Mini Santa Hat Strawberry Cheesecakes

These adorable Mini Santa Hat Strawberry Cheesecakes are a festive and delicious treat for the holiday season. Made with fresh strawberries, cream cheese, whipped cream, and mini Oreo cookies, these bite-sized desserts look just like Santa’s hats! Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a fun holiday snack, these treats will definitely bring a smile to your face.

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

1. Cut off the tops of the strawberries and hollow out the centers using a small spoon.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gently fold in whipped cream until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag and pipe onto the hollowed-out strawberries.
5. Top each strawberry with a mini Oreo cookie.
6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Different Toppings: Instead of mini Oreos, you could use a small piece of white chocolate or a marshmallow for the top of the Santa hat.
• Flavor Twist: For a different flavor, you could add a teaspoon of orange zest or a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
• Dipped Strawberries: For extra decoration, dip the strawberries in melted white chocolate before adding the filling for a glossy finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Mini Santa Hat Strawberry Cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: These treats are best served chilled and should not be reheated, as the whipped cream may lose its texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use non-dairy cream cheese? Yes, you can substitute non-dairy cream cheese for the regular cream cheese if you need a dairy-free version.
2. How do I hollow out the strawberries? Use a small spoon or a melon baller to gently scoop out the center of the strawberry, creating a small hollow space for the filling.
3. Can I make these in advance? Yes, these Mini Santa Hat Strawberry Cheesecakes can be made a day ahead. Just store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
4. Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream? Yes, you can use whipped topping as a substitute for the whipped cream, but fresh whipped cream will give a lighter texture.
5. Can I make the filling without powdered sugar? If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce or omit the powdered sugar, but it helps give the mixture its smooth, sweet taste.
6. How long should I refrigerate them? Refrigerating the strawberries for at least 1 hour helps the filling firm up and ensures the desserts hold their shape.
7. Can I use larger strawberries? You can use larger strawberries, but you may need more filling to fill them up, and the proportions of the hat may look a bit off.
8. How can I make these gluten-free? The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check the ingredients in the whipped cream and mini Oreos to ensure they are gluten-free.
9. Can I use a different type of cookie for the top? Yes, you can substitute mini vanilla cookies or even a small marshmallow in place of the mini Oreo.
10. What’s the best way to pipe the filling? Use a piping bag with a round tip or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off. This will make it easier to fill the strawberries evenly.

Conclusion

These Mini Santa Hat Strawberry Cheesecakes are a fun, festive, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and adorable Santa hat appearance, they make a wonderful treat for both kids and adults alike. Serve them at your next holiday gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!

Print