Christmas Cookie Lasagna Dessert Recipe

Ah, Christmas! That magical time of year when every corner of the house is decked with twinkling lights, the scent of pine fills the air, and my kitchen turns into a merry chaos of baking and desserts. This Christmas Cookie Lasagna has quickly become one of my favorite holiday desserts. It’s a layered masterpiece—light, creamy, crunchy, and bursting with holiday cheer in every bite. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make, despite how impressive it looks when served. Plus, who can resist the magic of Oreos, cheesecake pudding, and festive sprinkles?

I remember the first time I made this for a holiday party. I wanted to bring something that wasn’t just your usual cookies or cake. I stumbled across the idea of cookie lasagna and knew immediately that it was a must-try. Spoiler: it was a huge hit! I watched as kids and adults alike came back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). That first bite of buttery Oreo crust, with layers of creamy cheesecake filling and pudding, was enough to make this dessert a Christmas tradition in our home. So, if you’re ready to wow your holiday guests, let’s dive into the magic of this irresistible Christmas Cookie Lasagna!

this RECIPE

🎅 A sweet, no-bake holiday treat (and why you need to try it!)

What makes this recipe so special, you ask? Well, it’s a no-bake dessert—yes, that means no stressing over the oven or perfectly timing your cookies. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s anything less than show-stopping. Layers of creamy cheesecake, fluffy whipped topping, and instant pudding sit on a buttery Oreo cookie crust. And if that’s not festive enough, holiday sprinkles are sprinkled (pun intended!) throughout each layer for that extra Christmas flair. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who prefers to stay out of the kitchen, this dessert is a breeze to make and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

A Christmas memory: cookie crumbs, laughter, and a little mess

The first time I made this dessert was one of those kitchen adventures where everything that could go wrong…did. My kids were helping, which is always a joy but also a bit chaotic (I mean, who knew sprinkles could end up so far from the mixing bowl?). We had cookie crumbs everywhere, and I lost count of how many Oreos went “missing” during the prep (I’m looking at you, sneaky taste testers). By the time the lasagna was assembled, we had a sticky countertop, and I was convinced we wouldn’t be able to get the layers right. But then, we pulled it out of the fridge a few hours later, and it was perfect. The smooth layers held up beautifully, and the look on my kids’ faces as they proudly served it up was worth all the mess. Now, it’s a tradition that we laugh about every year.

🎂 A little background on the no-bake lasagna dessert craze

No-bake cookie lasagnas have become a favorite in recent years, particularly because they’re so adaptable and simple to make. Traditionally, these desserts were called “lush” or “icebox cakes,” popularized in the mid-20th century when refrigerators (aka “iceboxes”) became more common in households. They were perfect for summer, as they didn’t require baking, but over the years, people started adding fun holiday twists like this Christmas version. Oreo-based desserts, in particular, have taken on a life of their own, thanks to their ease and universal appeal. This version with holiday sprinkles turns a classic dessert into a festive, crowd-pleasing treat.

🛒 Let’s talk ingredients: cookies, cream, and festive flair

Vanilla Oreo cookies

The vanilla Oreos are the star here, providing that perfect cookie crust. Their subtle sweetness pairs so well with the creamy layers. If you can’t find vanilla Oreos, feel free to substitute with Golden Oreos or even graham crackers for a slightly different flavor. (Pro tip: Go for the holiday edition Oreos if you want an extra festive look with colored creme!)

Cream cheese

Creamy, rich, and just slightly tangy, cream cheese gives that cheesecake-like flavor we all know and love. Make sure it’s softened before you mix it, so it blends smoothly. If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone works in a pinch—just expect a milder flavor.

Whipped topping

Ah, whipped topping—light and fluffy, it adds an airy texture to balance out the denser cream cheese layer. You can make your own whipped cream if you prefer, but using store-bought keeps things quick and easy. Plus, it holds up well when refrigerated!

Cheesecake instant pudding mix

This is the magic ingredient that pulls everything together. It adds a rich, velvety texture to the layers. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap this for chocolate pudding or even pistachio for a fun twist.

Christmas sprinkles

These are your festive finishing touch! I like to mix them into the layers and sprinkle them on top. If you don’t have holiday sprinkles on hand, you can use crushed candy canes or colored sugar for that extra holiday pop.

🛠️ Kitchen tools: What you need to get started

Don’t worry—you won’t need much for this dessert. A food processor is handy for crushing the Oreos, but if you don’t have one, a trusty zip-top bag and rolling pin work just as well. You’ll also need a 9×13 baking dish (glass works beautifully to show off those layers), a mixing bowl, and an electric mixer to get that cream cheese mixture nice and smooth. A spatula will help you spread each layer evenly, and if you’re into presentation, a large spoon works wonders for that final sprinkle of cookie crumbs and sprinkles.

