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Delicious Mini Christmas Cheesecake Cupcakes with cranberries

Festive Cranberry Rosemary Mini Cheesecakes

These delightful mini cheesecakes feature a classic graham cracker crust and a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, topped with festive cranberries, fresh rosemary, and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they offer a burst of seasonal flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings 12 mini cheesecakes
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • paper liners
  • medium bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • wire rack

Ingredients
  

For the Graham Cracker Crust

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

For Festive Toppings

  • 1/2 cup whipped cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 small rosemary sprigs chopped finely
  • Red and green sprinkles for garnish

Instructions
 

Crust Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  • Combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl.
  • Press about one tablespoon of the crust mixture into the bottom of each liner and bake for 5 minutes.

Cheesecake Filling

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Slowly add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, beating until well combined.
  • Beat in the egg, mixing just until combined.
  • Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until just combined.
  • Divide the cheesecake filling evenly among the prepared crusts in the muffin tin.
  • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers jiggle slightly.

Cooling and Topping

  • Cool the cheesecakes completely on a wire rack after baking.
  • Once cool, refrigerate the muffin tin for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to chill.
  • Before serving, top each cheesecake with whipped cream, fresh cranberries, chopped rosemary, and red and green sprinkles.

Notes

Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened to achieve a smooth cheesecake batter. Avoid overmixing the cheesecake filling once the egg is added to prevent cracking. Chilling for several hours is crucial for the cheesecakes to set properly.