Christmas Cookie Lasagna

Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a show-stopping no-bake dessert that layers holiday cheer into every delicious bite. With its festive colors, rich textures, and crowd-pleasing flavors, this holiday treat combines layers of creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy cookie crumbs, whipped topping, and colorful holiday candies. The base is a decadent chocolate cookie crust, followed by a velvety layer of vanilla cheesecake, a buttery cookie crumble, and finally crowned with festive red and green M&M’s and whipped swirls. It’s as visually stunning as it is mouthwatering, making it the ultimate centerpiece for any holiday dessert table.

Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy winter night in, Christmas Cookie Lasagna is beloved for being indulgent without requiring a hot oven. Every layer adds contrast and depth — creamy, crunchy, sweet, and slightly tangy. Plus, the red and green candy-coated chocolate accents give it an unmistakable Christmas vibe. Whether you're making it for a holiday celebration or as a fun winter weekend treat, this dessert guarantees joy with every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Lasagna

• No baking required – saves time and energy during busy holiday prep
• Festive presentation – eye-catching layers and vibrant holiday toppings
• Make-ahead friendly – prepare a day in advance and chill overnight
• Family favorite – kid-approved, adult-adored
• Versatile – easy to customize with different cookies or candies

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring your Christmas Cookie Lasagna to life, you’ll need just a few essential tools:

• 9x13-inch baking dish: Ideal size to build and layer your lasagna evenly
• Mixing bowls: One large for the cheesecake mixture and another for cookie crumbs
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: Helps whip the cream cheese and powdered sugar into a smooth, fluffy texture
• Rubber spatula: For folding and spreading layers without breaking the whipped topping
• Food processor or rolling pin: Crush cookies into fine crumbs effortlessly

Each tool plays a role in ensuring smooth layers and consistent textures, making the preparation process both simple and enjoyable.

Preparation Tips

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother cheesecake layer that blends easily. Chill your mixing bowl before whipping cream for better volume and stability. When crushing cookies, aim for a fine crumb without large chunks for a better base and topping. Be patient with the layering — use a spatula to gently spread each layer evenly. For best results, allow the dessert to chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set properly and develop its flavors. Finally, decorate just before serving to keep the candies vibrant and the whipped topping fresh.

Ingredients for this Christmas Cookie Lasagna

Crust Layer:

• 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Cookie Crumble Layer:

• 1 ½ cups holiday sugar cookies or shortbread cookies, crushed
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Topping Layer:

• 1 ½ cups whipped topping
• Red and green M&M’s (holiday edition)
• Red sugar sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)

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Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust

Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies using a food processor or a sealed bag and rolling pin until finely ground. Mix with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to create an even layer. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the next layer.

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Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping using a rubber spatula. Once well combined, spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust. Smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

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Step 3: Make the Cookie Crumble

In another bowl, mix the crushed sugar cookies or shortbread with brown sugar and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the cheesecake layer, spreading it out to cover the surface evenly. Gently press the crumble down with a spatula so it adheres to the creamy layer below.

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Step 4: Add the Final Toppings

Top the dessert with a layer of whipped topping, either spooned or piped decoratively across the surface. Garnish with red and green M&M’s for a festive touch. Add red sugar sprinkles or nonpareils if desired for extra holiday flair.

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Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, slice into squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for perfect presentation.

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Notes

This Christmas Cookie Lasagna can be customized in countless ways depending on your favorite cookies and toppings. You can swap the chocolate cookie base for graham crackers or gingersnaps for a more spiced holiday version. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use semi-sweet chocolate chips in the topping instead of M&M’s. To make this recipe more kid-involved, let little ones decorate the top with candies and sprinkles. It’s also an excellent dessert to make ahead of a busy holiday event since it holds up well in the fridge.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold cream cheese: Always let it soften to room temperature to avoid lumps.
• Not crushing cookies finely enough: Larger chunks can cause the crust or crumble to fall apart.
• Overmixing whipped topping: Fold it gently to maintain a light texture.
• Skipping chill time: The dessert needs hours in the fridge to set properly; don’t rush it.
• Layering too quickly: Allow each layer to settle slightly before adding the next to prevent mixing.
• Using too much topping: A heavy topping layer may collapse the crumble or cheesecake.

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Storage Instructions

Cover the Christmas Cookie Lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid leaving the dessert at room temperature for extended periods, as the whipped topping and cream cheese layer can soften too much and affect the structure.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 370
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cookies for the crumble layer?

Yes, homemade sugar cookies or shortbread work beautifully, just ensure they are fully cooled and slightly crisp.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free sandwich cookies for the base and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, freshly whipped cream can be used, but stabilize it with a bit of powdered sugar or gelatin to prevent weeping.

How far in advance can I make this?

You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Slice it into portions, place in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 1 month.

What can I use instead of M&M’s?

Crushed peppermint candies, chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles all work great.

How can I make it lighter?

Use low-fat cream cheese and a light whipped topping to reduce calories and fat.

What’s the best way to slice it cleanly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut.

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Conclusion

Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a no-bake holiday wonder that brings joy to every dessert table. It’s fun, festive, and simple to make, layering bold holiday flavors with creamy cheesecake and a cookie crunch. Whether you're entertaining guests or treating your family, this recipe offers a perfect combination of ease and indulgence. With make-ahead convenience and eye-catching flair, it’s bound to become a seasonal staple you’ll crave year after year.

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