Turn your holidays into a celebration of flavor with this Christmas Cookie Lasagna—the ultimate no-bake layered dessert that looks festive and tastes even better. With its chewy brownie base, velvety cream cheese filling, and a delicious cookie crumble topped with whipped cream and colorful M&M’s, this dessert is sure to impress. It’s an easy recipe that brings joy to both kids and adults, making it one of the best food ideas for the Christmas season. If you’re searching for fun and easy dessert ideas, this crowd-pleaser is a must-try!
This recipe offers an incredible balance of textures—from the rich, fudgy brownie to the creamy, fluffy filling and the crunchy cookie layer. Not only is it visually appealing with vibrant holiday colors, but it is also simple to make, requiring no baking skills whatsoever. Perfect for festive gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, this no-bake dessert allows you to entertain effortlessly while enjoying the sweet flavors of the season.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Lasagna
- No-Bake Convenience: This recipe is quick and requires no baking skills—perfect for a last-minute addition to your holiday spread.
- Visual Appeal: The layers of colors and textures create an impressive dessert that looks beautiful on any table.
- Festive Treat: With the holiday red and green M&M’s, it embodies the spirit of Christmas, making it a seasonal favorite.
- Kid-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love this dessert—it’s a fun way to get everyone involved in the festive spirit.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into making your Christmas Cookie Lasagna, prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking pan to create the layers, along with standard mixing bowls and utensils for combining your ingredients. Make sure you have an electric mixer handy for whipping the cream cheese and powdered sugar to a silky smooth consistency.
Additionally, a spatula will be useful for spreading the cream cheese mixture and whipped topping evenly, ensuring that each layer is perfectly distributed. Prepare your workstation by clearing a countertop space for assembling the lasagna—having everything in reach will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping (thawed)
- 18 golden sandwich cookies, finely crushed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz whipped topping (for top layer)
- 1 cup Christmas red and green M&M’s
- 2 tablespoons red and white sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
To start, preheat your oven according to the instructions on the brownie mix box. Prepare the batter as directed and pour it into your greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake it until it’s done, usually about 20-25 minutes. Once out of the oven, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, making sure to remove any excess heat; this will create a firm base for your lasagna layers.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat this mixture on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. After achieving this consistency, gently fold in 8 oz of whipped topping. This will add an airy texture to the cream cheese layer, making it light and delightful.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
Once the brownies have cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the brownie base, smoothing it out to ensure even coverage. After spreading, chill this layer in the refrigerator for about 15 to 30 minutes; this allows it to set slightly and makes the next layers easier to add.
Step 4: Create the Cookie Layer
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed golden sandwich cookies with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this cookie crumble over the chilled cream cheese layer, pressing it lightly to help it adhere. This crunchy layer adds an enjoyable texture to your dessert.
Step 5: Top with Whipped Topping
Now, spread the remaining whipped topping over the cookie layer to form a beautiful, fluffy top. Use a spatula to distribute it evenly, creating a smooth surface for decoration later.
Step 6: Add Festive Touches
Decorate the top with red and green M&M’s, arranging them in a festive pattern to showcase the holiday spirit. If you’re feeling extra creative, consider piping more whipped topping around the edges for an elegant presentation.
Step 7: Refrigerate
To allow the layers to meld and to achieve the best texture, refrigerate your Christmas Cookie Lasagna for at least 4 hours or leave it overnight. This resting time ensures that the dessert holds its shape when cut and served.
Variations
- Protein: Swap the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version rich in protein.
- Vegetables: Add in some pureed pumpkin or finely chopped spinach to the cream cheese mix for added nutrition and a twist on flavor.
- Spices: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the whipped topping to add a warm, seasonal flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweets.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- For a nutty flavor, consider adding finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie layer.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, let it refrigerate overnight for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the dessert with a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a cozy treat.
- Serve alongside festive cookies or candies to create a dessert platter that delights guests.
Tips
- Feel free to substitute the golden sandwich cookies with chocolate wafers for a different flavor profile.
- If you’re short on time, commercially made whipped topping can make the process quicker without compromising flavor.
- To add more crunch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top before refrigerating.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Cookie Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert can be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator. It’s actually better when it has some time for the flavors to meld.
Can I use different flavors of M&M’s?
Absolutely. Feel free to mix in your favorite holiday-themed candies or even chocolate chips for variation.
What if I can’t find golden sandwich cookies?
If golden sandwich cookies aren’t available, you may use chocolate sandwich cookies instead for a different but delicious flavor.
Can I freeze the Christmas Cookie Lasagna?
While it’s best to enjoy fresh, you can freeze leftover pieces. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly once thawed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a delightful way to enjoy the holiday season with very little effort. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering. This dessert is not only a treat for the tastebuds but also a visual showstopper that will have your guests eagerly lining up for a slice. So why not gather your ingredients and get started? Be sure to share your variations and let us know how your family enjoyed this festive delight!
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Christmas Cookie Lasagna
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Turn your holidays into a celebration of flavor with this Christmas Cookie Lasagna—the ultimate no-bake layered dessert that looks festive and tastes even better.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping (thawed)
- 18 golden sandwich cookies, finely crushed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz whipped topping (for top layer)
- 1 cup Christmas red and green M&M’s
- 2 tablespoons red and white sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- To start, preheat your oven according to the instructions on the brownie mix box. Prepare the batter as directed and pour it into your greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake it until it’s done, usually about 20-25 minutes. Once out of the oven, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, making sure to remove any excess heat; this will create a firm base for your lasagna layers.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat this mixture on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. After achieving this consistency, gently fold in 8 oz of whipped topping. This will add an airy texture to the cream cheese layer, making it light and delightful.
- Once the brownies have cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the brownie base, smoothing it out to ensure even coverage. After spreading, chill this layer in the refrigerator for about 15 to 30 minutes; this allows it to set slightly and makes the next layers easier to add.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed golden sandwich cookies with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this cookie crumble over the chilled cream cheese layer, pressing it lightly to help it adhere. This crunchy layer adds an enjoyable texture to your dessert.
- Now, spread the remaining whipped topping over the cookie layer to form a beautiful, fluffy top. Use a spatula to distribute it evenly, creating a smooth surface for decoration later.
- Decorate the top with red and green M&M’s, arranging them in a festive pattern to showcase the holiday spirit. If you’re feeling extra creative, consider piping more whipped topping around the edges for an elegant presentation.
- To allow the layers to meld and to achieve the best texture, refrigerate your Christmas Cookie Lasagna for at least 4 hours or leave it overnight. This resting time ensures that the dessert holds its shape when cut and served.
Notes
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 5 g