Christmas Cookie Lasagna Dessert Recipe

The holiday season is all about sharing cozy moments and delicious treats with loved ones. One of my absolute favorite desserts to whip up around Christmas is this delightful Christmas Cookie Lasagna. It’s indulgent, easy to make, and just the right balance of creamy, crunchy, and festive. Picture layers of creamy cheesecake-flavored goodness with Oreo cookies and a festive sprinkle on top—it’s the kind of dessert that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (maybe thirds, let’s be real).

I first stumbled upon this recipe while I was looking for a no-bake dessert for a last-minute family gathering. I was in a crunch for time but still wanted something impressive that screamed “Christmas.” I gave this recipe a try and, let’s just say, I’ve been asked to make it every year since. It’s now part of our Christmas traditions, right alongside decorating the tree and sipping on hot cocoa.

this RECIPE

🎄 Why this Christmas cookie lasagna is a holiday must-make

Let’s be honest—anything with layers of whipped topping, cream cheese, and Oreos is bound to be a hit. But this Christmas Cookie Lasagna? It’s next-level festive with all the holiday sprinkles and creamy layers that taste like a winter wonderland on a plate. Plus, it’s a no-bake dessert, so you can easily make this while your oven is busy with all those Christmas cookies and roasts. It’s the perfect treat to make ahead, which means less stress on the big day.

The best part? It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day after all the layers have had time to settle together, so you can make it ahead and cross one thing off your holiday to-do list. Let’s dive into how it all comes together!

A sweet Christmas memory

The first time I made this Christmas Cookie Lasagna, I had no idea how it would turn out. I had a holiday potluck to attend and wanted something easy yet impressive—no one needs the stress of complicated recipes around the holidays! As I layered the whipped topping, cream cheese, and cookie crumbs, I wasn’t sure if the flavors would mesh as perfectly as I hoped. But when I sliced into that lasagna for the first time and saw the perfectly layered cross-section with festive sprinkles, I knew I had a winner.

It was an instant hit. My cousins loved it so much, they asked for the recipe before the party was even over. And I distinctly remember standing by the dessert table, hearing someone say, “I didn’t know Christmas could taste this good.” That’s the magic of this dessert—it’s festive, simple, and so incredibly satisfying.

The origin story of Christmas lasagna (or, how layers became festive)

Now, this “lasagna” may not have its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, but its layered concept is similar to other dessert lasagnas (yes, dessert lasagna is a thing!). These types of no-bake layered desserts are thought to have originated in the U.S. during the mid-20th century when no-bake and refrigerator desserts became all the rage. The idea is simple: layer different textures and flavors to create a beautifully harmonious dessert that looks like you spent hours on it—but really, it’s quick and easy.

This holiday version swaps the usual chocolate for vanilla Oreos and cheesecake pudding to keep it light and festive, perfect for Christmastime indulgence. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite seasonal toppings, like crushed peppermint or red and green M&Ms!

Let’s talk ingredients: the good, the better, and the “oops, I’m out of that”

• Vanilla Oreo cookies: These form the crispy, crunchy base of our dessert. Vanilla Oreos give a softer flavor that complements the creamy layers, but if you’re out, golden graham crackers or shortbread cookies will also work. You could even mix in a few peppermint-flavored Oreos for a minty twist!
• Cream cheese: This adds that signature tang and creaminess. Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing, or you’ll end up with lumps (and nobody likes lumpy cheesecake). If you’re dairy-free, vegan cream cheese works well here too.
• Whipped topping: It keeps the layers light and fluffy. If you can’t find pre-made whipped topping (like Cool Whip), you can always make your own whipped cream. Just be sure it’s well-whipped to hold up in the layers!
• Cheesecake instant pudding mix: This is the magical layer that ties everything together with its creamy, rich texture. If cheesecake flavor isn’t your thing, feel free to swap in vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix.
• Holiday sprinkles: These are purely for fun and color, but they make all the difference in turning this into a truly festive dessert. Use any sprinkles you love—candy cane bits or mini holiday M&Ms would also look adorable.
• Butter: This holds the cookie crumb base together. Salted or unsalted, both will work fine here, though I prefer salted for a slight contrast to the sweetness.

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can totally skip)

To make this Christmas Cookie Lasagna, you won’t need much in terms of equipment, which is another reason I love it!

