfect on their own, but for an extra indulgent touch, drizzle them with chocolate or mint syrup.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of mint tea for the ultimate dessert experience.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store leftover mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Place the cooled mini cheesecakes in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding whipped cream and garnishes.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies instead of Oreos.
- Vegan Version: Substitute cream cheese and whipped cream with plant-based alternatives, and use a vegan cookie for the crust.
- Extra Minty: Add a few drops of peppermint oil for an even stronger mint flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
FAQs
Can I make these without food coloring?
Absolutely! The green food coloring is optional and does not affect the flavor.
What can I use instead of Andes mints?
You can substitute chopped mint chocolate bars or even chocolate chips if Andes mints aren’t available.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily to make 24 mini cheesecakes—just use two muffin tins.
Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes are the ultimate combination of minty freshness and creamy decadence, all in a bite-sized dessert. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or a fun family treat, they’re sure to be a hit! Try this recipe today, and let us know how they turned out for you. Happy baking!