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Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites with Cookie Crust Recipe

4.7 from 57 reviews

These Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites with Cookie Crust are festive and fun mini desserts featuring a creamy cheesecake base on a crispy cookie crust, topped with adorable fondant snowmen and encased in clear gelatin domes that mimic snow globes. Perfect for holiday parties or winter-themed gatherings, these bite-sized treats combine a crisp crust, smooth cheesecake, and whimsical decorations for a delightful presentation and taste experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Crust

  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp sour cream

Gelatin Domes

  • Clear gelatin sheets or powder (prepared according to package instructions to make domes)

Decorations

  • Fondant (white, orange, and black for snowmen)
  • Edible glitter or sugar crystals (optional, for snow effect)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, combine crushed cookies, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumb mixture holds together when pressed.
  2. Form and Bake Crusts: Press about 1 teaspoon of the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup to create the crust layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to set the crust, then allow them to cool completely.
  3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and egg, mixing until just combined without overbeating to maintain a light texture.
  4. Fill and Bake Cheesecakes: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts, filling each muffin cup about three-quarters full. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15 to 18 minutes until the centers are set and the edges are slightly puffed. Let them cool to room temperature.
  5. Chill the Cheesecakes: Once cooled, refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours to fully chill and firm up the filling for easier handling during assembly.
  6. Create the Gelatin Domes: Prepare the clear gelatin according to the package instructions. Pour it into silicone half-sphere molds and let it set completely to form transparent domes that will enclose the snowmen and cheesecake.
  7. Make the Fondant Snowmen: Roll white fondant into small balls to create the snowman’s body and head. Use black fondant to make tiny eyes and buttons, and shape a small carrot nose from orange fondant. Assemble and decorate the snowmen as desired, then set aside to firm up.
  8. Assemble the Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites: Carefully remove the chilled mini cheesecakes from the muffin tin. Place a fondant snowman on top of each cheesecake bite. Lightly sprinkle edible glitter or sugar crystals around the snowman to imitate falling snow. Gently place a clear gelatin dome over each cupcake, enclosing the snowman inside the ‘snow globe.’ Serve chilled for best effect.

Notes

  • You can substitute vanilla wafers for graham crackers based on preference for crust flavor.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth cheesecake batter.
  • Be careful when handling gelatin domes as they can be fragile; silicone molds help maintain shape.
  • Edible glitter or sugar crystals add a festive touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Allow cheesecakes to chill thoroughly, which improves texture and helps when removing from the tin.
  • Store assembled snow globe bites in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.

Keywords: mini cheesecakes, snow globe dessert, holiday dessert, cheesecake bites, cookie crust, gelatin dome, fondant snowmen