Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe
Hey friend, have you ever heard of a Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe? It’s this fun, layered dessert that’s like a dream come true for cookie lovers and cheesecake fans alike. I first tried it at a holiday potluck, and honestly, it stole the show. This recipe combines whipped cream, pudding, cream cheese, and crushed festive cookies all stacked in one pan – so it’s visually impressive and totally delicious.
What I love most about this Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe is how easy it is to put together but still feels fancy. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or just cozy nights when you want to treat yourself. Plus, it’s no-bake, meaning less fuss and more fun for you, especially if baking isn’t your favorite thing. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one your new tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe lies in how each ingredient plays off the other. From the buttery cookie crust to the creamy pudding layer, they all come together for a cozy, festive flavor. When shopping, look for good-quality cookies and fresh cream cheese to keep it tasting bright and smooth.
- Christmas sugar cookies (or shortbread cookies): These form a sturdy yet soft base and add that nostalgic holiday vibe.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps bind the cookie crust so it holds together nicely.
- Cream cheese: Soften it well for a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that warm, homey note we all crave at Christmas.
- Heavy cream or whipped topping: I’ve used both; heavy cream whips up beautifully for extra fluff.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Quick and easy way to get that rich, silky pudding layer.
- Cold milk: Needed to prepare the pudding properly – don’t skip on the cold!
- Almond extract (optional): Adds a festive twist – just a little goes a long way.
- Crushed Christmas cookies: Used inside the pudding layer and as a topping for crunchy texture.
- Whipped topping for topping: A light, fluffy finish that balances all the layers.
- Decorations (sprinkles, mini chocolate chips): Perfect for adding fun color and extra sweetness.
Variations
One thing I really appreciate about the Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe is how flexible it is. I love swapping out cookie types or adding my own twists depending on what I have on hand or the crowd I’m serving. Feel free to get creative!
- Gluten-free version: I’ve tried almond flour cookies for the crust layer, and it worked surprisingly well without losing that festive crunch.
- Chocolate lover’s twist: Add a layer of chocolate pudding or sprinkle cocoa powder over the top for a richer dessert. Chocolate and cookies? Yes, please!
- Nutty flavor boost: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for a bit of crunch and warmth.
- Minty fresh: Swap almond extract with peppermint extract for a holiday mint vibe that your friends will rave about.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Create the Cookie Crust Base
Start by crushing about 24 Christmas sugar cookies into small pieces—either by hand or pulse them gently in a food processor. Mix these crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until everything is evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9×13-inch dish to form an even crust layer. Don’t skip pressing it down well; this helps the crust stay intact when you dig in!
Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat softened 8 ounces of cream cheese with ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until it’s smooth and fluffy. Then fold in 1 cup of heavy cream or whipped topping gently to keep it light and airy. Spread this cheesecake mixture evenly over your cookie crust. This layer adds the creamy richness you’ll love.
Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Layer
Mix your instant vanilla pudding mix with 1½ cups of cold milk according to the package instructions. Once thickened, stir in ½ teaspoon almond extract (if using) and ½ cup crushed Christmas cookies to add festive texture. Spread this layer gently over the cheesecake, taking care not to mix layers. The pudding adds that velvety smoothness and cookie crunch that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Chill
Top your layered masterpiece with 2 cups of whipped topping for a fluffy, snowy finish. Sprinkle crushed cookies, festive sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips on top for a lovely, festive look. Cover the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better—so the flavors meld and layers set perfectly.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish mine off with a generous sprinkle of crushed cookies and a handful of colorful holiday sprinkles. Sometimes I add mini chocolate chips for extra little bursts of chocolate. It just makes the presentation pop—and hey, it tastes even better with a little extra crunch up top!
Side Dishes
I love pairing this dessert with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa—because what’s Christmas without cozy drinks? If it’s a larger meal, something light like a fresh fruit salad or citrusy cranberry relish balances the sweetness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I’ve served individual portions in clear parfait glasses so everyone can see all the pretty layers. It’s both elegant and festive, plus grab-and-go for parties. Another time, I swapped the sugar cookie crust for gingerbread cookies for a different holiday twist—guests loved how it mixed up the flavors yet kept that Christmas spirit shining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the party winds down, I cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This dessert holds up beautifully for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it rests, which I think is a bonus. Just use a spatula to serve, as the layers stay nicely together if you’ve chilled it well.
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen the whole lasagna, I’ve portioned out single servings into freezer-safe containers with great success. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying. Keep in mind the cookie layers might get softer, but the flavors still hold up nicely.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you want it slightly less chilled, just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving—softens it up without melting the layers.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cookies instead of store-bought in this Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade Christmas sugar cookies or shortbread work beautifully—just be sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up as a crust when crushed and mixed with butter. If they’re too soft, the crust might become soggy.
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Is it necessary to chill the dessert overnight?
While chilling overnight is ideal for firm layers and best flavor, a minimum of 4 hours in the fridge will still give good results. Longer chilling helps the layers meld together and makes slicing easier.
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Can I make this dessert ahead for Christmas parties?
Yes! The Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Prepare it in advance, keep it refrigerated, and it’ll be ready to wow your guests when it’s party time.
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What can I substitute for the cream cheese in the cheesecake layer?
If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, you can try using mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just remember the texture and taste may vary slightly.
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How do I serve the Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe?
Serve it chilled straight from the fridge with a spatula. Adding festive garnishes like crushed cookies or sprinkles on top makes it extra special for the holidays.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe is truly close to my heart—it’s one of those desserts that brings people together instantly. From its rich layers to the fun, festive presentation, it never fails to lift the holiday spirit, whether it’s shared with family or friends. I’m so excited for you to try it because once you do, I think it’s going to become a beloved staple in your holiday dessert lineup too. Give it a shot and watch everyone ask for seconds!
Print
Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a delightful layered dessert featuring a buttery cookie crust, creamy cheesecake layer, rich vanilla pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it combines classic seasonal flavors and textures into a visually impressive and delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 24 Christmas sugar cookies (or shortbread cookies)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or whipped topping
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.4 oz / 96g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) cold milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for a festive flavor)
- ½ cup crushed Christmas cookies
For the Topping:
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Crushed Christmas cookies, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush the 24 Christmas sugar cookies into fine crumbs and mix with 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form the crust. Refrigerate while preparing the other layers.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream or use whipped topping, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Spread this evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
- Prepare the pudding layer: In a bowl, whisk together 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix with 1 ½ cups cold milk until thickened. Stir in ½ teaspoon almond extract, if using, for a festive touch. Fold in ½ cup crushed Christmas cookies. Spread this pudding mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Add the topping: Spread 2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
- Decorate: Sprinkle crushed Christmas cookies, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips over the whipped topping to decorate and add extra texture and flavor.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the completed lasagna for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow layers to set and flavors to meld. Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a stronger almond flavor, increase the almond extract to 1 teaspoon.
- You can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Use gluten-free cookies if you need this dessert to be gluten-free.
- This dessert is best served cold and kept refrigerated.
- To make it easier to slice, chill overnight to ensure firmness.