Ingredients
Cheesecake Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate and Crust
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs
- ½ cup whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Coating and Decoration
- Red and green melting chocolate or candy melts
- Holiday sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until creamy and smooth. Then gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the mixture is silky.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the cream cheese mixture when combined.
- Add the Crumbs and Whipped Topping: Stir the crushed graham crackers into the cream cheese mixture thoroughly. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping without overmixing to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Chill and Shape: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 to 40 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle. Once chilled, scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls with your hands and place them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt and Color the Coating: In separate bowls, melt the red and green candy melts according to the package instructions, usually by microwaving in intervals with stirring. Ensure the candy melts are smooth and fluid for coating.
- Coat the Cheesecake Bites: Dip each cheesecake ball into the melted red or green candy melts using a fork or dipping tool, allowing excess coating to drip off. Place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Decorate: Immediately sprinkle holiday sprinkles over the coated bites before the coating sets, adding a festive touch.
- Set and Serve: Allow the coating to fully harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, then serve chilled and enjoy your festive cheesecake bites.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese at room temperature for a smooth mixture without lumps.
- If you don’t have graham crackers, substitute with digestive biscuits or any mild cookie crumbs.
- Be sure to chill the mixture before shaping to make rolling easier and prevent sticking.
- To prevent cracking in the candy coating, ensure the coating is not too hot and the bites are cold before dipping.
- Store cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookies or graham crackers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian