Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a delightful, no-bake layered dessert that combines festive flavors and textures in a single dish. With layers of cookies, creamy cheesecake filling, pudding, and whipped topping, this dessert is sure to be a hit at holiday parties or family gatherings. Each layer brings a unique flavor and texture, making it the perfect showstopper for your Christmas dessert table!
Ingredients:
Cookie Layer:
- 2 cups crushed Christmas cookies (sugar cookies, gingerbread, or your favorite holiday cookies)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional, for a festive twist)
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
- Crushed holiday cookies or candy canes
- Red and green sprinkles
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Preparation:
1: Make the Cookie Crust
- In a medium bowl, mix the crushed Christmas cookies and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish to form the cookie crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the other layers.
2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie crust and return the dish to the fridge.
3: Make the Pudding Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken (about 2 minutes). For a festive flavor, add the peppermint extract.
- Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow it to set.
4: Add the Whipped Topping and Garnishes
- Once the pudding layer has set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the dessert.
- Garnish with crushed holiday cookies, candy canes, red and green sprinkles, and mini chocolate chips for a festive touch.
5: Chill and Serve
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the creamy layers and crunchy cookie base.
Variations:
- Chocolate Christmas Cookie Lasagna: Use chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla for a richer flavor. You can also add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cream cheese and pudding layers.
- Peppermint Bark Cookie Lasagna: Add a layer of crushed peppermint bark between the pudding and whipped topping layers for a festive peppermint flavor.
- Oreo Christmas Cookie Lasagna: Use crushed holiday-themed Oreos for the cookie crust and sprinkle extra Oreo crumbs on top.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cookies for the crust to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Cooking Notes:
- Chill time is important: Make sure to let the lasagna chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to firm up and the flavors to blend together.
- Use holiday-themed cookies: For a festive look, use cookies with red, green, and white icing, or add holiday sprinkles to the crushed cookies for extra color.
- Adjust the sweetness: You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect for Christmas gatherings: This no-bake Christmas Cookie Lasagna is ideal for serving at holiday parties, potlucks, or family dinners. Its festive look and easy-to-serve format make it a crowd-pleaser.
- Serve with hot chocolate: Pair a slice of this creamy dessert with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a peppermint mocha for the ultimate holiday treat.
- Customize with toppings: Create a toppings bar with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, and more, so guests can customize their slices.
Tips:
- Make ahead: This dessert can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover Christmas Cookie Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Get creative with the cookies: Mix and match different holiday cookies like gingerbread, sugar cookies, or shortbread for the cookie crust.
Prep Time:
20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cooking Time:
0 minutes (no-bake)
Total Time:
2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I use homemade cookies for the crust?
A: Absolutely! You can use homemade cookies for the crust. Just make sure they are firm enough to crush into crumbs.
Q: Can I freeze Christmas Cookie Lasagna?
A: It’s best to enjoy this dessert fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 weeks. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Q: Can I use other flavors of pudding?
A: Yes! You can use chocolate, butterscotch, or even cheesecake-flavored pudding for different variations.
Q: Can I add fruit to the layers?
A: Yes, you can add sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even pomegranate seeds between the layers for a fresh, fruity twist.
Conclusion:
Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a festive, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With layers of cookie crumbs, creamy cheesecake, pudding, and whipped topping, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a fun dessert to enjoy with family, this Christmas Cookie Lasagna is sure to be a hit!
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Christmas Cookie Lasagna: A Festive, No-Bake Layered Dessert
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Cookie Layer:
- 2 cups crushed Christmas cookies (sugar cookies, gingerbread, or your favorite holiday cookies)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional, for a festive twist)
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
- Crushed holiday cookies or candy canes
- Red and green sprinkles
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Preparation:
1: Make the Cookie Crust
- In a medium bowl, mix the crushed Christmas cookies and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish to form the cookie crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the other layers.
2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie crust and return the dish to the fridge.
3: Make the Pudding Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken (about 2 minutes). For a festive flavor, add the peppermint extract.
- Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow it to set.
4: Add the Whipped Topping and Garnishes
- Once the pudding layer has set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the dessert.
- Garnish with crushed holiday cookies, candy canes, red and green sprinkles, and mini chocolate chips for a festive touch.
5: Chill and Serve
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the creamy layers and crunchy cookie base.
Notes
- Chill time is important: Make sure to let the lasagna chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to firm up and the flavors to blend together.
- Use holiday-themed cookies: For a festive look, use cookies with red, green, and white icing, or add holiday sprinkles to the crushed cookies for extra color.
- Adjust the sweetness: You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
Nutrition
- Calories: 290
- Sodium: 180mg
- Protein: 4g