Christmas Cookie Lasagna: Creamy, Colorful, and No-Bake Fun

There’s something about Christmas that makes us crave fun, colorful desserts the kind that bring smiles before anyone even takes a bite. For me, that dessert is Christmas Cookie Lasagna. It’s rich, creamy, and layered with all the flavors that make the holidays magical: cookies, pudding, whipped cream, and just enough sprinkles to make Santa proud.

The first time I made it, it was one of those last-minute holiday ideas. I needed a dessert for a family dinner but didn’t have time for baking. I glanced around my kitchen, saw sugar cookies, pudding mix, and cream cheese and thought, “What if I layered them?” One hour later, this creamy, dreamy creation came out of my fridge. My kids called it “Christmas in a pan,” and now, it’s a tradition we can’t skip.

If you love festive no-bake desserts, you’ll also adore my Sugar Cookie Cheesecake and Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. Both are easy to make and full of holiday cheer, just like this one.

No ratings yet

A festive no-bake dessert layered with sugar cookies, creamy cheesecake filling, vanilla pudding, and whipped topping — this Christmas Cookie Lasagna is rich, colorful, and irresistibly easy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Dessert, no-Bake

Cuisine: American, christmas

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 18–20 sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1/4 cup crushed sugar cookies or sprinkles (for topping)

Equipment

• 9×13-inch dish
• mixing bowls
• electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• refrigerator

Method

 

1. Arrange a single layer of sugar cookies in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish.
2. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Fold in half the whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture until light and creamy. Spread evenly over the cookie layer.
4. Whisk instant pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
5. Add another layer of sugar cookies on top of the pudding layer.
6. Spread remaining whipped topping evenly over the top. Decorate with crushed cookies and festive sprinkles.
7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice and serve chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 230mgPotassium: 90mgSugar: 22gVitamin A: 520IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 0.8mg

Notes

Use softened cream cheese for the smoothest filling. Chill at least 4 hours for clean slices. Try peppermint extract or crushed candy canes for a holiday twist. Best made ahead — the cookies soften and flavors develop overnight.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

The Sweet Story Behind Christmas Cookie Lasagna

This dessert is all about layers soft sugar cookies form the base, followed by a fluffy cream cheese layer, a smooth pudding layer, and clouds of whipped cream on top. It’s rich enough to impress guests yet light enough that you’ll always have room for one more bite.

You can get creative with the cookies. I love using Christmas sugar cookies or shortbread, but even crushed sandwich cookies or ginger snaps work beautifully. I usually add red and green sprinkles between the layers for that festive pop of color.

If you’re planning a cozy holiday dinner, this dessert pairs beautifully with Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes and Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin. It’s the perfect sweet ending after something savory and comforting.

How to Make Christmas Cookie Lasagna

Start by preparing the base layer. Arrange a single layer of sugar cookies in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. You can use homemade cookies or store-bought — both work just fine.

Next, make the cream cheese layer. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in some whipped topping until it’s light and creamy, then spread this mixture evenly over the cookie layer. This gives the dessert that soft, cheesecake-like texture everyone loves.

For the next layer, whisk together instant vanilla pudding and cold milk until thickened. Spread it gently over the cream cheese layer. Then add another layer of cookies for extra texture. Finish by spreading a thick, fluffy layer of whipped topping across the top. Decorate with crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, and plenty of Christmas sprinkles.

Chill the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight. The cookies soften, the layers blend, and the flavor becomes pure holiday perfection. When you slice it, each layer stays visible creamy, colorful, and ready for the spotlight.

If you enjoy layered desserts like this, you’ll also love my Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites and Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. They’re the same balance of indulgent and eas perfect for busy bakers.

Tips for a Perfect No-Bake Christmas Cookie Lasagna

Use softened cream cheese — cold cream cheese can make the filling lumpy. To get those clean, picture-perfect layers, chill the dessert long enough for it to set completely. You can even freeze it for about 30 minutes before serving for neat slices.

Want to switch it up? Try peppermint extract instead of vanilla, or mix crushed candy canes into the topping for extra holiday sparkle. For a flavor twist, use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla and top with shaved dark chocolate.

If you’re hosting a big family dinner, serve this after a meal featuring Garlic Butter Bread Rolls or Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup. The sweet creaminess pairs perfectly with hearty comfort food.

Why This Dessert Is a Holiday Favorite

This Christmas Cookie Lasagna hits all the marks — no baking, minimal prep, and maximum wow factor. It’s perfect for anyone who loves easy recipes that still look impressive. Kids can help decorate, making it a fun family activity. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dessert, which means less stress on busy holiday days.

If you love desserts that blend nostalgia with creativity, you’ll enjoy my Heavenly Moist Fruitcake and Christmas Fruit Cake. Both bring that homemade warmth that makes the holidays feel real.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Christmas Cookie Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better when made a day before serving. The cookies soften, and the flavors deepen overnight.

2. What cookies work best?
Classic sugar cookies are my go-to, but shortbread, butter cookies, or even golden sandwich cookies work great too.

3. How long does it last?
Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture stays creamy and delicious.

4. Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze it before adding the final whipped topping, then thaw in the fridge and top before serving.

For a full holiday dessert spread, pair this lasagna with my Mini Sugar Cookies and Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. Together, they create a dessert table full of sweetness and joy.

Serving Ideas

Serve chilled, topped with crushed cookies and colorful sprinkles. I love adding a few candy canes or mini chocolate chips for extra texture. It’s also fun to cut it into squares and serve it on a platter lined with crushed cookies.

If you’re planning your Christmas menu, balance this sweet treat with savory dishes like Mouthwatering Vegetable Soup or One Pot Potato Soup. The creamy texture of the lasagna complements these warm, comforting recipes perfectly.

A Slice of Holiday Happiness

Every bite of this Christmas Cookie Lasagna tastes like a celebration. It’s sweet, creamy, and full of festive flavor the kind of dessert that makes everyone pause and smile. Whether you’re making it for a party, a family dinner, or just to share with friends, it’s guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your holiday season.

And when the last bite is gone, you’ll already be planning to make it again next year right along with favorites like Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes and Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.