Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Can you believe the holidays are just around the corner?” I overheard a friend say the other day, and it hit me—it’s time to whip up some festive treats! If you’re like me, you love sharing delicious, homemade bites that make any gathering feel special. This is where my No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites come in—a delightful dessert that features a crunchy chocolate cookie base and a creamy, minty filling. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; with no baking required, it’s not only a time-saver but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings, these sweet little bites are sure to impress without the fuss. Curious how to make them? Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Why are No-Bake Cheesecake Bites a Must? Simplicity at its Finest: With just a few ingredients and no baking required, it’s a breeze to whip up these indulgent treats. Light and Refreshing: The minty flavor brings a refreshing twist, perfect for cutting through rich holiday meals. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These bites are always a hit at gatherings, leaving everyone craving more! Versatile Options: Swap chocolate cookies for graham crackers or drizzle with dark chocolate for creative variations. Try them alongside my Lime Mousse Cheesecake for a fantastic dessert spread! Make Ahead Magic: Prep them in advance and store in the fridge, ensuring you have delicious treats ready to go with minimal last-minute effort. No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Ingredients • Get ready to create these delightful treats! For the Cookie Base Chocolate Sandwich Cookies – Provides the crunchy base; can be substituted with gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free version. Butter – Binds the cookie crumbs together; use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels. For the Creamy Filling Cream Cheese – Forms the creamy filling; ensure it’s softened to avoid lumps and achieve a silky texture. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake filling; regular granulated sugar can be used if finely blended. Peppermint Extract – Adds the signature minty flavor; adjust the amount for more or less intensity. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile; optional but recommended for depth. White Chocolate Chips – Sweetens and stabilizes the filling; can use semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor. Heavy Whipping Cream – Provides lightness and creaminess to the filling; whip until soft peaks form for best results. Crushed Peppermint Candies – Adds a festive crunch and visual appeal; use any type of hard peppermint candy. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Step 1: Prepare the Base Begin by crushing chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until you achieve fine crumbs. In a mixing bowl, melt unsalted butter and then combine it with the cookie crumbs, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into mini cupcake liners or silicone molds, ensuring an even layer, then set aside while you prepare the filling. Step 2: Make the Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and the mixture is fluffy. This filling will create the rich, minty center for your No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites. Step 3: Incorporate White Chocolate Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until creamy. Allow it to cool slightly, then gently stir the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Carefully fold in the freshly whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies to keep the filling airy and delightful. Step 4: Assemble Bites Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the prepared cookie base in each cup, filling them just to the top. Use a spatula to smooth the tops and ensure even distribution. Once assembled, cover the mini cheesecake bites with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing them to set firmly. Step 5: Finishing Touch Before serving your No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites, sprinkle the tops generously with additional crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the crunch and minty flavor, making your bites irresistibly delicious and ready for any holiday gathering! Make Ahead Options These No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie base and even the creamy filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make the base by combining crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter and pressing it into molds, then refrigerate it. Mix the filling and keep it chilled separately to maintain its airy texture. When you’re ready to assemble, fill the cookie bases with the cheesecake mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This way, you ensure they’re just as delicious and refreshing as if they were made fresh! What to Serve with No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Looking to elevate your festive celebrations? Pair these delightful treats with the perfect accompaniments that will tantalize your taste buds. Hot Cocoa: Warm and comforting, this classic drink adds a rich chocolate flavor that balances the minty notes beautifully. Peppermint Mocha: This seasonal coffee blend complements the peppermint in the bites, creating a perfect pairing for a cozy treat. Fruit Platter: A variety of fresh fruits, such as strawberries and mandarin slices, provide a refreshing contrast and balance to the sweetness. Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced flavor of gingerbread enhances the festive spirit, making them a nostalgic addition to your dessert spread. Whipped Cream: Serve a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side for an extra creamy aspect that pairs wonderfully. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The combination of rich chocolate and fresh fruit delivers a luxurious bite that pairs perfectly with cheesecake. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully with the cheesecake bites, creating a delightful texture contrast. Sparkling Water: Offer sparkling water with a hint of lime or mint as a refreshing palate cleanser that complements your dessert spread. Christmas Cookies: Festive sugar cookies or holiday-themed treats add a fun variety and keep the holiday spirit alive at your gathering. No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Variations Feel free to jazz up your No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites with these fun, exciting twists that will surprise your family and friends! Gluten-Free Base: Swap chocolate sandwich cookies for gluten-free alternatives to make these bites safe for everyone to enjoy. Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream for a delightful dairy-free version without losing that creamy texture. Flavor Fusion: Try adding a splash of amaretto or Irish cream liqueur to the filling for a festive adult twist that brings warmth to your bites. Nutty Crunch: Fold in finely chopped almonds or pecans with the whipped cream for an extra crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the silky filling. Fruit Burst: Incorporate a layer of raspberry or strawberry puree in between the cookie crust and cheesecake filling for a refreshing fruit flavor. Spicy Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for an unexpected zesty kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the tops before serving for a rich, decadent layer that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Cheesecake Trio: Create a mini dessert platter with your No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites alongside my Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake and Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake for a delightful variety! Storage Tips for No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Fridge: Store the cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their creamy texture and fresh flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, these No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure they are tightly wrapped or in an airtight container before freezing. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, transfer the bites to the fridge to thaw overnight, allowing them to regain their creamy consistency before serving. Make-Ahead Magic: Preparing these bites a day ahead not only saves time but also enhances their flavor, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for any gathering. Expert Tips for No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a silky smooth filling. Chill Time is Key: Allow your cheesecake bites to chill for at least 2 hours. This step is important for the filling to set perfectly and maintain its structure. Easier Removal: For effortless removal from molds, consider using silicone molds or lightly greasing paper liners beforehand. Don’t Overmix: When folding in whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies, be gentle. This keeps the filling light and airy—just what you want for your No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites! Plan Ahead: Prepare your cheesecake bites a day in advance for enhanced flavor and texture. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days! No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for my No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites? Absolutely! For the best flavor, use fresh peppermint candies, as they add a festive crunch. Opt for cream cheese that’s been left out for at least 30 minutes to reach room temperature; this helps avoid lumps in your filling. If you’re using butter, make sure it’s unsalted for perfect seasoning control. How should I store my No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites, and for how long? Store your cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining that creamy texture we all adore. If you’re making them ahead of time, don’t worry; they’re perfect for prepping a day in advance! Can I freeze my No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites? Very! You can freeze these delightful bites for up to 2 months. To do this, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply transfer the bites to the fridge to thaw overnight. This way, they’ll regain their delightful creaminess! What should I do if my filling isn’t fluffy? No worries! If your filling isn’t as fluffy as you’d like, it may be due to overmixing or under-whipping the cream. First, ensure your heavy whipping cream is beaten until soft peaks form before folding it into the filling. When combining, take it easy! Gently fold the whipped cream in to preserve the airiness that gives your No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites that light, dreamy texture. Are there any dietary considerations for my No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites? Absolutely! If you’re concerned about gluten, you can swap chocolate sandwich cookies for gluten-free cookies, ensuring the whole dessert remains gluten-free. For those with dairy allergies, consider using non-dairy alternatives for cream cheese and heavy cream. Just be sure to check labels to ensure these alternatives are suitable for your dietary needs. No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites: A Festive Delight No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites are a delightful, festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 12 bitesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base24 cookies Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Can substitute with gluten-free cookies1/2 cup Unsalted Butter MeltedFor the Creamy Filling8 oz Cream Cheese Softened1/2 cup Powdered Sugar Can substitute with finely blended granulated sugar1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract Adjust for intensity1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Optional but recommended1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips Can use semi-sweet chocolate1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Whipped until soft peaks form1/2 cup Crushed Peppermint Candies For festive crunch Equipment Food ProcessorMixing BowlElectric mixerMicrowaveCupcake Liners or Silicone Molds Method Prepare the BaseCrush chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs. Melt unsalted butter and combine with cookie crumbs, then press into mini cupcake liners or silicone molds.Make the FillingBeat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.Incorporate White ChocolateMelt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until creamy. Let cool slightly, then stir into the cream cheese mixture. Fold in whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.Assemble BitesSpoon cheesecake mixture over the cookie base in each cup. Smooth the tops and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.Finishing TouchSprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top before serving for visual appeal and enhanced flavor. Nutrition Serving: 1biteCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Chill time is crucial for setting the filling. Use silicone molds for easier removal. Prepare bites a day in advance for enhanced flavor. 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