Christmas Cookie Lasagna Layer

This delicious Christmas cookie lasagna brings all the best holiday flavors together for a festive no bake dessert that feels special and looks beautiful layered in the pan. It is always one of the first treats to disappear at our family gatherings and I love how it combines creamy cheesecake filling with buttery cookie crunch and just the right amount of sweetness. Every time I make this I remember my kids sneaking gingerbread men around the kitchen as we wait for dessert time.

It is always a crowd pleaser at my Christmas parties and I love that I can prep it in advance. Even my pickiest dessert eaters go back for seconds on this one.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Christmas sugar cookies or shortbread cookies: Crisp texture and classic sweetness are essential Choose your favorite holiday designs or colors for festive layers
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter brings the crumbs together Always use fresh high quality butter for best flavor
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for ultra smooth filling I recommend using full fat cream cheese to keep the cheesecake layer rich
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tang of the cream cheese Use a fine granulated sugar for faster dissolving
• Vanilla extract: Gives depth and warmth I find pure vanilla works best for that real holiday bakery aroma
• Heavy cream or whipped topping: Lends a fluffy lightness to the filling If using cream be sure it is very cold so it whips up nicely
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: The secret to a silky pudding layer Check expiration date for freshest taste and always whisk until fully thickened
• Cold milk: Use whole milk if possible for a creamier pudding
• Whipped topping: Adds an easy snowy layer on top Make sure it is well thawed for effortless spreading

How to Make It

Crush the Cookies:

Use a food processor or place cookies in a ziptop bag and crush with a rolling pin until you have fine, even crumbs. This creates a sturdy yet tender base for the lasagna.

Combine with Melted Butter:

Pour the melted butter over the crumbs and stir thoroughly until all crumbs are evenly moistened. The butter binds the crust and ensures it slices neatly.

Press into Pan:

Firmly press the cookie and butter mixture into the bottom of an eight inch square dish creating an even, packed layer. Chill in the refrigerator for at least ten minutes so the crust firms up.

Make Cream Cheese Layer:

In a medium mixing bowl beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining. This step is crucial for light texture.

Fold in Whipped Topping:

Using a rubber spatula gently fold whipped topping or whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Fold carefully to keep the layer fluffy.

Spread Over Crust:

Using an offset spatula or spoon spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust. Take care to reach the corners so every slice has both layers.

Whisk Pudding:

In a separate bowl whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for two to three minutes or until fully thickened and resembles pudding. Instant pudding thickens quickly so do not over whisk.

Add Crushed Cookies to Pudding:

Gently stir a handful of crushed cookies into the pudding mixture for extra flavor and cookie bites in every slice.

Spread Pudding Over Cheesecake Layer:

Carefully spoon the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer and smooth it out evenly to the edges.

Top with Whipped Topping:

Spread the remaining whipped topping over the top of the lasagna making a thick snowy layer that creates a lovely festive look.

Garnish and Chill:

Sprinkle additional crushed cookies or holiday sprinkles over the whipped topping for decoration. Chill the lasagna for at least four hours or overnight so the layers firm up and flavors meld.

Slice and Serve:

Use a sharp knife to cut neat squares and serve cold. Wipe the knife between slices for clean layers.

It is easy to switch up the cookie and sprinkle colors to fit any holiday mood. My favorite part is the cookie crust because of its buttery crunch I remember last Christmas my niece helped press the crumbs and declared it her new top dessert job. She still asks if she can be in charge of the crust every year.

Flavor Boosters

If you are out of sugar cookies try gingerbread or vanilla wafers for a different flavor twist. Neufchâtel can stand in for cream cheese if you need something lighter and low fat whipped topping works fine if you want to cut calories. For a gluten free version use gluten free shortbread.

Serving Suggestions

This is a perfect dessert for Christmas potlucks cookie exchanges or family movie nights. For a fun touch add green and red sprinkles or tiny candy canes on top before chilling. I often cut smaller square portions and serve in cupcake liners for easy sharing with kids.

Creative Twists

In spring use lemon shortbread and pastel sprinkles. For Valentine’s Day swap in red velvet cookies and pink whipped topping. Whenever you need a make ahead showstopper keep this basic formula and change the decorations to suit the season.

Do not skip chilling each layer to let the flavors develop I learned that once when I rushed and the layers did not hold.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use different cookies for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute Christmas sugar cookies with shortbread or other favorite holiday cookies to suit your taste or availability.

→ Do I need to bake the cookie crust?

No baking is required; simply chill the crust after pressing it into the dish to help it set before adding layers.

→ Can whipped cream be used instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely, homemade whipped cream works just as well as store-bought whipped topping for a fresher flavor and texture.

→ How far ahead can I prepare this dessert?

You can assemble the dessert a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and to make serving easier during busy holiday gatherings.

→ What are creative garnishing options?

You can top with extra crushed cookies, festive sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips to enhance appearance and add crunch.