• Food processor: To quickly crush the Oreo cookies into crumbs. If you don’t have one, just pop the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or even a sturdy glass jar.
• Electric mixer: This is essential for whipping together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s silky smooth. You could do this by hand, but it will take a bit more elbow grease.
• 9×13 glass baking dish: You’ll need something large enough to hold all those lovely layers. Glass is best for presentation, so you can see all the layers, but any large dish will do.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

1. Crush the Oreos and mix with butter
Start by crushing 36 vanilla Oreos into fine crumbs. I use a food processor for this, but if you don’t have one, just smash them up in a plastic bag with a rolling pin (or even a wine bottle if you’re in a pinch!). Once crushed, stir in melted butter and a sprinkle of holiday cheer (aka sprinkles). Press this crumbly goodness into the bottom of your baking dish.

2. Prepare the cream cheese layer
In a large bowl, whip together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. I’ve learned the hard way—soften the cream cheese completely, or you’ll have little lumps! Fold in one container of whipped topping, followed by a few more sprinkles for good measure. Spread this over the Oreo crust, gently coaxing it into an even layer.

3. Whip up the pudding
Next, whisk together the dry cheesecake pudding mix and cold milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly—this step is key to making sure your pudding layer holds its shape. Stir in some more festive sprinkles and spread it over the cream cheese layer.

4. Top it all off
The final layer is simple—spread the second container of whipped topping over the pudding layer. To finish, crush the remaining Oreos and sprinkle them along with the remaining holiday sprinkles for that extra festive touch.

5. Chill and serve
Pop the whole thing in the fridge for at least four hours (or overnight if you’ve planned ahead). When it’s time to serve, just slice and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your guests.

Variations: because every recipe deserves a twist

• Peppermint Christmas Lasagna: Swap out the vanilla Oreos for peppermint-flavored Oreos, and sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top for a minty twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free vanilla sandwich cookies and make sure your pudding mix is gluten-free. Most whipped toppings and cream cheese are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
• Vegan version: Replace the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free whipped topping, and opt for a vegan pudding mix (yes, they exist!). This turns out surprisingly close to the original!
• Berry Christmas Lasagna: Add a layer of fresh strawberries or raspberries between the cream cheese and pudding layer for a fruity twist. It adds a little tartness to balance the sweetness.

Serving it up in style

When it comes to serving this Christmas Cookie Lasagna, I like to keep things simple but festive. Slice it into neat squares and serve each piece on a holiday-themed plate. If you’re feeling extra fancy, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of crushed candy canes or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Pair it with some hot chocolate or mulled wine, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Christmas dessert presentation!

Drink pairings for this creamy dessert

• Hot cocoa: The richness of this lasagna goes perfectly with a mug of creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.
• Mulled wine: The spiced, fruity flavors of mulled wine balance out the sweetness of the dessert, making it a great holiday pairing.
• Coffee with Bailey’s: For the adults at your party, nothing beats a cup of strong coffee spiked with Bailey’s to complement the creamy, indulgent layers of the lasagna.

Storing and reheating tips

This Christmas Cookie Lasagna stores beautifully, which makes it ideal for holiday prep. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for about a month frozen. To serve, just thaw in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before digging in.

Adjusting the recipe for different serving sizes

This recipe is easy to scale! If you’re making it for a smaller crowd, halve all the ingredients and use an 8×8 dish. For a larger crowd (like a big holiday gathering), you can double everything and layer it in a deep lasagna pan. Just make sure you adjust your chilling time accordingly—a larger lasagna will need a bit more time to set.

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them!)

• Lumpy cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with the powdered sugar.
• Runny pudding layer: Be sure to let your pudding set before spreading it over the cream cheese layer. If it’s too runny, it’ll mix with the cream cheese and make the layers less defined.
• Not chilling long enough: Patience is key! Let the dessert chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) so the layers firm up and the flavors meld together.

Go ahead, give it a try!

There’s something undeniably magical about this Christmas Cookie Lasagna. With its easy prep, fun layers, and festive vibes, it’s the perfect dessert to add a little extra joy to your holiday table. Whether you stick to the recipe or throw in your own twists, it’s bound to be a hit. So go ahead, make it, share it, and watch it become a new Christmas tradition!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of Oreo?
   Absolutely! While vanilla Oreos give it that light, festive touch, chocolate or peppermint Oreos would work beautifully, too.
2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
   Yes! In fact, it’s better when made ahead since the flavors meld together beautifully after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
3. What if I don’t have cheesecake pudding mix?
   No worries! Vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix makes a great substitute.
4. Can I freeze Christmas Cookie Lasagna?
   Yes, it freezes well. Just slice it up, wrap the pieces, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
5. How long does it keep in the fridge?
   It’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days when covered tightly in the fridge.

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