Looking for a show-stopping holiday dessert that doesnt need the oven? This Christmas Cookie Lasagna is pure magic. Picture layers of crushed Oreos creamy filling chocolate and vanilla pudding all topped with festive sprinkles. Its like all your favorite desserts stacked into one incredible treat. The best part? You can make it ahead so its perfect for holiday parties when your ovens already working overtime.
Why This Dessert Wins
This dessert is like Christmas in every bite. Those colorful layers look gorgeous when you slice into them and the combination of creamy chocolatey and crunchy textures makes everyone smile. I love that I can put it together the night before a party and its ready to go when I need it. Plus its one of those desserts that both kids and adults get excited about the minute they see it on the table.
Everything You Need
- For That Perfect Oreo Base:
- 36 Oreo cookies whole package minus a few for snacking
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- The Dreamy Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese really soft
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups Cool Whip thawed
- Double Pudding Layer:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups cold whole milk divided
- The Festive Topping:
- 1½ cups Cool Whip for the top
- Holiday sprinkles red and green
- Mini holiday M&Ms
- Crushed candy canes optional
- Optional Mix-ins and Variations:
- Peppermint extract few drops
- Chocolate chips mini size
- Chopped Andes mints
- Red and green sprinkle mix
- White chocolate shavings
Lets Put It Together
- Start With That Oreo Base:
- Grab your food processor and pulse those Oreos into fine crumbs dont remove the cream filling it helps bind everything. No food processor? Put the cookies in a zip bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Mix those crumbs with your melted butter until they look like wet sand. Press this mixture into your 9x13 pan making sure its even and packed down well. Pop it in the fridge while you make the next layer.
- Create The Creamy Layer:
- In a big bowl beat your super soft cream cheese until its smooth and fluffy about 2 minutes. Add your sugar vanilla and milk keep beating until everything looks silky. Now fold in that Cool Whip really gently you want to keep all that fluffiness. Spread this beautiful mixture over your chilled Oreo crust making sure to get right to the edges.
- Time For Pudding Magic:
- Grab two bowls one for each pudding flavor. Pour 1½ cups cold milk into each bowl add your pudding mixes and whisk like crazy for about 2 minutes. Let them sit for 5 minutes to thicken up. Layer the chocolate pudding first spread it carefully over the cream cheese layer. Then add your vanilla pudding on top getting creative here makes those layers look extra pretty.
- The Grand Finale:
- Spread that last layer of Cool Whip over everything like youre frosting a cake. Now comes the fun part decorating! Scatter those holiday sprinkles and M&Ms all over the top maybe add some crushed candy canes if youre feeling extra festive. Make it look as Christmassy as possible.
- The Waiting Game:
- Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap no touching the top and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours but overnight is even better. This gives all those layers time to become best friends and firm up perfectly for slicing.
Tips For Success
Want picture perfect slices? Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts. Make sure your cream cheese is really soft or youll end up with lumps nobody wants that. When youre layering, take your time - it's worth it for those clean, pretty layers. If your Cool Whip is frozen give it plenty of time to thaw in the fridge rushing it makes it watery. And heres my favorite trick, line your pan with parchment paper with some hanging over the sides, it makes the first slice so much easier to get out.
Make It Your Own
This dessert is super flexible try using mint Oreos in the crust for a holiday twist. Sometimes I add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cream cheese layer or sprinkle crushed Andes mints between layers. White chocolate shavings look like snow on top especially pretty for Christmas. You can even do different pudding flavors like white chocolate or cheesecake. Leftover slices keep well in the fridge for about 3 days if they last that long. Just keep it covered and away from strong smelling foods those layers love to absorb flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it's actually best made a day ahead to allow layers to set properly. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I use different pudding flavors?
Absolutely! Try mint chocolate, white chocolate, or any favorite pudding flavors to create your own variation.
- Why is it called a lasagna?
The name comes from its layered structure similar to traditional lasagna, though it's completely made of dessert ingredients.
- Can I freeze this dessert?
While it can be frozen, the texture of the pudding may change. It's best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.
- How do I get clean slices?
Run your knife under hot water and wipe clean between cuts. This helps create neat slices through all the layers.