If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s bursting with warm holiday flavors, you’ve got to try this Mini Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcakes with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe. I absolutely love how these little cheesecakes balance spicy gingerbread notes with a creamy, smooth filling—and the spiced whipped cream on top? Total game-changer. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to get these perfect every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Bite-Sized Treats: These mini cheesecakes are just the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth without overdoing it.
- Rich, Layered Flavors: The gingerbread spices mixed into creamy cheesecake plus the spiced whipped cream topping create a show-stopping flavor experience.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Prep these in advance for parties or holidays—they keep beautifully refrigerated and freeze well too.
- Great Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these, and I’ve never met a guest who doesn’t ask for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Mini Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcakes with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe lies in the harmony of spices, creamy textures, and a buttery crust. I like to pick ingredients that complement each other without fuss, so even if you swap a few things, the flavor will still shine.
- Biscoff cookie crumbs: I adore these for the crust because they add a subtle spice and caramel note, but graham crackers or gingersnaps work beautifully as well.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to bind your crust, just enough to get that perfect crumbly but hold-together texture.
- Full-fat cream cheese: The star ingredient for that silky cheesecake filling—room temperature helps it blend smoothly.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with the gingerbread spices.
- Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that give this recipe its festive character.
- Pure vanilla extract: To enhance all the flavors and add a natural sweetness.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and richness to the filling, helping it stay creamy and smooth after baking.
- Molasses: That signature gingerbread depth and dark sweetness that can’t be skipped.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together; make sure they’re room temp to avoid lumps.
- Heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar (for topping): These whip up into the luscious spiced whipped cream that finishes off the cupcakes beautifully.
Variations
I love playing with this Mini Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcakes with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. The base recipe is forgiving and easy to tweak without losing its warm charm.
- Crust swaps: When I can’t find Biscoff cookies, I’ve successfully used crushed gingersnaps or graham crackers. Each gives a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all work well.
- Dairy-free option: Try using dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for the whipped topping if you want to make it vegan-friendly—just note the texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
- Extra spice kick: If you love gingerbread spices like me, feel free to add an extra pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the batter for a deeper, holiday-spiced note.
- Festive toppings: Consider adding crushed candy canes or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the whipped cream for an extra-special presentation.
How to Make Mini Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcakes with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crust
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with liners. I like to grind my Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor—they make the crust perfectly textured. Mix the crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and check the mixture; if it feels too dry, add that extra tablespoon of butter. Press about a heaping tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each liner—this forms that buttery, crumbly base.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat your softened cream cheese with the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy—scrape down the sides often! Adding the sour cream and molasses next keeps the batter rich and moist. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until the batter is fully smooth. The trick I learned is to ensure all your dairy ingredients are at room temp to avoid lumps and get that silky texture.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Use a large cookie scoop (about ¼ cup) to fill each crust-lined cup almost to the top, leaving a little space to avoid overflow. Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes. This is key: the centers should still jiggle slightly when done—that indicates a creamy middle, not overcooked. Let them cool completely in the pan before popping them in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours. This resting time is where the cheesecake magic happens.
Step 4: Whip the Spiced Cream
Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes before whipping your heavy cream—that little trick helps it whip up faster and fluffier. Beat the cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, then slowly add powdered sugar and keep going until stiff peaks appear. I like to stir in a pinch of cinnamon and ginger to echo those cheesecake flavors. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream over your chilled mini cheesecakes just before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Mini Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcakes with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temp before mixing for silky smooth batter without lumps.
- Don’t Overbake: The cheesecake centers should still be slightly jiggly when you take them out—they’ll set as they cool, so resist the urge to overcook.
- Chill Your Whisking Tools: Freezing your mixing bowl and whisk for the whipped cream helps it whip up quicker and hold peaks better.
- Press Crust Firmly: Make sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the cupcake liners so it holds together after baking—use the back of a spoon or a small glass.
