Mini Santa Hat Strawberry Cheesecakes are a festive and fun twist on traditional cheesecake. These adorable bite-sized treats feature a strawberry base topped with a creamy cheesecake filling, all crowned with a mini Oreo “hat” to complete the Santa look. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a creative dessert for kids, these mini cheesecakes bring cheer to any occasion.

Ingredients

12 large strawberries
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whipped cream
12 mini Oreo cookies

Directions

Cut off the tops of the strawberries and hollow out the centers using a small spoon.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag and pipe it into the hollowed-out strawberries.
Top each strawberry with a mini Oreo cookie to create the “hat.”
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the filling to set.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)

Variations

Flavor Swap: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese mixture for a citrus twist.
Topping Variation: Replace mini Oreos with mini marshmallows or small chocolate chips for a different “hat” effect.
No Whipped Cream: If you prefer a richer filling, skip the whipped cream and use more cream cheese or mascarpone for a denser filling.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free mini Oreo cookies or substitute with another gluten-free cookie option for those with dietary restrictions.
Decorative Touch: Drizzle with a bit of chocolate or strawberry syrup for extra flair.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: These treats are best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. Just remove them from the fridge about 5 minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly.

10 FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, these mini cheesecakes can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use regular-sized Oreos instead of mini Oreos? You can, but mini Oreos are ideal for these bite-sized treats. If using regular-sized Oreos, you may need to break them into smaller pieces.
What can I use instead of cream cheese? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a different texture and flavor.
Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, as frozen strawberries may become too mushy once thawed.
Can I make these without whipped cream? Yes, you can skip the whipped cream and use extra cream cheese or mascarpone for a denser filling.
Can I use a different cookie for the “hat”? Yes, you can use other small cookies, such as shortbread or graham crackers, for a different look, though mini Oreos work best for the “Santa hat” effect.
How do I hollow out the strawberries? Use a small spoon or a melon baller to gently scoop out the centers of the strawberries without cutting through the sides.
How long do these keep in the fridge? These treats can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, they are best eaten within a day for optimal freshness.
Can I make these without piping the filling? Yes, you can spoon the filling into the strawberries if you don’t have a piping bag.
Can I make these vegan? You can make these mini cheesecakes vegan by using non-dairy cream cheese and whipped coconut cream as substitutes for the dairy products.

Conclusion

Mini Santa Hat Strawberry Cheesecakes are a festive, easy-to-make treat that adds a touch of fun and flavor to your holiday celebrations. With a creamy cheesecake filling and a simple, yet adorable, Santa hat made from strawberries and mini Oreos, these delightful desserts are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or a sweet holiday snack!