Introduction

Cookie lasagna is a delightful no-bake dessert perfect for festive occasions or any time you crave a sweet treat. Layers of creamy cheesecake filling, pudding, and crushed cookies combine to create a rich and indulgent dish that’s easy to assemble and sure to impress.

The image shows a rectangular glass dish filled with a layered dessert, starting with a creamy white base covered with swirls of white whipped cream. The top layer is decorated with colorful round and stick-shaped sprinkles in red, green, and pink, broken pieces of golden brown cookies, and small red and white striped candy canes scattered throughout. There are also pale yellow star-shaped flakes mixed in with the toppings. The dish is placed on a wooden board, surrounded by festive decorations including pinecones, red shiny ornaments, and soft glowing lights, all set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

24 Christmas sugar cookies (or shortbread cookies)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or whipped topping
1 package (3.4 oz / 96g) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups (360ml) cold milk
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for a festive flavor)
½ cup crushed Christmas cookies
2 cups whipped topping
Crushed Christmas cookies, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Crush the cookies for the crust into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand.
Step 2: Combine the crushed cookies with melted butter until evenly moistened.
Step 3: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish.
Step 4: Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Fold in the whipped topping or heavy cream gently until combined.
Step 7: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
Step 8: In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and almond extract until the mixture thickens.
Step 9: Stir in the crushed cookies and spread this layer over the cheesecake layer.
Step 10: Top with 2 cups of whipped topping, spreading it evenly to cover all layers.
Step 11: Garnish the top with crushed cookies, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips as desired.
Step 12: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving to allow the layers to fully set.

Tips & Variations

Use flavored cookies like peppermint or gingerbread for a festive twist.
For a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese layer with Greek yogurt blended with a bit of honey.
Add fresh berries between layers for added freshness and flavor.
Replace almond extract with a few drops of peppermint extract to enhance the holiday vibe.
Make individual servings in small jars for easy portion control and presentation.

Storage

Store the cookie lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the layered texture and prevent sogginess. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier slicing. Avoid freezing as the creamy layers may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

A festive dessert in a clear rectangular glass dish, filled with layers: at the base is a creamy white layer, topped with fluffy white whipped cream dollops evenly spread. The top layer is decorated with crumbled brown cookies, red and white mini candy cane pieces, green and red round sprinkles, small star-shaped golden cookies, and colorful rod-shaped sprinkles scattered across. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by blurred warm Christmas lights and red and gold ornaments. The overall look is festive and colorful with a mix of smooth and crumbly textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cookies for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any firm cookies that crush well, such as graham crackers, gingersnaps, or chocolate wafer cookies. Just be mindful of the flavors to ensure they complement the creamy layers.

What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?

If you don’t have instant pudding mix, you can make a thick vanilla custard from scratch or use a homemade pudding recipe. Just be sure it’s thick enough to hold the layers well.