How to Serve Mini Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcakes with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe

Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a swirl of the spiced whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a tiny piece of Biscoff cookie on top for texture. Sometimes for a festive touch, I add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few crushed candy canes—the peppermint adds a wonderful brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
These Mini Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcakes are perfect on their own, but if you want to serve them with something else, a warm mug of spiced cider or hot chocolate is my go-to. They also pair beautifully with a simple, fresh fruit salad—it helps balance out the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I like to place these on a tiered dessert stand, which really shows off their mini size and makes guests want to grab one. Wrapping each cupcake with a little festive ribbon around the liner turns them into perfect edible gifts. I’ve also tried serving them in clear mini cups piped with whipped cream and topped with a gingerbread cookie for an elegant look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always keep these cheesecakes refrigerated in an airtight container—and they actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just be sure to add the whipped cream topping right before serving so it stays fresh and fluffy.
Freezing
Freezing mini cheesecakes is totally doable! I wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them all in a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready to eat them, I thaw them overnight in the fridge. The whipped cream topping doesn’t freeze well, so I always add that fresh after thawing.
Reheating
Since these are creamy cheesecakes, I prefer to serve them chilled rather than reheated. If you like your whipped cream a bit softer, you can let the cheesecakes sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps bring out the flavors and softens the texture without losing that delicious creaminess.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! While Biscoff cookies are my favorite for that spicy caramel flavor, you can swap in gingersnaps, graham crackers, or even digestive biscuits. The texture and taste will change slightly, but they all make excellent crusts.
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Why should I use room temperature ingredients?
Room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream blend much more evenly, helping you avoid lumps in your batter. This results in a smoother, creamier cheesecake texture.
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How long should I chill the cheesecakes before serving?
At least 2 hours in the fridge is ideal for the mini cheesecakes to set fully. If you can plan ahead and chill them overnight, even better—the flavors deepen and the texture improves.
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Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?
You can whip the cream a few hours ahead but keep it refrigerated and wait to add it to the cheesecakes just before serving. Whipped cream is best fresh for fluffiness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcakes with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe has become a staple in my holiday baking lineup because it’s simple to make but looks and tastes so impressive. I still remember the first time I baked these—the warm spices filling the kitchen while the whipped cream whipped up to fluffy perfection was pure cozy bliss. I’m confident you’ll enjoy these as much as my family and friends do. So go ahead, bake a batch, and savor every bite—you deserve this little celebration of flavor!
Print
Mini Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcakes with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Yield: 15-16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mini Gingerbread Cheesecake recipe combines the spicy warmth of gingerbread flavors with the creamy richness of classic cheesecake. Featuring a delicious Biscoff cookie crumb crust, spiced cream cheese filling, and optional whipped cream topping, these bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups (186g) Biscoff cookie crumbs
- 3-4 tablespoons (43-56g) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces (452g) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup (95g) light brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) molasses
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Toppings (Optional)
- 1 cup (236ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (65g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with baking liners to prepare for the crust.
- Make the crust: Use a food processor or blender to grind Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, mix the cookie crumbs with 3 tablespoons melted butter until combined. If too dry, add another tablespoon. Press about 1 heaping tablespoon of the crust mixture into each cupcake liner, forming a firm base.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, light brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add sour cream and molasses: Beat in the sour cream and molasses until fully incorporated, creating a creamy mixture.
- Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating until the batter is perfectly smooth and homogenous.
- Fill cupcake liners: Using a large cookie scoop or ¼ cup measuring cup, fill each liner almost to the top, leaving about ¼ inch of space.
- Bake: Bake the mini cheesecakes for 15-18 minutes at 350°F. The centers should still jiggle slightly when done.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecakes to cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least 2 hours to set before serving.
- Prepare whipped cream topping (optional): Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Pour heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl and beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream onto chilled mini cheesecakes and garnish with a cookie if desired.
Notes
- Biscoff cookies can be substituted with graham crackers or gingersnaps for the crust.
- Approximately 25-26 Biscoff cookies yield 1 ½ cups of crumbs.
- Adjust butter quantity in the crust between 3 to 4 tablespoons; add an extra tablespoon if the crust feels dry after mixing.
- Ensure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth batter.
- Mini cheesecakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg

