Festive Cookie Dessert Layers

This Christmas Cookie Lasagna has become my holiday season secret weapon for wowing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The colorful layers of vanilla Oreos, creamy fillings, and festive sprinkles create a showstopping dessert that looks like you spent all day making it.

I first created this dessert when I needed something special for a neighborhood Christmas potluck but had zero time to bake. The entire dish disappeared within minutes, and now I get special requests for my "Christmas lasagna" every December.

Ingredients

• Golden vanilla Oreo cookies divided: the vanilla flavor creates a perfect blank canvas for the holiday colors to pop
• Melted butter: helps bind the cookie crust and adds richness
• Cream cheese softened: creates that cheesecake like flavor everyone loves
• Powdered sugar: sweetens without graininess for ultra smooth layers
• Holiday sprinkles divided: the key to festive color throughout each layer
• Whipped topping 2 tubs: creates lightness and helps set each layer
• Cheesecake instant pudding mix: adds depth of flavor and creamy texture
• Cold milk: activates the pudding and creates the perfect consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the festive Oreo base:

Crush 36 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs in a food processor or by hand in a ziplock bag. Mix thoroughly with melted butter and your first addition of holiday sprinkles. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of your baking dish to create a solid foundation that won't crumble when serving.

Prepare the cream cheese layer:

Beat room temperature cream cheese with powdered sugar until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This usually takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Gently fold in one full tub of whipped topping plus a half tablespoon of holiday sprinkles until just combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cookie base, being careful not to pull up any cookie crumbs.

Create the pudding layer:

In a separate bowl, whisk the cheesecake pudding mix with cold milk vigorously for about one minute. Let it stand for exactly 3 minutes until it reaches the perfect thickness. Stir in another half tablespoon of those festive sprinkles. Carefully spread this over the cream cheese layer using an offset spatula for the smoothest finish.

Add final layers and decorate:

Spread the remaining tub of whipped topping over the pudding layer in an even, fluffy cloud. Crush the remaining 12 Oreos into chunky pieces not too fine and sprinkle them evenly across the top. Finish with a generous shower of holiday sprinkles for that perfect festive touch.

Chill until set:

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better. For the cleanest slices, freeze for 30 minutes before serving.

Bookmark

The cheesecake pudding is my absolute favorite component of this dessert. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of vanilla pudding one year, and now I would never go back. The subtle tangy flavor perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies and creates that authentic cheesecake taste without any baking.

Storage Tips

This Christmas Cookie Lasagna keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap directly against the surface of the dessert to prevent it from absorbing any refrigerator odors. For longer storage, you can freeze the entire dessert or individual portions for up to a month. When freezing, wrap first in plastic wrap then in foil for maximum protection.

Easy Variations

While vanilla Oreos create that snow white canvas perfect for Christmas, you can easily adapt this recipe throughout the year. Try chocolate Oreos with mint extract added to the filling for a wintery twist, or lemon Oreos with blueberry compote swirled into the cream cheese layer for spring. Even the pudding flavor can be customized try chocolate, pistachio, or strawberry depending on your theme.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, serve this lasagna alongside a hot beverage bar with peppermint hot chocolate and coffee. The contrast of temperatures creates a delightful sensory experience. For an extra special touch, garnish individual slices with a small candy cane or chocolate curl. When serving from frozen, allow slices to temper at room temperature for about 10 minutes to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

Your Questions Answered About This Recipe

→ Can I make Christmas Cookie Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to 4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For longer storage, it freezes well for up to a month - just thaw for about an hour before serving.

→ What if I can't find vanilla Oreos?

Regular Oreos work perfectly as a substitute. You could also use Golden Oreos, shortbread cookies, or any crisp sandwich cookie. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the structure and deliciousness remain!

→ How do I get cleaner slices when serving?

For the cleanest, sharpest layers, freeze the dessert for 1-2 hours before slicing. Use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. The parchment paper liner also makes it easier to remove slices.

→ Can I customize the colors for different holidays?

Absolutely! Simply swap the holiday sprinkles for ones appropriate to any occasion - pastel colors for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or patriotic colors for summer holidays.

→ What can I substitute for cheesecake pudding mix?

Vanilla pudding mix works great as an alternative. You could also try white chocolate or even butterscotch pudding for different flavor variations. Just ensure you're using instant pudding mix for proper setting.

→ Is there a dairy-free version I can make?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping, and prepare the pudding with non-dairy milk. Many store-bought cookies like Oreos are already dairy-free, but double-check ingredients to be sure.