A Holiday Showstopper Dessert
If your goal this holiday season is to drop jaws at the dessert table, then this Christmas Cookie Lasagna is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of sweet, creamy, cookie-studded bliss topped with colorful holiday candies and sprinkles. It’s basically the North Pole in dessert form!
This is one of those treats that makes people stop mid-bite and go, “Whoa… what is THIS?!” It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when in reality—it’s super simple. Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas dinner, attending a cookie exchange, or just want something indulgent for a cozy night in, this lasagna is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Lasagna
- No-Bake Goodness: Say goodbye to the oven. This dessert comes together in the fridge.
- Festive AF: Red, green, and candy-coated – it’s a Pinterest-worthy masterpiece.
- Layered Perfection: Each bite is a mix of creamy pudding, sweetened cream cheese, crunchy cookie crust, and candy explosions.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It makes a full 9×13-inch dish—perfect for parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers.

Perfect for Every Holiday Occasion
Need a dessert for a Christmas party? Hosting friends for a holiday movie night? Want to make something fun with the kids? This is your go-to. It’s festive, easy to prep ahead, and even picky eaters can’t resist it. Plus, it looks stunning on a dessert table—bright, cheerful, and totally Instagrammable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break it down, layer by layer.
Oreo Crust Ingredients
- 36 Oreo cookies (crushed finely, about 3 cups)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Pudding Layers
- 1 (3.4 oz) box vanilla instant pudding
- 1 (3.4 oz) box chocolate instant pudding
- 3 cups cold whole milk (divided)
Toppings & Garnishes
- 3 tbsp holiday sprinkles
- ¼ cup red & green mini M&M’s or similar festive candy
- Optional: crushed candy canes or edible gold glitter
Essential Kitchen Tools
Before you get started, make sure you’ve got:
- 9×13-inch dish
- Mixing bowls (at least 3)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- A warm knife (for slicing clean pieces later)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into the magic of building this sweet lasagna.
Step 1: Making the Oreo Crust
This is your foundation—sweet, chocolaty, and just the right crunch.
- Finely crush 36 Oreo cookies (cream and all) using a food processor or zip bag + rolling pin method.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir until all the crumbs are coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9×13-inch dish. Use the back of a measuring cup to get it flat and tight.
- Pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to set.
Step 2: Preparing the Cream Cheese Layer
This creamy layer adds tang and richness—it balances all the sweetness beautifully.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined.
- Gently fold in 1½ cups of thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Spread this evenly over your chilled Oreo crust. Use a spatula to smooth it out.
- Return to the fridge to chill while you make the puddings.
Step 3: Whipping Up the Pudding Layers
Now it’s time to add silky, sweet goodness.
- In one bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding and 1½ cups of cold milk for about 2 minutes. It should start to thicken.
- In a second bowl, do the same with the chocolate pudding and remaining 1½ cups of milk.
- Let both puddings sit for 2–3 minutes to fully set.
Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna Layers
- Spread the vanilla pudding over the cream cheese layer using a spatula.
- Next, carefully spread the chocolate pudding on top of the vanilla layer.
- Finally, top everything with the remaining whipped topping, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Toppings and Decoration
Here’s the fun part: decorating!
- Sprinkle red and green mini M&M’s over the top.
- Add holiday sprinkles generously.
- Want to go the extra mile? Crushed candy canes and edible glitter take the sparkle up a notch.
Step 6: Chill Time for Best Results
This dessert needs time to set and chill:
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can.
- After 1 hour, check and cover tightly to avoid drying out.
- Use a warm knife to cut for clean slices—just run it under hot water and wipe between cuts.

