Christmas cookie lasagna is the kind of dessert that instantly becomes a holiday tradition. With layers of crushed cookies, fluffy cream cheese filling, rich chocolate pudding, and clouds of whipped topping, it delivers everything people love about Christmas desserts—without turning on the oven.

This festive layered dessert is creamy, chocolatey, and perfectly sweet, making it ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and Christmas dinners. It’s visually stunning, easy to assemble, and can be made ahead, which makes it a host’s dream during the busiest time of year.

Why Christmas Cookie Lasagna Is So Popular

Holiday desserts often fall into two categories: beautiful but complicated, or simple but forgettable. Christmas cookie lasagna manages to be both impressive and easy, which is why it’s become a favorite for home cooks.

What makes it stand out:

No baking required
Feeds a crowd
Perfect make-ahead dessert
Fun, festive layers
Kid-friendly and adult-approved

It’s indulgent without being heavy and festive without being fussy.

What Is Dessert Lasagna?

Dessert lasagna is a layered, chilled dessert assembled in a baking dish and sliced like traditional lasagna. Instead of pasta and sauce, you get:

A cookie or cracker crust
Creamy filling layers
Pudding or chocolate layers
Whipped topping finish

Christmas cookie lasagna adapts this concept with holiday flavors and decorations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients:

Chocolate sandwich cookies or holiday cookies
Butter
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Chocolate pudding mix
Milk
Whipped topping
Holiday sprinkles
Mini chocolate chips

Each layer has a purpose, creating contrast in texture and flavor.

The Cookie Crust Layer

The base layer is made from finely crushed cookies mixed with melted butter. This creates a sturdy but tender foundation that holds the dessert together when sliced.

Pressing the crust firmly into the pan ensures clean layers later.

Cream Cheese Layer

This layer adds richness and tang to balance the sweetness. Cream cheese is whipped with powdered sugar and vanilla, then lightened with whipped topping for a fluffy, mousse-like texture.

This layer is essential for structure and balance.

Chocolate Pudding Layer

Chocolate pudding adds depth and creaminess while giving the dessert its signature lasagna look. Using instant pudding keeps the process quick and foolproof.

Letting the pudding set slightly before layering prevents bleeding between layers.

Whipped Topping & Holiday Finish

The final layer is a thick blanket of whipped topping, decorated with festive sprinkles and chocolate chips. This is where you can get creative—red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or holiday candies all work beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crush cookies into fine crumbs.
Mix crumbs with melted butter and press into a baking dish.
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Fold in whipped topping and spread over crust.
Whisk pudding mix with milk until thickened.
Spread pudding evenly over cream cheese layer.
Top with remaining whipped topping.
Decorate with sprinkles and chocolate chips.
Chill until fully set.
Slice and serve.

Christmas Cookie Lasagna

Festive no-bake holiday dessert with layers of cookie crust, cream cheese filling, chocolate pudding, and whipped topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

hours chilling 4

Total Time 20

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

36 chocolate sandwich cookies crushed
6 tbsp butter melted
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 8 oz tub whipped topping divided
2 packages instant chocolate pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
0.25 cup holiday sprinkles
0.25 cup mini chocolate chips

Equipment

Mixing bowls
9×13 baking dish

Method

Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and press into baking dish.
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Fold in half of the whipped topping and spread over crust.
Whisk pudding mix with milk until thickened.
Spread pudding over cream cheese layer.
Top with remaining whipped topping.
Decorate with sprinkles and chocolate chips.
Chill at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

Chill overnight for cleanest slices.

Make-Ahead Friendly Dessert

Christmas cookie lasagna is best when chilled for several hours or overnight. This allows the layers to set and flavors to meld.

You can make it:

24 hours in advance
Cover and refrigerate until serving
Slice cleanly when fully chilled

This makes it perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Flavor Variations

You can easily customize this dessert:

Peppermint Version: Add crushed candy canes
White Chocolate: Use white chocolate pudding
Red Velvet: Swap cookies for red velvet sandwich cookies
Gingerbread: Use gingerbread cookies for the crust
Chocolate Lovers: Add a ganache drizzle

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas cookie lasagna:

Chilled straight from the fridge
With coffee or hot cocoa
As part of a dessert table
At potlucks and holiday parties

Small squares go a long way—it’s rich and satisfying.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
Cover tightly to prevent drying
Do not freeze (texture will suffer)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not chilling long enough
Using warm pudding
Overmixing whipped topping
Skipping crust compression

Avoiding these ensures clean, beautiful layers.

Why This Dessert Belongs on Every Holiday Table

Christmas cookie lasagna combines nostalgia, indulgence, and convenience. It looks impressive, tastes incredible, and requires minimal effort—exactly what holiday desserts should be.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping Christmas dessert that doesn’t require baking, Christmas cookie lasagna is the answer. Creamy layers, festive flair, and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a guaranteed holiday hit.

Christmas Cookie Lasagna (The Ultimate No-Bake Holiday Dessert)