Mini Santa Hat Strawberry Cheesecakes are a festive and adorable treat that perfectly combines the sweetness of strawberries with a creamy cheesecake filling. These bite-sized delights are perfect for holiday parties, Christmas gatherings, or any time you want to add a little festive cheer to your dessert spread. The mini Oreo cookie “brim” adds a fun touch, making them resemble little Santa hats!

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 cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is well combined.
Transfer the cheesecake mixture into a piping bag and pipe it into the hollowed-out strawberries.
Top each filled strawberry with a mini Oreo cookie to form the “brim” of the Santa hat.
Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the filling to set.

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

Alternative Toppings: You can replace the mini Oreo cookie with a small piece of white chocolate or a mini marshmallow for a different look.
Flavored Cheesecake Filling: Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or almond extract to the cheesecake filling for a twist of flavor.
Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped cream to make these mini Santa hats dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the mini Santa hats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best served fresh, but can be kept chilled if needed.
Reheating: These treats are not meant to be reheated; they are best enjoyed chilled.

10 FAQs

Can I make these mini cheesecakes in advance? Yes, you can prepare them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries? While strawberries are the perfect size and shape for these Santa hats, you can use raspberries or blueberries as an alternative, although the overall look will be different.
What can I substitute for whipped cream? You can substitute the whipped cream with a dairy-free version or use mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor.
How can I make the filling sweeter? You can adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar to the filling if desired.
Can I use a store-bought cheesecake filling? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can substitute homemade filling with store-bought cheesecake filling.
What if I don’t have a piping bag? You can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip of one corner cut off as a makeshift piping bag.
Can I freeze these mini cheesecakes? These are best served fresh and should not be frozen, as the texture of the strawberries and whipped cream may change.
How do I hollow out the strawberries without ruining them? Use a small spoon or melon baller to gently scoop out the center of the strawberry, leaving the outer edges intact for the filling.
Can I use a different type of cookie for the “brim” of the hat? Yes, you can use any small cookie, such as mini shortbread cookies or graham crackers, but mini Oreos are the best for their size and look.
Can I make these non-alcoholic? This recipe is already non-alcoholic, and no modifications are necessary to keep it that way.

Conclusion

Mini Santa Hat Strawberry Cheesecakes are a simple yet elegant holiday dessert that combines the tartness of strawberries, the richness of cheesecake, and the sweetness of whipped cream, all topped off with a mini Oreo cookie. These treats are not only delicious but also a fun way to bring holiday cheer to your table. Easy to make and absolutely festive, they’re sure to be a favorite at your next holiday celebration!