My family has a tradition of making elaborate desserts for Christmas. Not just your average cookies and pies, but show-stopping creations that are as fun to look at as they are to eat. I remember one year, my aunt made a trifle that was so tall, it barely fit in the fridge!
This christmas cookie lasagna is inspired by those memories – a festive, layered dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s also surprisingly easy to assemble, which is a major plus during the busy holiday season. Just like our family traditions, it’s all about gathering, sharing, and enjoying sweet moments together. If you’re looking for another shareable Christmas treat, check out this delicious black forest trifle.
This recipe is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a special treat for your loved ones. The layers of soft cookies, creamy pudding, and whipped topping are a delightful combination that everyone will enjoy.
Why you’ll love this Christmas Cookie Lasagna
- This christmas cookie lasagna is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal baking time and simple assembly.
- The combination of soft sugar cookies, creamy vanilla pudding, and whipped topping creates a delightful and satisfying dessert.
- It’s a visually stunning dessert that’s sure to impress your guests at any holiday gathering.
- You can easily customize this christmas cookie lasagna with different flavors of pudding, cookies, and sprinkles to suit your preferences.
- It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert, allowing you to prepare it in advance and enjoy it later.
- This cookie lasagna is kid-friendly and a great way to involve the little ones in the kitchen during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 24 soft sugar cookies
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (5.1 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 4 cups whipped topping, thawed
- Festive Christmas sprinkles
Directions
Step 1
Christmas cookie lasagna makes every moment feel velvety. Bake sugar cookies according to package directions or your favorite recipe. Let cool completely.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4
Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the vanilla pudding until well combined.
Step 5
In a 9×13 inch dish, arrange a layer of sugar cookies to cover the bottom.
Step 6
Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the cookies.
Step 7
Spread half of the whipped topping over the pudding layer.
Step 8
Sprinkle with festive Christmas sprinkles.
Step 9
Repeat layers: sugar cookies, pudding mixture, whipped topping, and sprinkles.
Step 10
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 11
Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your christmas cookie lasagna!
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
The beauty of this dessert is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different flavors of pudding. Chocolate, butterscotch, or even pistachio pudding would be delicious alternatives to vanilla. Consider using gingerbread cookies or chocolate chip cookies instead of sugar cookies for a different flavor profile.
Another fun twist is to add a layer of your favorite fruit preserves or a thin layer of caramel sauce. This will add extra moisture and flavor complexity to your christmas cookie lasagna. You could also add chopped nuts or chocolate shavings for added texture and visual appeal.
For a more decadent version, consider incorporating a layer of ganache made with dark or milk chocolate. You can also infuse the whipped topping with different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to complement the other flavors.
Pairings
This christmas cookie lasagna pairs well with a variety of beverages. A glass of cold milk is a classic choice, perfect for kids and adults alike. For a more sophisticated pairing, try serving it with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider.
If you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, consider offering a selection of different teas or coffees. A light and fruity herbal tea or a rich, dark roast coffee would both complement the sweetness of the lasagna.
For a truly indulgent experience, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The coldness of the ice cream and the lightness of the whipped cream will enhance the creamy texture of the dessert.
Serving ideas
Presentation is key when serving this christmas cookie lasagna. Cut it into neat squares and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with extra sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for a festive touch.
You can also serve individual portions in small parfait glasses or bowls. This is a great option for parties or gatherings where you want to offer a more elegant presentation. For some wonderful almond and cherry cookie recipes, check out this article on Fork Haven here.
For a fun and interactive serving idea, set up a dessert bar with all the ingredients and let your guests assemble their own lasagna. This is a great way to get everyone involved and allows them to customize their dessert to their liking.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover christmas cookie lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted flavors from the refrigerator.
If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Keep in mind that the texture of the cookies may change slightly after freezing and thawing. They may become a bit softer, but the overall flavor will still be delicious.
Make-ahead
This christmas cookie lasagna is a perfect make-ahead dessert. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cookies to soften slightly, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dessert.
If you’re short on time, you can even bake the sugar cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
You can also prepare the pudding mixture and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using it to ensure that it’s smooth and creamy.
Common mistakes when making Christmas Cookie Lasagna
- Not letting the cookies cool completely: If you assemble the lasagna while the cookies are still warm, they will soften too much and the layers will become soggy.
- Using too much milk in the pudding: Adding too much milk will result in a runny pudding that won’t hold its shape.
- Not softening the cream cheese: If the cream cheese is not softened, it will be difficult to beat it until smooth and creamy, resulting in a lumpy pudding mixture.
- Not refrigerating the lasagna long enough: Refrigerating the lasagna allows the flavors to meld together and the cookies to soften slightly.
- Overdoing the sprinkles: While sprinkles are festive, adding too many can make the lasagna overly sweet and detract from the other flavors.
Final notes
This christmas cookie lasagna is a delightful and festive dessert that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress your guests. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version.
Remember to let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or preferably overnight, for the best results. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of creating this delicious treat!
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this christmas cookie lasagna with your loved ones. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Loved this Christmas Cookie Lasagna? Try these next
- Black forest trifle christmas
- Zesty lemon rice krispy treats
- Sweet chili chicken wraps
- Almond cherry cookie recipe
- Jalapeno chicken enchiladas amazing jalapeno popper
Christmas Cookie Lasagna
Layers of soft sugar cookies, creamy vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and festive sprinkles create a show-stopping Christmas Cookie Lasagna that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 24 soft sugar cookies
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (5.1 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 4 cups whipped topping, thawed
- Festive Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Bake sugar cookies according to package directions or your favorite recipe. Let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the vanilla pudding until well combined.
- In a 9×13 inch dish, arrange a layer of sugar cookies to cover the bottom.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the cookies.
- Spread half of the whipped topping over the pudding layer.
- Sprinkle with festive Christmas sprinkles.
- Repeat layers: sugar cookies, pudding mixture, whipped topping, and sprinkles.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your Christmas Cookie Lasagna!
Notes
For best results, refrigerate the lasagna overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can substitute different flavors of pudding or cookies to customize your lasagna. For an extra layer of flavor, add a thin layer of caramel sauce between the cookie and pudding layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg