Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of baked goodies wafting through the house is one of the best parts of the holiday season. This time around, I’m excited to share my Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna, a delightful no-bake dessert that transforms ordinary sugar cookies into a festive masterpiece. With layers of creamy cheesecake filling and dollops of whipped topping, this dessert is not just a feast for the eyes, but a light, sweet treat that everyone will love. The best part? It comes together in no time, allowing you to spend more moments with family and friends rather than in the kitchen. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this fun twist on traditional lasagna will have your guests reaching for seconds. What delicious decorations would you add to make it your own? Why Is Christmas Cookie Lasagna So Special? Simplicity at its Finest: This no-bake dessert requires minimal effort, allowing you to whip it up quickly without the hassle of baking. Festive Flavors: Bursting with holiday spirit, the creamy cheesecake layers blend seamlessly with crushed cookies, creating a delightful taste sensation. Customizable Touch: Feel free to mix and match cookie flavors and festive toppings to make it uniquely yours! You could even try variations like the Pistachio Dream Cookie for a fun update. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Visually stunning and utterly delicious, this dessert will impress your guests at any holiday gathering. Make-Ahead Wonder: Prepare it in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities. Just chill and serve when you’re ready! Christmas Cookie Lasagna Ingredients Elevate your holiday dessert game with these essential ingredients. For the Crust Christmas Sugar Cookies – Base for the crust providing sweetness and color; substitute with shortbread cookies for a delightful twist. Unsalted Butter – Binds the crumb mixture for a sturdy crust; use salted butter if you’re out of unsalted. For the Cheesecake Layer Cream Cheese – Provides structure and creaminess to the cheesecake; make sure it’s completely softened for a smooth texture. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake layer; can swap for powdered sugar for an ultra-smooth finish. Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor of the cheesecake; substitute with almond extract for a delightful holiday twist. Whipped Topping (or Heavy Cream) – Lightens the cheesecake filling; if using heavy cream, whip until stiff peaks form for best results. For the Pudding Layer Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – Thickens the pudding layer, adding creaminess; feel free to use chocolate pudding for something different! Cold Milk – Activates the pudding mix; it must be ice-cold to achieve the perfect thickness. Almond Extract (optional) – Infuses a festive aroma in the pudding layer; replace with peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor. Crushed Christmas Cookies – Adds extra delightful flavor and texture; choose any festive cookies you love! For the Toppings Decorative Toppings (sprinkles, chocolate chips) – Boost visual appeal and flavor; get creative to match your holiday theme! This Christmas Cookie Lasagna is not just a treat; it’s a festive experience! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Cookie Lasagna Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust Begin by crushing the Christmas sugar cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a plastic bag and rolling pin. Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave or saucepan, then combine it with the cookie crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 dish, creating an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to set. Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until it’s silky smooth with no lumps remaining. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined, creating a light, airy consistency. Spread this luscious cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Step 3: Mix the Pudding Layer In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and very cold milk for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens noticeably. Incorporate almond extract and stir in the crushed Christmas cookies, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the pudding. Carefully spread this pudding layer over the cheesecake layer, smoothing it out to create a beautiful, even surface. Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping Using the remaining whipped topping, spread a generous layer over the pudding layer, making sure to cover it completely. This adds a delightful fluffiness to the Christmas Cookie Lasagna. Aim for even distribution to keep its festive appeal. At this stage, you’re creating a delightful visual treat that will be the star of your holiday dessert table! Step 5: Decorate & Chill Sprinkle decorative toppings such as colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips generously on top of the whipped topping for added festivity. Then, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let all the layers meld together beautifully. This chilling step ensures your Christmas Cookie Lasagna is set and easy to slice when serving to your eager guests. Expert Tips for Christmas Cookie Lasagna Chill Time Matters: Ensure you refrigerate the layers for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the Christmas Cookie Lasagna set properly and allows flavors to meld beautifully. Use Softened Cream Cheese: Always beat the cream cheese until it’s completely softened to avoid lumps. This ensures a silky cheesecake layer. Cold Milk Essential: For the pudding layer, make sure your milk is very cold. This is crucial for achieving the perfect thickness in your pudding. Presentation Counts: When adding decorative toppings, consider colorful sprinkles or festive chocolate chips to make your dessert visually appealing and holiday-ready. Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap flavors, such as using peppermint extract instead of almond for a minty twist; just keep an eye on ingredient compatibility. Neat Slices Tip: For cleaner slices, run a knife under hot water before cutting each piece of the Christmas Cookie Lasagna; this smooths the edges beautifully. Make Ahead Options Preparing this Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna ahead of time is a breeze, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules! You can assemble the entire dessert up to 24 hours in advance by preparing the cookie crust, cheesecake layer, and pudding layer, then layering them in your dish. To maintain the delightful texture and flavor, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, just spread the whipped topping and add your favorite decorative toppings. This allows the layers to meld together beautifully, ensuring a delightful experience with every slice, just as delicious as if freshly made! How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cookie Lasagna Fridge: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help retain the creamy texture and freshness of the Christmas Cookie Lasagna. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze without decorative toppings for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thawing: When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the layers to regain their creamy goodness before slicing. Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this no-bake dessert; enjoy it chilled for the best flavor and texture! Christmas Cookie Lasagna Variations Feel free to add your own flair to this festive delight with these fun twists and swaps! Peppermint Twist: Substitute almond extract with peppermint extract for a refreshing minty flavor perfect for the holidays. This added zing makes each slice feel like a winter wonderland. Gingerbread Crust: Use gingerbread cookies for a spiced crust that adds warmth to each bite. It infuses holiday nostalgia with every spoonful, creating a seasonal delight. Chocolate Lovin’: Swap out the vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding for a rich, chocolaty version. This indulgent twist will surely satisfy any chocoholic in your gathering. Fluffy Pumpkin: Add in some canned pumpkin puree to the cheesecake layer for a pumpkin-spice twist, bringing a festive autumn flavor to your holiday dessert table. Nutty Variation: Fold in crushed nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into any of the layers for added crunch. This extra texture enhances the dessert and provides a nutty flavor that wonderfully complements the sweetness. Fruit Infusion: Layer some fresh berries or sliced bananas between the cheesecake and pudding layers. They not only add a pop of color but also a burst of freshness with every bite, making it a delightful surprise. Oreo Delight: Use crushed holiday Oreos in place of the Christmas sugar cookies for a chocolatey spin that will surely become a new favorite. This twist offers a fun, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy layers. For more festive ideas, consider trying my Pistachio Dream Cookie for a nutty and elegant addition to your holiday desserts! What to Serve with Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna Indulge in the festive spirit by complementing your dessert with delightful pairings that elevate the whole meal experience. Rich Hot Chocolate: This cozy drink, topped with whipped cream, balances the sweetness of the lasagna, enhancing its creamy elements. Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices echo holiday flavors, making each sip a perfect accompaniment to the cheerful layers of your dessert. Gingerbread Cookies: Add a crunchy, spiced element that aligns beautifully with the holiday theme, bringing an extra layer of festive fun. Peppermint Bark: The minty freshness cuts through the creamy richness, offering a refreshing contrast that enhances the entire dessert experience. Roasted Chestnuts: These warm, nutty flavors create a charming holiday atmosphere, complementing the sweetness of the Christmas Cookie Lasagna. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of cold ice cream next to your dessert adds a luscious creaminess, making each bite a wonderful treat. Fruit Salad: A light, fresh option that adds brightness and balances the indulgence of the lasagna, offering a refreshing bite in between. Holiday Punch: Choose a festive drink filled with seasonal flavors that can enhance the joyful spirit while mingling with the dessert’s sweetness. Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe FAQs What type of cookies should I use for the crust? Absolutely! I recommend using Christmas sugar cookies for their sweetness and festive color. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, shortbread cookies also work wonderfully as a substitute. How should I store leftovers of Christmas Cookie Lasagna? Very important! Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s airtight to preserve the creaminess of the layers and prevent drying out. Can I freeze Christmas Cookie Lasagna? Yes, you can! For long-term storage, wrap the lasagna tightly without the decorative toppings and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. What if my pudding layer doesn’t thicken? If your pudding layer isn’t thickening, ensure that your cold milk is very cold! Whisking the mix thoroughly for 1-2 minutes often helps. If it remains runny, you can try mixing in an extra tablespoon of pudding mix to help it on its way. Is this recipe safe for pets or those with allergies? When making this dessert, consider any allergies, particularly to dairy or gluten, as it contains cream cheese and cookies that may not be pet-safe. If you’re concerned about allergies, you might want to substitute ingredients accordingly, like using dairy-free cream cheese or gluten-free cookies. How do I achieve clean slices when serving? For the neatest slices, I often dip my knife in hot water and wipe it dry before each cut. This technique helps prevent any messy edges, allowing you to serve beautiful, tidy pieces of your Christmas Cookie Lasagna! Delicious Christmas Cookie Lasagna for a Festive Sweet Treat Experience the delightful Christmas Cookie Lasagna, a no-bake dessert that layers sugar cookies, creamy cheesecake, and festive toppings for a perfect holiday treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsChill Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust2 cups Christmas Sugar Cookies or substitute with shortbread cookies1/2 cup Unsalted Butter or use salted butterFor the Cheesecake Layer8 oz Cream Cheese softened1/2 cup Granulated Sugar can swap for powdered sugar1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or substitute with almond extract8 oz Whipped Topping or use Heavy Cream whipped to stiff peaksFor the Pudding Layer1 package Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix or use chocolate pudding2 cups Cold Milk must be ice-cold1 teaspoon Almond Extract optional, can replace with peppermint extract1 cup Crushed Christmas Cookies use any festive cookiesFor the Toppings1 cup Decorative Toppings such as sprinkles or chocolate chips Equipment Mixing BowlElectric mixerFood Processor8x8 dishwhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare the cookie crust by crushing the Christmas sugar cookies into fine crumbs. Melt the unsalted butter and combine it with the crumbs, then press into the bottom of an 8x8 dish and chill for at least 30 minutes.Make the cheesecake layer by beating softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping, then spread over the chilled crust.Mix the pudding layer by whisking instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until thick. Stir in almond extract and crushed Christmas cookies, then spread over the cheesecake layer.Add a layer of whipped topping over the pudding and spread evenly to cover.Decorate with sprinkles or chocolate chips, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor best results, ensure cream cheese is softened and milk is very cold. Chill time is crucial for setting the dessert properly. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