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-step: How to make Christmas cookie lasagna

1. Crush the cookies: Start by crushing 36 vanilla Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. You can pulse them in your food processor or smash them in a bag. Once you’ve got crumbs, toss them in a bowl and stir in 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Add ½ tablespoon of sprinkles for a festive touch.
2. Create the base layer: Press the cookie crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Pack it down firmly so that it holds its shape when you slice into the lasagna later.
3. Make the cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in one tub of whipped topping and another ½ tablespoon of sprinkles. Spread this mixture over the cookie base.
4. Prepare the pudding layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry cheesecake pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk. Let it sit for 3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in more sprinkles (because why not?) and then spread it over the cream cheese layer.
5. Add the top layer: Spread the remaining tub of whipped topping over the pudding layer, creating a smooth, even finish.
6. Top it off: Crush the remaining 12 Oreo cookies and sprinkle them over the top, followed by the remaining sprinkles.
7. Chill: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours (or overnight). If you’re in a rush, you can also freeze it for a more firm texture—just thaw slightly before serving.
8. Serve and enjoy: Slice into squares and serve chilled. Watch as your guests’ eyes light up when they take their first bite!

🥄 Variations and twists to make it your own

• Gluten-free: Swap the vanilla Oreos for a gluten-free cookie alternative, and you’ve got a gluten-free dessert without losing any flavor.
• Chocolate twist: Use chocolate Oreos and chocolate pudding instead of the cheesecake pudding for a rich, decadent version.
• Peppermint surprise: Mix crushed candy canes into the whipped topping for a cool, minty holiday twist.
• Fruit flair: Add a layer of fresh strawberries or raspberries between the cream cheese and pudding layers for a refreshing burst of flavor.

🍽️ How to serve and wow your guests

This dessert looks beautiful served in the glass baking dish, but if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can slice it into squares and serve them on individual plates. A sprinkle of extra sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate sauce makes for an eye-catching presentation. If you’re hosting a holiday party, serve it alongside a few other bite-sized treats for a festive dessert buffet!

🍷 Drink pairings: What to sip with your cookie lasagna

I love serving this dessert with a glass of chilled prosecco—the bubbles pair wonderfully with the light, creamy layers. For non-alcoholic options, a simple peppermint hot chocolate or spiced apple cider works beautifully and adds a cozy, festive feel to the meal.

❄️ Storage and reheating tips

You can store any leftovers (if there are any!) in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. If you’ve frozen the dessert, make sure to thaw it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. I wouldn’t recommend reheating this dessert (the beauty is in the chilled layers), but you can always enjoy it straight from the fridge.

🍽️ Adjusting the recipe for smaller or larger gatherings

This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, but if you’re cooking for fewer people, you can easily halve the recipe and make it in an 8×8 dish. The layers will be a little thicker, but it’ll still taste just as good! Likewise, you can double the recipe if you’re hosting a large party—just be sure to use a larger pan or make it in two batches.

😅 Potential issues (and how to avoid them)

• Runny pudding layer: If your pudding layer seems too runny, make sure you’re using cold milk and allow it to sit for the full 3 minutes before adding it to the dish.
• Crust falling apart: Be sure to press the cookie crumb layer firmly into the dish. I like to use the bottom of a glass to help pack it down.
• Cream cheese too thick: If the cream cheese mixture is too thick to spread, it may need a bit more whipping or folding in of the whipped topping to lighten it up.

🎁 Your turn: Make this dessert your own!

Whether you’re a holiday traditionalist or someone who loves to experiment, this Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a great base for your own creative twists. Don’t be afraid to play with flavors, colors, and toppings to make it a dessert that reflects your holiday spirit. I guarantee you’ll want to make this again and again—and so will your family!

FAQ

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s best if made at least 4 hours in advance to allow the layers to set. You can also make it the day before your event and store it in the fridge overnight.

2. What if I don’t have a food processor?
No worries! Just place your Oreos in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or heavy object. It’s a great stress reliever!

3. Can I freeze this dessert?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. It’s also delicious eaten partially frozen if you prefer a more ice cream-like texture.

4. What’s the best way to serve this?
I like to slice it into squares and serve it chilled. You can add extra sprinkles on top just before serving for a festive touch!

5. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
Definitely! Just make sure to whip it until stiff peaks form so it holds up in the layers. Keep in mind, though, that homemade whipped cream won’t hold its shape as long as store-bought.

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