Tips for the Best Christmas Cookie Lasagna
Making this dessert isn’t complicated, but there are a few tips to ensure it turns out as delicious and pretty as possible:
Texture Tips
- Crush the Oreos finely for a crust that sticks together well. If the crumbs are too chunky, your base may fall apart.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and make sure it’s room temperature. This helps create a silky-smooth layer without lumps.
- Whipped topping should be thawed (not frozen) before folding it in, so it incorporates easily and evenly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- This dessert is actually better when made ahead of time. Make it the night before your gathering and chill it overnight.
- If prepping more than 24 hours in advance, don’t add the final toppings (M&M’s, sprinkles, etc.) until just before serving to keep them from getting soggy or bleeding color.
Storage Suggestions
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Leftovers are just as tasty (if not better!) on day two or three.
- This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy layers, so keep it chilled and consume it fresh.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to play with flavors and textures? Here are some exciting twists on the classic version:
Peppermint Twist
- Use peppermint Oreos for the crust.
- Mix crushed candy canes into the cream cheese layer.
- Top with white chocolate curls and a peppermint drizzle for a frosty finish.
Peanut Butter Cookie Lasagna
- Swap Oreos for Nutter Butters or peanut butter cookies.
- Add peanut butter chips to the pudding layers.
- Garnish with chopped Reese’s or peanut M&M’s.
Gingerbread Crust Alternative
- Use gingersnap cookies instead of Oreos for a spiced, festive crust.
- Mix a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese for extra warmth.
- Decorate with mini gingerbread men or white chocolate stars.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Kids go nuts for this dessert—between the candy topping, creamy layers, and soft cookie base, it’s everything they love in one bite. It’s also a fun dessert to make with your kids! Let them handle the toppings and layering—they’ll love building their own dessert masterpiece.
At a holiday gathering, this is the first dessert to disappear. It’s approachable, familiar, but exciting all at once. People don’t expect to see a “cookie lasagna,” and when they take a bite? They’re hooked.
Print
🎄 Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Category: 🎄 No-Bake Desserts / Christmas Desserts
Description
🎅 Layers of creamy pudding, sweet cream cheese, and a buttery Oreo crust — this no-bake Christmas Cookie Lasagna is the ultimate festive showstopper! Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just spreading holiday cheer. ❤️🎁
Ingredients
36 Oreo cookies, finely crushed (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whipped topping (divided)
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (3.4 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
3 cups cold whole milk (divided)
3 tbsp holiday sprinkles
1/4 cup mini red & green M&M’s or holiday candy pieces
Optional: Crushed candy canes or edible glitter for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Crust (10 minutes) 🍪
In a bowl, mix the crushed Oreos with melted butter until every crumb is coated.
Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch dish and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.Make the Cream Cheese Layer (10 minutes) 🧁
In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Fold in half of the whipped topping and spread evenly over the chilled crust. Refrigerate again while preparing the next layers.Mix the Puddings (5 minutes) 🍫
In one bowl, whisk vanilla pudding mix with 1 1/2 cups cold milk for 2 minutes until thick.
In another bowl, do the same with chocolate pudding and the remaining milk. Let them rest for 2–3 minutes.Layer the Goodness (10 minutes) 🎂
Spread vanilla pudding over the cream cheese layer, then gently add the chocolate pudding on top.
Smooth out each layer for a neat look.Top and Decorate (5 minutes) 🎄
Spread remaining whipped topping over the puddings.
Sprinkle with festive sprinkles, mini M&M’s, and optional crushed candy canes or glitter.Chill & Serve (4+ hours) ❄️
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
Slice with a warm knife and serve chilled for the perfect creamy holiday treat!
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 365 kcal
Holiday Baking Made Easy
The holidays are magical, but let’s be real—they’re also busy. That’s where this recipe shines. No oven, no fancy ingredients, and no baking skills required. It’s the ideal recipe when you want to make something beautiful and delicious without spending all day in the kitchen.
You don’t need to fuss with piping bags, fondant, or elaborate steps. Just layer, chill, and serve. That’s holiday baking done right.
You may like as well :
Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls: The Ultimate No-Bake Holiday Treat
Christmas Cherry Bombs: The Ultimate Festive Dessert You Need This Holiday Season
Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Delight
Decorating Tips for Extra Holiday Magic
Presentation matters, especially during the holidays. Here’s how to take your Christmas Cookie Lasagna to festive new heights:
- Use a clear glass dish if possible—so everyone can admire those colorful, candy-speckled layers.
- Add a border of piped whipped cream around the top for extra flair.
- Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a snowy effect.
- Use themed sprinkles (Christmas trees, snowflakes, Santa hats) to match your party decor.
You can also create a custom message on top using candy letters or colored icing—write “Merry Christmas!” or “Let It Snow!”
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dessert is rich and sweet, so serve it with something that complements those flavors:
- A hot cup of coffee or espresso balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Pair with peppermint hot cocoa for the ultimate festive treat.
- Serve alongside fresh berries to add a tart contrast.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it a holiday sundae dream.
It’s also great on a holiday dessert board next to cookies, truffles, and fudge. It stands out beautifully and adds a creamy texture among the crunchy bites.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420–500 kcal |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Keep in mind, this dessert is meant to be indulgent—it’s a holiday treat, not a diet food! Enjoy every bite guilt-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even easy recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful. Watch out for these:
- Rushing the chilling process: Let it fully set, or the layers will slide when sliced.
- Using low-fat ingredients: It might sound healthier, but you’ll lose the rich texture that makes this dessert special.
- Overmixing whipped topping: Fold gently to keep it fluffy, not dense.
- Adding toppings too early: M&M’s and sprinkles can bleed color if left overnight. Decorate just before serving for the best look.

Final Thoughts: A Sweet Holiday Tradition
This Christmas Cookie Lasagna isn’t just a dessert—it’s a holiday event. It’s the kind of treat that brings people together, sparks conversations, and creates traditions. You’ll find yourself making it year after year, with little tweaks and variations, but always with the same joy.
It’s easy enough to make during the busiest season, pretty enough to impress, and delicious enough to have everyone asking for the recipe. So grab your favorite sprinkles, round up the kids or your holiday helpers, and layer your way to one unforgettable dessert.
Because nothing says Christmas joy like cookies, cream, and candy all in one bite. 🎅✨
Similar recipes : Never Fail Fruit Cake – The Classic Old-Fashioned Holiday Treat
FAQs
1. Can I make Christmas Cookie Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes better when chilled overnight. Just wait to add the candy toppings until a few hours before serving to keep them looking fresh.
2. Can I freeze this dessert?
It’s not recommended. The texture of the pudding and cream cheese layers can become grainy after freezing. It’s best kept refrigerated and eaten within 5 days.
3. What can I use instead of Oreos for the crust?
You can substitute crushed graham crackers, gingersnaps, or even vanilla wafers for a twist on flavor. Just be sure to adjust the butter amount slightly based on the dryness of the cookies.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free sandwich cookies and ensuring the pudding mixes are certified gluten-free.
5. How do I slice this neatly for serving?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water. Wipe it clean between cuts for beautiful, bakery-worthy slices.







