Well, they’re relatively skinny. They’re not Paleo, but they’ll do!
Everyone tries to get all healthy in the new year, but they don’t see Valentine’s Day coming. No siree, not by a mile. So imagine how health plans do when faced by giant heart-shaped boxes of candy!
This recipe lets you have your romantic dessert and still exercise portion control. These little cheesecakes are full of cookies and cream goodness, but they won’t do horrible things to your healthy resolves. Winning!
So I’m just wondering here: any of you really big into staying busy? Like, always? Like, you do it to yourselves and deep down you’re not really sorry about it?
People always ask me if I have any spare time, and they do it in this totally pitying way. And while I get what they’re saying on one level, I’m secretly wondering what I would do if I had spare time. Watch lots of Netflix? Absolutely. Nap? You bet! Catch up on my reading? Maybe.
Asย tempting as all of that sounds, it’s so much better to have free time in scarcity. That way you appreciate it so much more. Besides, what would you rather do in the long term: Netflix binge or learn to play the guitar?
A couple of years ago, I took up guitar. It’s been really fun, even if I’m not that great and I suspect my teacher would dump me in a heartbeat if I wasn’t a good paying customer. Many nights, I practice when I’d rather be watching TV. But hey, now I have a new skill!
Same with blogging. It started as a little hobby, and it’s growing slowly into a part-time job. And yeah, I’d have a ton more time and probably less overall cussing in the kitchen if I didn’t do this, but I’m learning how to take pictures and make videos and work with sponsors. It’s aย real gift, one that taking naps wouldn’t compare to.
There’s more, too. I likeย to take on challenges at work and do classes on the side, and spend time with friends, and (of course) raise my children. When all’s said and done, spare time is just an occasional treat. But if we had treats all the time, they wouldn’t be any fun.
Well, maybe these skinny mini cookies and cream cheesecakes would always be welcome. I’ve been eating one a day all week and they haven’t stopped being wonderful.
These are very easy to whip up, and they employ the lower-fat version of typical cheesecake ingredients. My favorite part is getting to that reduced-fat Oreo at the bottom. Heaven!
Being busy isn’t good all the time, but it’s better than the alternative, which is boredom and pointlessness. So if someone accuses you of having too much going on, be proud! Own your industry. It’s part of the American Dream, after all!
Skinny Mini Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes
Ingredients
2 block packages of low-fat (not fat free) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup light sour cream
20 reduced-fat Oreos, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325. Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners and place a reduced-fat Oreo in each liner. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, egg and sour cream, beating again until completely smooth.
- Take the remaining eight Oreos and place them in a Ziploc bag. Crush them roughly with a rolling pin.
- Pour the crushed Oreos into the cheesecake batter.
- Spoon the batter evenly among the 12 prepared cupcake liners. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set.
- Cool completely. Refrigerate overnight. Store chilled and covered.
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/skinny-mini-cookies-and-cream-cheesecakes/
Oh no, how could I have forgotten that Valentine’s day is coming up?! I think I am going to have to save my sweet indulgences until then and then really make up for it.
I love how you guys the other side of the pond put oreos in everything. It’s the way forward!
Well, not quite everything, Dannii. But we do love them!
Trying to eat healthy is definitely overrated when the new year hits! I would much rather devour an entire batch of these mini cheesecakes. I love that they’re a little more calorie friendly and filled with cookies and cream, Mir! Sounds fantastic!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Baked Feta Dip
Thanks, Gayle! I think if we lighten things up when we can, we’re already making a good effort!
Mir – I prefer staying busy as well. My boyfriend just bought a house last summer, so we’ve been working really hard to get it into livable conditions. On top of that, I try to stay active by working out and blogging. It’s hard to find balance; however, when I do have tons of free time, I feel restless and anxious. Thanks for these cheesecakes. They’re a perfect Valentine’s Day treat.
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Greek Salad Pita
It’s boring to have nothing going on, even if being busy can be tough. Life passes quickly with so much to do!
Mir, I love these skinny-mini-cookies-and-cream-cheesecakes!!!! love the mini’s, always!!! I have to admit that I feel like I haven’t had any downtime lately. . but I took some time off over the holidays, so I’m enjoying keeping busy .. i haven’t even thought of Valentine’s day yet. . but thank you for the reminder!!! Can’t wait to get baking!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Comment on Spicy Asian Collard Green Wraps + A Giveaway!! by Mir
I hope you get some downtime soon, Alice! There are times that are definitely worse than others, and when the whole “me time” thing just gets thrown out the window. But as long as it comes back before we have nervous breakdowns, it’s all good!
I find a certain ebb and flow quality to my life… Some days, or months, or years (honestly) are much busier than others and I’m fine with that. I try to stay in tune with myself – I always know when it’s time to put the brakes on and I do. Now, about these skinny mini cookies and cream cheesecakes – they’re will be no brakes where these are concerned. ๐
annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Top Ten Recipes of 2015!
You’re right, the busy times do ebb and flow. But it’s good to check in with yourself. I need to do that more!
I don’t really know what to do with myself when I have spare time. I get anxiety… like no one ever taught me how to sit down and relax. Do people do that?! I know my husband does, he can nap like a champ. Me? Not so much. ๐ I think its B.A you know how to play the guitar… so much cooler than knowing how to netflix and chill. lol. Anyways, love these skinny mini cheesecakes!! My hubster is obsessed with oreos, so I KNOW he will go to town on these lil delights! Totally making these for him as an early V-day treat! Pinned! Cheers, my dear!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Tex-Mex Short Rib Chili with Chocolate Stout {Slow Cooker}
My husband can totally sit and relax, too. I was trained to always be busy or, as my mom would put it, “productive.” Now I can’t be lazy!
I know what you means! Sometimes I wish I had more downtime to read and see my friends (the day job takes up too much time!), but I love being busy. And I absolutely cannot stand it when people claim to be “bored.” Like, how is it even possible to be bored in this world?? Anyway, these cheesecakes look SO awesome. I would probably eat quite a few ๐
Sues recently posted…German Pancake with Berries
Yep, those day jobs keep us way too busy. And blogging at night too!
My philosophy on time:The simple universal truth is that there are never enough hours in the day to do all the things I would like. Maybe if I learned to sleep only a few hours?! When my dog adopted me two years ago, he was afraid of walking on the sidewalk near cars, so we started going to a dog park. The dog park is still a one-two hour slice of my day. Its good for the dog and its good for me, but something else had to go in my schedule to allow for it. Same with blogging. When I started blogging (and baking, and photographing, and…..) something had to make way for the time blogging required. Balance. In life. In eating. Please pass the cheesecakes. ๐
Wendy recently posted…Penguin and Polar Bear Oreos for Military Care Package #17
That’s why I always hold back from getting a dog, Wendy! No more time in the day for anything else right now, and I would havge to get rid of something else. I hope I figure it out someday like you did!
Yep, Valentine’s Day trips me up Every Single Time – this year I get to fight back with your delectable cupcakes! Hurray!
Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…California Roll Salad
That’s right, Kate! Fight back for love! ๐
Mir – I hate to admit this, but I do love some spare time – though I hardly ever seem to have any. One time when we were snowed in and I found myself with tons of spare time – you bet I binge-watched Netflix all day and the idea of not putting my keys in my ignition was pretty darn phenomenal ๐
And, speaking of phenomenal – wow – these little mini cakes not only look delicious – they sound pretty easy to make too! I’m gonna have to try these out maybe with some dairy free cream cheese!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted…Dairy-Free Carrot & Mango Smoothie
Oh, I’m not gonna lie, Shashi. Spare time is great. I’m just trying to talk myself out of it! ๐
god I cannot resist cheesecake and cookies & cream together! This is my dream dessert right here! they look amazing Mir! Thanks for the Valentines Day reminder, I need to work on it!
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Caramel Snickers Cheesecake Dip
Yep, the holidays always mean advance work for food bloggers! But it’s fun, I guess… ๐
I never have much free time either, and I agree, it’s a good thing! I like being busy! These little cheesecakes look fantastic and I love that they’re even skinny! Perfect for that evening sugar-fix! ๐
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. recently posted…Roasted Garlic and Mushroom Hummus
Being busy is definitely better than being bored. Is there a happy medium somewhere? ๐
I definitely need balance between busy and relaxation time or I get burned out and super duper cranky. ๐ I don’t have any little people at home, so that makes things a bit easier. You’re so right about everyone focusing on a healthy January then BAM! Valentines Day. These Skinny Mini Cheesecakes are the perfect balance of portion control and deliciousness. I so love that Oreo on the bottom that I’m honestly not sure I have the self-control to only have one.
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Mother Earth Weeping Willow Wit Steamed Mussels
Yep, I definitely get cranky, too. And hungry. And hangry. ๐
Yeah, I wonder what I’m gonna do if I had any spare time? And I don’t even have kids yet ๐ I was trying to share healthier recipes until today when I made cheesecake! These look cute and delicious! Pinned to try them!
mira recently posted…Snickers Cheesecake Recipe
Thanks much, Mira! Time has a habit of being filled, doesn’t it?
My daughter’s dance studio teaches adult tap and I totally want to take it. But I like being lazy, lol. These cheesecakes are insane!! LOVE.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Very Valentine Pudding Cookies
I did adult tap a couple of summers ago, and then I did it again because it was so much fun! You should try it, Dorothy! If you hate it, you never have to do it again. But I loved it because I’m not too flexible but I have rhythm, so it was a doable challenge!
Spare time? What is this you speak of? LOL I wish I had some extra time now too! But just hand me a few of those amazing cheesecakes, and all will be right again! Love that first shot of the bottom of the cupcakes!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted…Almond Berry Baked Oatmeal
Yep, no such thing. A girl can dream! Thanks, Jocelyn!