A delightful aroma filled my kitchen as the holiday season approached, stirring memories of cherished gatherings and sweet indulgences. This festive spirit called for something truly special, and I found inspiration in a cheerful creation: Christmas Cookie Lasagna. This no-bake dessert layers crushed holiday cookies, creamy cheesecake filling, and fluffy whipped topping, making it not just visually stunning but also an absolute crowd-pleaser. With its effortless preparation, it’s perfect for those busy days leading up to the festivities when you’d rather not spend hours in the kitchen. As you layer the flavors, imagine the smiles it will bring to your family and friends as they dig in. Are you ready to make this vibrant, joyful dessert a centerpiece on your holiday table? Why is Christmas Cookie Lasagna a Must-Try? Ease of Preparation: You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this festive dessert without baking! It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy delicious treats without the fuss of traditional baking. Visually Stunning: The vibrant layers of crushed holiday cookies and fluffy toppings create an eye-catching centerpiece that will impress your guests at any gathering. Rich, Creamy Layers: The combination of creamy cheesecake and rich pudding brings a delightful contrast that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Versatile Flavor Options: Feel free to customize with different cookie flavors or swap the almond extract for peppermint for a seasonal twist! Make-Ahead Convenience: This dessert is ideal for preparing in advance, allowing flavors to meld and saving you time on the busy holiday schedule. Need another no-bake option? Try the delightful Biscoff Cookie Butter for a unique treat! Christmas Cookie Lasagna Ingredients • When you see the layers come together, you’ll savor the festive spirit in every bite! For the Crust Christmas Sugar Cookies – Use crushed cookies as the base layer for that perfect crunchy texture. Unsalted Butter – Binds crumbs together, ensuring a solid and delicious crust. For the Cheesecake Layer Cream Cheese – Select softened cream cheese for a smooth, creamy consistency. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake; feel free to adjust for your taste. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor, making each bite richer. Heavy Cream or Whipped Topping – For added fluffiness and volume; choose based on your preference. For the Pudding Layer Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – Thickens the pudding, creating a luscious creamy layer. This is essential for the Christmas Cookie Lasagna experience! Cold Milk – Mandatory for mixing with the pudding to achieve correct consistency. Almond Extract (optional) – Offers a delightful holiday flavor twist; can be skipped if needed. Crushed Christmas Cookies – Adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch to the pudding layer. For Topping Whipped Topping – Lightly spread on top for a smooth and airy finish. Crushed Cookies, Sprinkles, or Mini Chocolate Chips – Optional garnishes that add delightful visual appeal and a fun pop of flavor. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Cookie Lasagna Step 1: Prepare the Crust Begin by crushing the Christmas sugar cookies into fine crumbs, either by using a food processor or placing them in a sealed bag and rolling a rolling pin over them. Melt the unsalted butter and combine it with the cookie crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish, creating an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set. Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer While the crust sets, prepare the cheesecake layer. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Gently fold in the heavy cream or whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Return to the refrigerator to firm it up for another 30 minutes. Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Layer In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens, approximately 2-3 minutes. Optionally, stir in almond extract for a festive touch. Then, fold in the crushed Christmas cookies to add texture and flavor to the pudding layer. Once combined, pour this mixture over the cheesecake layer and spread it evenly with a spatula. Step 4: Top with Whipped Topping After the pudding layer is in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the pudding layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. For a festive look, top with additional crushed cookies, colorful sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips. This not only enhances the visual appeal but adds playful textures to your Christmas Cookie Lasagna. Step 5: Chill Finally, tightly cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is preferable for the best results. This chilling time allows the layers to set properly, meld flavors, and create a delightful treat. Once ready, slice and serve this vibrant Christmas Cookie Lasagna at your holiday gathering for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Make Ahead Options Making your Christmas Cookie Lasagna ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes on busy holiday days! You can prepare the crust and the cheesecake layer up to 24 hours in advance, simply cover them tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble. The pudding layer can also be whisked together and kept in the fridge for about 3 days without losing its creamy consistency. Just remember to fold in the crushed cookies right before spreading it on the cheesecake layer for that delightful crunch! When it’s time to serve, finish by adding the whipped topping and any garnishes, ensuring your dessert is just as delicious and festive as if it were made fresh that day! What to Serve with Christmas Cookie Lasagna? Bring your holiday gathering to life with delightful accompaniments that perfectly enhance this festive dessert’s flavors and textures. Fresh Berries: The natural tartness of berries like raspberries or strawberries brightens the richness of the lasagna, adding a refreshing contrast. Spiced Hot Chocolate: A warm, creamy beverage infused with spices complements the cold, layered dessert. It adds a cozy touch to your holiday table. Coffee or Espresso: Serve with a cup of rich coffee or espresso. The bold flavors elevate the sweetness of the lasagna, making it a delightful after-dinner treat. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla adds an extra layer of indulgence. The melt-in-your-mouth element pairs perfectly with the crunchy cookie layers. Peppermint Bark: For those who love chocolate and mint, peppermint bark serves as a festive snack that balances out the sweetness of the lasagna. Gingerbread Cookies: Their spiced, chewy texture is a festive complement to the creamy, cold layers. It ties in perfectly with the holiday theme. Mixed Nuts: A bowl of lightly salted mixed nuts brings a satisfying crunch and savory balance, enhancing the dessert experience. Cranberry Sauce: A spoonful of tangy cranberry sauce cuts through the richness and brings a burst of flavor. It’s a seasonal favorite that adds a touch of tradition. Sparkling Water: Serve a glass of bubbly sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime. It cleanses the palate and refreshes after the indulgent slice of lasagna. These pairing suggestions will ensure your Christmas Cookie Lasagna shines as the centerpiece of your festive feast! Expert Tips for Christmas Cookie Lasagna Cream Cheese Softness: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature, which helps achieve a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer. Layer Chilling: Don’t rush the chilling time between layers; allowing each layer to chill properly prevents mixing and maintains distinct textures. Colorful Cookies: Use color-coordinated holiday cookies, like red and green, to enhance the festive appearance of your Christmas Cookie Lasagna, making it visually inviting. Make-Ahead Mastery: Prepare this dessert a day in advance; it not only saves you time but also improves the flavor as the layers meld beautifully. Flavor Variations: Feel free to swap out almond extract for peppermint extract for a fresh twist on this classic holiday dessert! How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cookie Lasagna Fridge: Store leftover Christmas Cookie Lasagna covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheating: While best served cold, you can allow thawed slices to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for optimal texture. Serve Chilled: Enjoy your Christmas Cookie Lasagna straight from the fridge for a delightful treat, garnished with fresh toppings if desired! Christmas Cookie Lasagna Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this festive dessert to match your family’s taste! Peppermint Twist: Swap the almond extract for peppermint extract to give your dessert a refreshing holiday flavor. Gingerbread Crunch: Use gingerbread cookies instead of sugar cookies for a warm, spiced twist that captures the essence of the season. Chocolate Indulgence: Replace the instant vanilla pudding mix with chocolate pudding for a rich and decadent alternative that chocolate lovers will adore. Nutty Addition: For a delightful crunch, fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the cheesecake layer, adding both flavor and texture. Fruit Layer: Incorporate a layer of fresh raspberries or strawberries between the cheesecake and pudding layers for a fruity contrast that brightens each bite. Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and the heavy cream with coconut whipped cream for a delicious vegan option. Visual Pops: Garnish with edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the whipped topping for an extra festive touch that will wow your guests! Mini Versions: Create individual servings in small jars or cups instead of a large dish, making them perfect for parties or as a fun dessert for kids. No matter how you choose to mix things up, this Christmas Cookie Lasagna will be a showstopper on your holiday table! Don’t forget to explore delightful creations like Lava Brownie Cookies or Vanilla Waffle Cookies for more sweet inspiration! Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe FAQs How do I select the best cookies for the crust? Absolutely! For the crust, I recommend using fresh Christmas sugar cookies or shortbread cookies. Look for cookies that are firm without any dark spots, which can indicate staleness. The crunchier the cookies, the better the texture for your crust! What’s the best way to store leftover Christmas Cookie Lasagna? Very important! Store any leftovers tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep it fresh and maintain the layers’ integrity. Just remember to slice it first for easier serving later! Can I freeze Christmas Cookie Lasagna for later? Definitely! To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. This way, it will maintain that delightful texture! How can I prevent the layers from mixing during assembly? Great question! To prevent mixing, ensure each layer has sufficient chilling time between steps. After pressing the cookie crust, chill it for at least 30 minutes before adding the cheesecake layer. The same goes for the cheesecake layer—chill for another 30 minutes before adding the pudding layer. This keeps each layer distinct and beautiful. Is this dessert suitable for people with nut allergies? Absolutely! If anyone has a nut allergy, simply omit the almond extract. The dessert will still be delicious without it! Just remember to check that the cookies you use are also nut-free, especially if you’re using store-bought varieties. Can I make this dessert a day in advance? Yes, indeed! In fact, I recommend preparing this Christmas Cookie Lasagna the day before your gathering. Not only does this save time, but it also enhances the flavors as the layers meld together beautifully overnight in the fridge. Irresistible Christmas Cookie Lasagna – No-Bake Delight A delightful Christmas Cookie Lasagna that layers cookies, cheesecake, and whipped topping for a festive no-bake dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsChill Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust2 cups Christmas Sugar Cookies crushed1/2 cup Unsalted Butter meltedFor the Cheesecake Layer8 oz Cream Cheese softened1/2 cup Granulated Sugar adjust to taste1 tea spoon Vanilla Extract1 cup Heavy Cream or Whipped Topping based on preferenceFor the Pudding Layer1 package Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix2 cups Cold Milk1 tea spoon Almond Extract optional1 cup Crushed Christmas CookiesFor Topping1 cup Whipped ToppingCrushed Cookies, Sprinkles, or Mini Chocolate Chips optional garnishes Equipment mixing bowl8x8-inch dishFood Processorwhiskspatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by crushing the Christmas sugar cookies into fine crumbs. Melt the unsalted butter and combine it with the cookie crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this into the bottom of an 8x8-inch dish, creating an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.Prepare the cheesecake layer by beating the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the heavy cream or whipped topping and spread over the chilled cookie crust. Return to the refrigerator to firm for another 30 minutes.Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Optionally stir in almond extract, then fold in the crushed Christmas cookies. Pour this mixture over the cheesecake layer and spread evenly.Spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the pudding layer. Top with additional crushed cookies, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for a festive look.Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Slice and serve this vibrant dessert at your holiday gathering. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure cream cheese is fully softened for best texture. Allow layers to chill properly for distinct textures. Consider colorful cookies for a festive presentation. Prepare a day in advance for best flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
