Creating Grinch Mini Cheesecakes can be an enjoyable project. Follow these simple steps to bring your festive treats to life:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a mini muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until well mixed. Press a tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner to form the crust.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

4. Add Sugar and Extracts: Gradually mix in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.

5. Color the Mixture: Add drops of green food coloring to the cheesecake mixture until the desired shade of green is achieved. Stir until evenly incorporated.

6. Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until no streaks remain. This will keep your filling light and airy.

7. Fill the Cups: Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture over the crust in each cupcake liner, filling them about 3/4 full.

8. Bake: Place the mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers may still be slightly jiggly.

9. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecakes to set completely.

10. Decorate: Once set, top each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkling of red and green sprinkles, and a mini candy cane if desired.