If you’re craving a festive treat that wraps up all the cozy spices of the season in a creamy, dreamy bite, this Gingerbread Cheesecakes Recipe is about to become your new holiday obsession. Imagine silky cheesecake filling infused with warming ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, nestled atop a buttery Biscoff cookie crust that offers just the right crunch and sweetness. These mini cheesecakes are perfectly portioned for sharing (or savoring solo), incredibly easy to make ahead, and guaranteed to wow any crowd. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping Christmas dessert or just a delightful slice of holiday spirit, this recipe delivers comfort and cheer in every scrumptious mouthful.

Gingerbread Cheesecakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Gingerbread Cheesecakes Recipe calls for simple, well-balanced ingredients that work together to create a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and festive color. Each component plays a crucial role in building that rich yet light cheesecake we all adore, with the Biscoff crust adding a unique twist that sets this dessert apart from the usual holiday sweets.

Biscoff cookie crumbs (1½ cups or 186g): These provide a caramelized, spiced base that adds both crunch and buttery sweetness.
Unsalted butter (3–4 tablespoons or 43–56g), melted: Binds the crumbs and adds richness to the crust’s texture.
Full-fat cream cheese (16 oz or 452g), room temperature: The star ingredient, delivering creamy tanginess and smooth consistency.
Light brown sugar (½ cup or 95g): Adds molasses notes that meld beautifully with the gingerbread spices.
Ground cinnamon (⅛ teaspoon): Provides warm, sweet spice essential to the gingerbread flavor profile.
Ground ginger (⅛ teaspoon): Gives that signature zing that defines gingerbread desserts.
Nutmeg (a pinch): Enhances the spice blend with a subtle nutty warmth.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons or 10ml): Rounds out the flavor and amplifies sweetness naturally.
Sour cream (½ cup or 120g), room temperature: Adds a slight tang and creaminess, making the filling extra luscious.
Molasses (2 tablespoons or 30ml): Gives a rich, deep sweetness that’s essential to authentic gingerbread taste.
Large eggs (2), room temperature: Provide structure and a silky texture when baked.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup or 236ml), chilled (optional topping): Whipped to create a light, fluffy finish if you want to dress up your cheesecakes.
Powdered sugar (½ cup or 65g), optional topping: Sweetens and stabilizes whipped cream for a picture-perfect presentation.

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners, which ensures smooth cheesecake removal. Crush approximately 25 to 26 Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs, either with a food processor or by sealing in a bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Combine these crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter, adding one more tablespoon if the mixture feels too dry—your goal is a sandy, slightly sticky texture that holds its shape when pressed.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese with the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This step is crucial to get a creamy texture without any graininess. Next, stir in the sour cream and molasses, which add moistness and that gorgeous, classic gingerbread taste. Finally, gently incorporate the eggs one at a time; be careful not to overmix, as this can cause cracks during baking.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the filling evenly into the prepared liners, almost filling them to the top. Bake the cheesecakes for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan—a sign they are perfectly baked and will be creamy once fully chilled.

Step 4: Chill Thoroughly

Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely in the pan at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. The chilling process firms up the cheesecakes and helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Optional Whipped Cream Topping

For an extra festive touch, whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe or dollop the whipped cream generously on top of each mini cheesecake right before serving, creating a luscious contrast to the spicy filling.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecakes Recipe

Garnishes

These mini gingerbread cheesecakes shine beautifully with simple garnishes: a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, a drizzle of molasses or caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of crushed Biscoff cookies to echo the crust. Fresh cranberries or a sprig of mint can add festive color and a refreshing note without overpowering the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

While these cheesecakes are perfect on their own, pairing them with a cup of spiced chai tea, hot cider, or classic eggnog takes the experience to another level. A small bowl of mixed winter berries also complements the creamy, spicy dessert by adding a bright and tart counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or gift-giving, arrange your Gingerbread Cheesecakes Recipe mini treats on a festive platter dusted with powdered sugar or surrounded by cinnamon sticks and pine needles. You can also serve them in clear mini cups layered with whipped cream and crushed cookie crumbs for an elegant parfait style that’s fun and easy to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cheesecakes keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store them covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors. This dish is excellent for prepping ahead of time, saving you stress on the big day.

Freezing

If you want to make these cheesecakes well in advance or have extras to save, they freeze nicely for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain their silky texture.

Reheating

Since these are best served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. However, if you prefer them slightly warmer, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make these cheesecakes without Biscoff cookies?

Absolutely! If Biscoff cookies aren’t available, you can substitute with ginger snap cookies or graham crackers for a similar texture and complementary flavor. The key is to use a spiced cookie that enhances the gingerbread theme.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in the filling?

Sour cream adds a subtle tang and richness that balances the sweetness and spices perfectly, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or skip it altogether. Just expect a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can these be made in a large cheesecake pan instead of mini cheesecakes?

Yes! The flavors and filling are the same, so you can bake this recipe as one large cheesecake. Adjust baking time to 40-50 minutes, checking for a slightly jiggly center, then chill thoroughly before slicing and serving.

What is the best way to crush Biscoff cookies?

The easiest way is using a food processor to quickly turn the cookies into fine crumbs without any fuss. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until evenly crumbled.

Can I prepare the whipped cream topping in advance?

Yes, whipped cream can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated, but for best texture and fluffiness, whip it fresh just before serving the cheesecakes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Gingerbread Cheesecakes Recipe a try this holiday season. It’s the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess, all bundled up in convenient mini portions. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging yourself after a long day of festivities, these cheesecakes bring joy to every bite. Once you make them, they’ll become a treasured tradition you’ll want to revisit year after year.

Gingerbread Cheesecakes Recipe