Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna

Every year, as the holiday season rolls around, I find myself reminiscing about the delightful chaos of baking with my family. The air would fill with laughter and the sweet aroma of sugar cookies baking in the oven. That's why I'm thrilled to share my Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna with you! It's a festive twist on classic dessert that combines layers of cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious pudding layer. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home, bringing a little extra sweetness to your celebrations.

What makes this Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna so special is how it seamlessly brings together beloved flavors of the season. It's not just a dessert; it's a delicious way to create memories with family and friends around the table. So, let's dive into this delightful treat that's sure to become a holiday favorite in your home!

Why You'll Love "Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna"

• Quick and easy to prepare, taking only 30 minutes with no baking required!
• Layers of deliciousness that combine cookie, cheesecake, and pudding-what's not to love?
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike.
• Can be made a day in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.
• Minimal ingredients mean less stress and more fun in the kitchen!
• Versatile and customizable with various toppings to suit everyone's taste.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 24 pieces Christmas sugar cookies (or shortbread cookies, whichever you prefer)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for the crust)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened, helps create that creamy cheesecake layer)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness to the cheesecake)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that lovely warm flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whipped topping, for a light texture)
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz / 96g)
• 1 ½ cups cold milk (this helps the pudding to set perfectly)
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a festive touch)
• ½ cup crushed Christmas cookies (for that extra crunchy layer)
• 2 cups whipped topping (for the final fluffy layer)
• Crushed Christmas cookies, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips (to taste, for garnishing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

We're going to kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, we'll dive into making our cookie crust!

Prepare the Cookie Crust

1. Start by crushing those 24 pieces of Christmas sugar cookies (or shortbread cookies if that's what you've got). You can do this in a food processor if you have one, or just pop them in a zip-top bag and pound them with a rolling pin-great stress relief!
2. Once they're nicely crushed, pour the crumbs into a mixing bowl and add in the 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Stir it all together until it resembles wet sand.
3. Now, press this cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9x13 inch baking dish. Make sure it's even and compact-this is the base of our delicious layers!

Make the Cheesecake Layer

4. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the 8 oz of softened cream cheese with ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it's smooth and creamy. This part is so satisfying!
5. Next, gently fold in 1 cup of heavy cream (or whipped topping if you want to keep it easy). You want to mix until it's all combined and fluffy, but don't overdo it-just until it looks like a cloud of cheesecake goodness!
6. Spread this luscious cheesecake layer evenly over your cookie crust. Use a spatula to smooth it out nicely.

Prepare the Pudding Layer

7. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix and 1 ½ cups of cold milk. Add in the ½ teaspoon of almond extract here if you're feeling festive!
8. Keep whisking until it thickens up nicely, which should take just a couple of minutes. Then, fold in ½ cup of crushed Christmas cookies for that extra crunch.
9. Now, spread this pudding layer over the cheesecake layer in your baking dish. Get it nice and even!

Assemble and Bake

10. Top your masterpiece with 2 cups of whipped topping, spreading it out smoothly, just like you did with the other layers.
11. Now, it's time to get creative! Garnish with crushed Christmas cookies, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips-whatever makes your heart happy!

Chill Before Serving

Finally, cover your dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight! This chilling time lets all those flavors meld beautifully together.

Variations

• Make it chocolatey by using chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust.
• Try a berry twist by adding layers of fresh raspberries or strawberries between the cheesecake and pudding layers.
• For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping.
• Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
• Add peppermint extract to the cheesecake layer for a festive minty flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

To serve, cut the Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna into squares and plate them up. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of extra crushed cookies on top adds a lovely touch. Enjoy it chilled for the best flavor and texture!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge before serving again!

Helpful Notes

• You can substitute gluten-free cookies for the crust to make this dessert gluten-free.
• Feel free to swap the almond extract for peppermint extract for a holiday twist!
• If you're short on time, pre-made whipped topping works great in place of homemade whipped cream.
• Add a layer of festive sprinkles or fresh fruit for a pop of color and flavor.
• This dish is rich, so small servings go a long way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna! Just cut it into individual slices and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

How can I substitute ingredients?

You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand. For the crust, any type of cookie works-try chocolate chip or graham crackers! Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter cheesecake layer. If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk can replace regular milk, and coconut cream can stand in for whipped topping.

How do I make this dessert ahead of time?

This dessert is perfect for making ahead! You can assemble it up to a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or a lid before refrigerating. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even tastier when made ahead! Just remember to add any garnishes right before serving for a fresh look.

Final Thoughts

There you have it-my Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna, a dessert that will surely bring joy to your holiday gatherings! I hope you try making this delightful treat, as it's not just about the flavors but the memories you create while sharing it with loved ones. Embrace the festive chaos, gather your family, and let the laughter fill your kitchen as you whip this up. Remember, it's all about enjoying the process and savoring the moments together. Happy cooking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness and cheer!