Equipment Needed
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Small bowl
- Fork or small whisk
- Baking sheet or tray
- Parchment paper
- Small cookie scoop (1-inch) or melon baller
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
My process always starts with the crust, because it needs a minute to set. In a small bowl, I combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and that one tablespoon of granulated sugar. I mix it with a fork until it resembles wet sand and holds together when I pinch it. I then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined loaf pan or small dish, creating an even, compact layer. I pop this into the freezer for about 15 minutes to set rock hard. This makes it easy to crumble later for coating. While that chills, I make the magical filling.
Now, for the creamy heart of the bite. In my medium bowl, I beat the completely softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s perfectly smooth and lump-free. This takes about a minute. Then, I add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract. I start the mixer on low so the sugar doesn’t fly everywhere, then increase the speed to medium-high. I beat it for a full 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and wonderfully stiff. It should hold its shape on a spoon. If I’m making a festive colored batch, I’ll add a drop or two of gel food coloring at this stage and beat until just combined.
Once my crust is firm, I take it out of the freezer. I don’t need perfect slices; I simply break it up into coarse crumbs with my fingers or a fork into a shallow dish. These will be our “snowy” coating. Now comes the fun, hands-on part. Using my small cookie scoop (a melon baller or teaspoon works too), I portion out the creamy filling. I roll each portion quickly between my palms to form a smooth, compact ball. I immediately roll the ball in the graham cracker crumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere on all sides. The contrast of the white filling and golden crumbs is so pretty.(See the next page below to continue…)