If you’re craving a holiday dessert that brings instant cheer without keeping you chained to the kitchen for hours, these Mini Christmas Cheesecakes are about to become your new December obsession. I’m Aneta from Chicken Magic Recipes—and yes, I know, today we’re swapping chicken for cheesecake, but trust me…once you taste these little bites of joy, you’ll forgive me instantly.
Whether you’re juggling work, kids, shopping lists, or just the chaos that magically appears between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, these mini Christmas cheesecakes are the sweet, adorable, low-stress dessert you deserve. They’re quick, festive, and guaranteed to turn any dessert table into Merryville.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Mini Christmas Cheesecakes
Let’s be honest—December has a special talent for making us feel like we’re always running behind. That’s exactly why Mini Christmas Cheesecakes are such a lifesaver. They’re:
- Make-ahead friendly (hallelujah, right?)
- Cute enough to impress at parties
- Easy enough for total beginners
- Creamy, festive, and impossible not to love
Plus, they bring that nostalgic holiday flavor with a fun mini twist—perfect for portion control… or at least pretending you’ll stick to it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Room temperature is the secret to that velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Warm holiday flavor in one tiny teaspoon.
- 1/2 cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and a nice tang.
- 2 large eggs – Added one at a time for the perfect set.
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers – For that classic, comforting crust.
- 1/4 cup melted butter – Because butter makes the world go round.
- Red and green sprinkles – The cheerful finishing touch.
How to Make Mini Christmas Cheesecakes
If you’ve ever wished for a holiday dessert that looks impressive without requiring hours of whisking, water baths, and whispered prayers to the baking gods, these Mini Christmas Cheesecakes are about to become your new seasonal best friend. They’re the kind of dessert that makes people say, “Wait… you made these?”—even though the entire process is surprisingly simple and wonderfully forgiving.
Let’s walk through it together, step by cozy step.
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Low and slow is the secret to getting that dreamy, velvety cheesecake texture without cracks or dryness. While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your softened cream cheese and sugar. This is where the magic starts. Mix until everything is silky smooth—no lumps, no graininess, just pure creamy perfection.
Now bring in the vanilla extract and sour cream. These two are like the holiday power duo: vanilla adds warmth while the sour cream adds a whisper of tang that keeps the cheesecake from becoming overly sweet. Once those are blended in, it’s time for the eggs. Add them one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Overmixing here can add too much air, so think of it like stirring hot cocoa—slow and calm.
In a separate bowl, you’ll create the crust. Combine your crushed graham crackers with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. This buttery goodness is what gives the mini cheesecakes their signature crunchy base. Scoop a little into each mini cupcake liner and press it down firmly. Don’t worry about making it perfect—these are minis, so rustic is charming!
Pour your cheesecake batter over the crust, filling each liner about three-quarters full. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for set edges and a slightly jiggly center—kind of like a soft wobble, not a full-on shimmy.
Once they’re done, let them cool at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is when everything settles, firms up, and becomes that classic creamy cheesecake we all love. And finally—the fun part!—top each one with festive sprinkles. Red and green always bring that instant holiday charm.
With every bite, you’ll taste creaminess, crunch, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic. These mini cheesecakes might be small, but the joy they bring? Absolutely huge.
My Little Cheesecake Story
These tiny treats became a family favorite the year I hosted Christmas with a toddler on my hip and zero time to bake a full-sized dessert. I needed something foolproof, fast, and festive—and these mini Christmas cheesecakes saved the day. My kids now call them “Santa’s bites,” and honestly, I’m convinced Santa himself would approve.
Helpful Tips & Kitchen Magic
Because even simple recipes can use a sprinkle of extra guidance:
- Don’t overmix the batter once the eggs go in. That helps prevent cracking.
- If the centers look slightly jiggly, you did it right—they firm up as they cool!
- Want a deeper crust? Add another tablespoon of graham crumbs.
- Feeling fancy? Add a dollop of whipped cream before the sprinkles.
- If your batter looks a little lumpy at first, don’t panic—it smooths out as you mix (just like our holiday stress… eventually).

FAQs About Mini Christmas Cheesecakes
Can I make these mini Christmas cheesecakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! They chill beautifully and keep their texture for up to 3 days.
Can I use a different crust?
Yep—gingersnaps or vanilla wafers make amazing holiday swaps.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh, creamy, and delicious.
Can I freeze mini Christmas cheesecakes?
Yes! Freeze without sprinkles, then decorate after thawing for best results.
Bringing It All Together
These Mini Christmas Cheesecakes bring festive joy in every creamy bite. They’re simple enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for holiday gatherings, and sweet enough to make your kitchen feel like the North Pole—minus the reindeer traffic.
Whip up a batch, share them with your favorite people, and savor the magic of the season. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself making them “just one more time” well into January.
Happy holiday baking, friend!
More Festive Treats You’ll Love
If these Mini Christmas Cheesecakes put you in a holly-jolly baking mood, you’re going to adore some of my other Christmas favorites! Here are a few delicious treats that pair beautifully with your holiday dessert table and bring even more magic to the season:
- For a show-stopping centerpiece that feels straight out of a cozy holiday movie, try my Classic Yule Log Recipe—it’s rich, chocolatey, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- If you love warm spices and creamy textures, you’ll be obsessed with my dreamy Gingerbread Tiramisu. It’s a festive twist on the classic Italian dessert, and honestly… it disappears fast.
- Need something simple, sweet, and totally irresistible? My No Bake Christmas Cookie Lush is the perfect make-ahead treat for those days when the oven is already working overtime.
- And for a fun, colorful cookie that kids and adults both adore, you’ll want to add these charming Christmas Pinwheel Cookies to your holiday baking list. They’re as cute as they are delicious!
Feel free to explore these festive goodies—they’re the perfect companions to your mini cheesecakes and will make your holiday gatherings sparkle with extra sweetness. Let the baking magic continue!
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Mini Christmas Cheesecakes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
Description
These Mini Christmas Cheesecakes are creamy, festive, and delightfully easy to make—perfect for parties, gifting, or adding a touch of holiday cheer to your dessert table. With a buttery graham cracker crust and colorful sprinkles, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to every bite.
Ingredients
Crust:
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1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
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1/4 cup melted butter
Cheesecake Filling:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup sour cream
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2 large eggs
Topping:
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Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
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In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
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Add vanilla extract and sour cream; mix well.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
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In a separate bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter to form the crust.
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Press the crust mixture evenly into mini cupcake liners.
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Pour cheesecake filling over the crust, filling each liner about ¾ full.
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Bake for 20 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
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Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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Add festive red and green sprinkles before serving.
Notes
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Don’t worry if the centers jiggle slightly—this is ideal for creamy cheesecakes.
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You can make these up to 3 days in advance and store them chilled.
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Add a dollop of whipped cream before the sprinkles for extra flair.
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Gingersnap crumbs can be used instead of graham crackers for a spiced holiday flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg