Start by crushing your chocolate wafers until they’re fine crumbs. Mix them with melted butter and press the mixture into lined muffin cups. This forms a firm base for your cheesecake.
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then mix in the egg, vanilla, flour, and red food coloring until you get a creamy, evenly colored batter.
Spoon the filling onto the cookie crusts, filling each cup almost to the top. Smooth the tops with a spoon or spatula for an even finish.
Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 18–20 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly jiggly.
Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled and firm.
Add a dollop of whipped topping or a light dusting of cocoa powder before serving. I also love adding mini chocolate curls for extra flair.