A crumb crust is wonderfully simple. There isn’t any dough to mix or roll out; just crush or grind whole cookies into fine crumbs, bind with butter or margarine, and press into a pie pan. Better still, a crumb crust can usually be made ahead, filled, and chilled. Good choices for crumb crusts include gingersnaps, chocolate or vanilla wafers, and graham crackers. Change the texture and flavor with additions such as chopped nuts and grated orange peel.
Crushing Cookies by Hand
Place whole cookies in a large, heavy-duty plastic bag. Roll across the bag with a rolling pin. Repeat until the cookies are crushed to fine crumbs.
Crushing in a Processor
Or, break the cookies into pieces and place into the work bowl of a food processor. Set the cover in place, then process by pulsing on and off until the cookie pieces are finely ground.
Pressing into the Pan
With the bottom edge of a custard cup or the back of a spoon, spread and tamp down the crumbs in an even layer over the bottom and sides of the pie pan.