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Need a knockout holiday sweet that skips the oven completely? This Christmas Cookie Lasagna is absolutely incredible. Think stacked layers of smashed Oreos, fluffy filling, plus chocolate and vanilla pudding, all finished with holiday sprinkles. It's basically your favorite treats piled into one amazing dessert. What's great? You can fix it up beforehand, making it perfect for holiday get-togethers when your oven's already busy with other things.
What Makes This Treat Special
Every bite of this dessert tastes just like the holidays. The beautiful colored layers look amazing when you cut into them, and everyone grins when they taste those chocolatey, creamy, and crunchy textures together. I really enjoy that I can throw it together the evening before and it's good to go whenever needed. And let's be honest – it's one of those sweets that gets both grown-ups and kids pumped up as soon as they spot it.
Your Ingredient List
- For Your Crunchy Foundation:
- 36 Oreo cookies entire package except a few for tasting
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
- The Fluffy Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese completely softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups Cool Whip defrosted
- Two-Flavor Pudding Section:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups cold whole milk split
- Your Holiday Garnish:
- 1½ cups Cool Whip for finishing
- Holiday sprinkles green and red
- Mini holiday M&Ms
- Crushed candy canes if wanted
- Extra Add-ins and Twists:
- Peppermint extract small amount
- Chocolate chips tiny version
- Chopped Andes mints
- Red and green sprinkle blend
- White chocolate curls
Assembly Instructions
- Begin With The Cookie Bottom:
- Use your food processor to break those Oreos into tiny bits, keeping the cream filling since it helps everything stick together. No processor available? Just place cookies in a plastic bag and smash them with a rolling pin. Combine these crumbs with your melted butter until it resembles damp sand. Push this mix into a 9x13 pan, making it flat and firmly packed. Stick it in the fridge while working on what comes next.
- Whip Up The Velvety Layer:
- In a large bowl, whip your very soft cream cheese until it gets light and airy, about 2 minutes. Mix in your sugar, vanilla, and milk, continuing to beat until everything looks silky smooth. Then carefully fold in the Cool Whip to keep all its fluffiness. Spread this mixture over your cold cookie base, making sure to cover it completely to the edges.
- Add Your Pudding Layers:
- Take two separate bowls, one for each pudding type. Add 1½ cups cold milk to each, pour in your pudding mixes, and stir quickly for around 2 minutes. Let them set for 5 minutes to get thicker. First spread the chocolate pudding over your cream cheese section. Then top with vanilla pudding, getting creative makes these layers look extra special.
- Finishing Touches:
- Cover everything with your last layer of Cool Whip as if you're icing a cake. Now for the fun part, decorating! Scatter holiday sprinkles and M&Ms across the top, maybe add some crushed candy canes if you want extra Christmas spirit. Try to make it look as festive as possible.
- Chill Before Serving:
- Cover your creation with plastic wrap without touching the top and put it in the fridge. Let it cool for at least 4 hours, but leaving it overnight works even better. This gives all those layers time to set up properly and blend their flavors for perfect slicing.
Ways To Get It Right
For clean-looking slices, try dipping your knife in hot water and wiping it between cuts. Don't forget your cream cheese must be totally soft or you'll get clumps nobody enjoys. Take your time with the layers, it really pays off for that pretty look. If your Cool Whip starts frozen, let it thaw completely in the fridge since rushing makes it watery. Here's my top trick: put parchment paper in your pan with extra hanging over the sides, it makes that first piece so much easier to pull out.
Customize Your Creation
This treat can change to match your taste. Try using mint Oreos for the base for a holiday twist. I sometimes add tiny drops of peppermint extract to the cream cheese part or toss in crushed Andes mints between sections. White chocolate bits look just like snow on top, perfect for Christmas time. You can switch up pudding flavors too, maybe white chocolate or cheesecake. Any leftovers stay good in the fridge for about 3 days if they don't vanish first. Just keep it covered and away from foods with strong smells since these layers quickly soak up other flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! It's actually better when made a day in advance, giving the layers time to set. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
- → Can I switch up the pudding flavor?
Of course! You can use flavors like mint chocolate, white chocolate, or any other favorite pudding to personalize it.
- → What makes it similar to lasagna?
The name comes from how the layers are stacked, similar to traditional lasagna, but this is entirely sweet.
- → Is freezing this dessert an option?
It can be frozen, but the pudding's texture might change. It's best enjoyed directly from the refrigerator.
- → What's the trick to clean slices?
Run a knife under hot water, then wipe it clean between each cut. This makes slicing through the layers easier.