Peppermint White Mocha Cheesecakes

• vanilla wafer cookies3 cups
• unsalted butter↗4 tablespoons

  melted

• cream cheese↗2 ounce

  softened

• granulated sugar↗1⁄2 cup
• flour↗2 tablespoons
• vanilla extract↗1 teaspoon
• large eggs↗2
• peppermint extract1 teaspoon
• red food coloring, gel↗2 -4
• white chocolate chips↗2 ounces
• frozen whipped topping, thawed, plus more for topping1 cup
• mini marshmallows1⁄2 cup
• candy canes, crushed2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Place vanilla wafers in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the melted butter until well combined.

3. 3

   Divide the mixture between the wells of the pan and press down into an even layer. Bake for 5 minutes and let cool. Lower oven temperature to 325 degrees.

4. 4

   Beat together the cream cheese, sugar and flour until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla and then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. 5

   Remove about 1/2 cup of the filling and transfer to a small bowl. Add the peppermint extract and red food coloring and mix until well combined.

6. 6

   Gently fold the red batter into the regular batter once or twice until streaked throughout. Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to divide the cheesecake batter evenly between each well.

7. 7

   Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 13-15 minutes until centers are just set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours and up to overnight.

8. 8

   Melt the white chocolate in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Alternatively melt in a double boiler. Transfer to a squeeze bottle or piping bag fitted with a small tip and pipe out handles in a “C” shape onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 5 minutes to harden.

9. 9

   Remove the cheesecakes from the pan and peel away the liners. Insert a white chocolate handle into each and then garnish with a dollop of whipped topping, mini marshmallows and crushed up candy canes before serving.