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Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe

Get ready to delight your senses with a festive treat that captures the essence of Christmas! This Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a unique dessert that combines layers of holiday cheer—think sugar cookies, creamy fillings, and festive toppings. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it offers an unforgettable twist that will leave your guests asking for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Why Make This Recipe

Perfect for holiday parties and get-togethers.
Fun, interactive dessert that allows for creativity in layering and decorating.
A blend of flavors and textures that captures the merriment of the season.

The beauty of this no-bake dessert lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each forkful embodies the joy of the holidays, making it a beloved centerpiece on any festive table.

Easy Method for Christmas Cookie Lasagna

Creating a Christmas Cookie Lasagna is an enjoyable experience that allows you to unleash your holiday spirit, and luckily, it’s simple to make! Let’s break it down into easy-to-follow steps. This dessert is made up of layers of sweet cream cheese, decadent pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and charming sugar cookies, bringing a touch of fun to your holiday baking.

Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

36-48 prepared Christmas sugar cookies
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (optional, for crushed crust)
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 ½ cups (360ml) cold milk
1 package (3.4 oz / 96g) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or whipped topping
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Peppermint extract (optional)
Red or green food coloring (optional)
Crushed candy canes, for garnish
Christmas sprinkles, for garnish
Mini chocolate chips or white chocolate shavings, for garnish
Maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry, for garnish

Directions

Prepare Your Christmas Cookies
Ensure your prepared Christmas sugar cookies are completely cooled and firm. If making a crushed base, select about 12-15 cookies and crush them into fine crumbs using a Ziploc bag and rolling pin or a food processor.
Craft the Crushed Cookie Base (Optional)
If making a crushed base: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cookie crumbs with ¼ cup melted unsalted butter (and optional 1 tsp vanilla extract and pinch of salt). Mix until moistened. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a sturdy base. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz (225g) softened full-fat cream cheese with ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar until incredibly smooth, light, and fluffy (2-3 minutes), scraping down the sides. Gradually add about ½ cup of the 1½ cups cold milk, along with 1 tsp vanilla extract and optional ¼ tsp almond extract. Beat until light and uniform. If desired, add a few drops of red or green food coloring for a festive hue.
Spread the Cream Cheese Layer
Retrieve the chilled baking dish (with or without crushed base). Carefully spread the entire cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie base, creating a smooth, flat surface. Return the dish to the refrigerator.
Prepare the Pudding Layer
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine 1 package (3.4 oz / 96g) instant vanilla pudding mix with the remaining cold milk (approximately 1 cup, adjusting based on desired consistency for the pudding layer). Whisk or beat on low speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens considerably. If desired, stir in ½ tsp peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring for a minty green layer.
Spread the Pudding Layer
Carefully and gently spread the thickened pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out evenly. Return the dish to the refrigerator for at least another 15-20 minutes to allow the pudding to firm up completely.
Add Whipped Topping
If using heavy cream: In a very cold mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream with 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or use a portion of the granulated sugar if preferred for this layer) and ½ tsp vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently spread the prepared whipped topping over the now-set pudding layer, creating a smooth, inviting white blanket.
Add Second Cookie Layer & Chill
Carefully arrange the remaining whole or broken Christmas sugar cookies over the whipped topping. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all layers to set and flavors to meld.
Decorate and Serve
Just before serving, decorate generously with crushed candy canes, festive Christmas sprinkles, mini chocolate chips or white chocolate shavings, and drained maraschino cherries. Use a sharp knife to cut into neat squares. Serve immediately and store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Storage Tips for Christmas Cookie Lasagna

To keep your delicious creation fresh and delightful, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerate: Store the lasagna in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days at 40°F. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freeze: To freeze, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 2 months.
Thawing: If frozen, transfer the lasagna to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cookie Lasagna

This delightful dish is not only versatile in its ingredients but also in its presentation! Here are some creative serving suggestions:

Layering Variations: Consider layering different flavors of cookies or even using chocolate pudding to create a richer variant.
Festive Dressing: Serve with whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or chocolate sauce drizzled on top for extra indulgence.
Dip It: Pair slices of cookie lasagna with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce for a fun twist that kids will love.
Coffee Pairings: It pairs wonderfully with coffee or hot cocoa, making it a great after-dinner treat during chilly nights.

Tips to Make Christmas Cookie Lasagna

Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cream cheese and milk for a smoother, richer taste.
Cookie Selection: Choose your favorite Christmas-themed cookie shapes and decorations to elevate the dessert visually.
Make-Ahead: This treat is best made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Customize Layers: Don’t shy away from personalizing the layers—feel free to swap out pudding flavors or add fresh fruit in between layers for a refreshing taste.

Variations or Substitutions

Feel free to be creative! You can customize aspects of your Christmas Cookie Lasagna to suit your preferences:

Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free sugar cookies to make a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy.
Different Flavor Profiles: Replace vanilla pudding with chocolate, banana, or even cheesecake-flavored pudding for a distinct taste during those holiday dinners.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the layers to set beautifully while enhancing the flavors.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can utilize whipped topping for a lighter alternative. Just substitute the heavy cream with the same quantity of whipped topping.

Q: How do I cut perfect squares?
A: For neat squares, use a sharp knife and cut while the lasagna is still chilled. Wipe the knife with a warm cloth between cuts for cleaner edges.

Q: Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?

Yes, you can replace dairy with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk and use vegan cream cheese.

Q: How long can I keep leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; just keep them tightly covered to maintain freshness.

As you prepare to make your own Christmas Cookie Lasagna, remember that the magic lies in the layering and the personal touches you’ll add. This showstopping dessert not only tantalizes the taste buds, but it also infuses your holiday gatherings with joy and warmth, evoking delightful memories for years to come. Enjoy the wonderful tradition of holiday baking with this festive treat that promises to bring a smile to every face at your table.