No-Bake Christmas Cookie Lasagna – Easy Festive Holiday Dessert

Posted on November 5, 2025

No-Bake Christmas Cookie Lasagna - featured image

Let’s talk about a dessert that checks all the holiday boxes: No-Bake Christmas Cookie Lasagna. It’s festive, it’s ridiculously easy, and it’s the kind of treat your guests will be talking about long after the last crumb is gone. Picture layers of creamy goodness, cookies, and holiday cheer—all coming together without even turning on your oven. Yes, you read that right. No oven required.

I first made this for a holiday party when I was short on time (and energy), and it was an instant hit. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but takes hardly any effort. Plus, you can make it ahead, which is a lifesaver during the busiest season of the year. So grab your favorite Christmas cookies and let’s layer some magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, here’s the deal: this dessert is *the* holiday crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just need something fun for a cookie exchange, this recipe delivers every time.

Zero baking required: Skip the oven and save time for gift wrapping (or sipping hot cocoa).
Customizable layers: Use your favorite Christmas cookies and tweak the flavors to match your holiday vibe.
Looks festive without trying: Those colorful cookie layers? Instant holiday magic on a plate.
Make-ahead friendly: Assembled the night before, this dessert actually gets better as it chills.

Real talk: This recipe is a lifesaver when you want something showstopping but don’t have time to bake from scratch. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it’s impossible to mess up. What’s not to love?

What Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. You might already have most of this on hand, but I’ll break it down so you know exactly what you’ll need.

Christmas cookies (about 24-30 cookies) – Think Oreos, gingersnaps, or even sugar cookies. I love using red and green holiday-themed Oreos for that extra festive touch.
Instant pudding mix (2 packs, vanilla or white chocolate) – This gives the creamy layers their structure and flavor. Feel free to mix things up with chocolate pudding for a richer twist.
Milk (3 cups, whole milk or 2%) – Essential for mixing with the pudding. Don’t use non-dairy milk unless it’s specifically labeled for pudding-making.
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip, 2 tubs) – This is your secret weapon for fluffy layers that feel like clouds. If you’re feeling fancy, whip your own cream.
Cream cheese (8 oz) – Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Powdered sugar (½ cup) – Adds that perfect sweetness to the cream cheese layer.
Milk chocolate shavings or sprinkles – For the ultimate holiday flair.

Quick tip: If you’re using homemade cookies, make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up in layers without turning to mush. Crunchy cookies work best!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to pull this off. Minimal tools = maximum holiday joy.

9×13-inch baking dish – A glass dish works great for showing off those gorgeous layers.
Mixing bowls – One for the pudding, one for the cream cheese mixture.
Hand mixer – For whipping up the cream cheese layer. A whisk works in a pinch, but your arm might regret it.
Spatula – Helps you spread everything evenly and scrape those bowls clean.

Optional: A food processor for crushing cookies if you’re going for a fine crumb base. Otherwise, a zip-top bag and rolling pin work just as well (and are less cleanup).

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s layer this beauty! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning holiday dessert in no time.

Prepare the pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until smooth (about 2 minutes). Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Make the cream cheese layer: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth (about 1 minute). Fold in one tub of whipped topping until combined and fluffy.
Layer the cookies: Arrange a single layer of cookies on the bottom of your 9×13-inch dish. Break up some cookies if needed to fill gaps.
Add the creamy layers: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cookies, smoothing it out evenly. Follow with a layer of pudding, then another layer of cookies.
Repeat: Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the second cookie layer, followed by more pudding. Finish off with the last tub of whipped topping, spread evenly.
Decorate: Add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or crushed holiday cookies on top for that festive finish.
Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Time-saving tip: You can prep the pudding and cream cheese mixture earlier in the day and assemble the layers right before dinner. Easy!

My Best Tips & Techniques

After making this more times than I can count, here are my top tips for foolproof Christmas Cookie Lasagna:

Use cold milk for the pudding: Room temperature milk won’t set as well, so make sure it’s straight from the fridge.
Don’t skip the chilling step: This dessert needs time to set and for the flavors to meld. If you try to cut it too soon, it’ll fall apart.
Get creative with cookies: Layering different types of Christmas cookies (like gingerbread and shortbread) adds more flavor and texture.
Make it extra festive: Top the final whipped cream layer with crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, or edible glitter for a showstopping effect.

And remember, perfection isn’t the goal here—this dessert is all about having fun and spreading holiday cheer!

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you have the basics down, there are so many ways to customize your Christmas Cookie Lasagna. Here are some ideas:

Mint Chocolate: Use mint-flavored Oreos and add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cream cheese layer for a cool twist.
Red Velvet: Layer in red velvet cookies and swap the pudding for cheesecake-flavored pudding mix. It’s rich, decadent, and festive!
Nutty Delight: Add a layer of crushed pecans or walnuts between the cream cheese and pudding layers for a crunchy surprise.
Fruit-forward: Fold in chopped fresh strawberries or raspberries between the layers for a bright, tangy bite.
Kid-friendly fun: Let the kids decorate the top with gummy candies, colored sugar, or their favorite treats.

Quick note: Don’t be afraid to experiment. The no-bake format makes it super forgiving. Try swapping flavors and toppings until you find your perfect combo!

Serving Ideas & Storage

This dessert is as versatile as it gets when it comes to serving. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to cut clean squares. Serve on little dessert plates with a fork (or just grab a slice with your hands—no judgment!).
Top it off: Add a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even crushed peppermint candies for extra flair.
Perfect pairing: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for ultimate holiday vibes.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Pro Tip: This dessert is best served chilled. The layers hold together beautifully when cold, and the flavors are even better after resting.

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Let’s be honest—this is a holiday dessert, not a salad. But for those curious, here’s the breakdown for one slice:

Calories	320
Fat	15g
Sugar	25g
Protein	5g

Quick note: You can lighten it up by using lower-fat cream cheese, sugar-free pudding mix, and reduced-fat whipped topping, but you might sacrifice some of the creamy richness.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—No-Bake Christmas Cookie Lasagna! Whether you’re throwing a holiday party or just looking for a fun new dessert to try, this recipe is all about celebrating the season without the stress.

I love how easy this is to make, and every time I serve it, I get asked for the recipe. Now it’s your turn—make it, share it, and enjoy it with your favorite people. I promise, it’s going to be a hit!

If you try this, let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @myholidaykitchen—I’d love to see your festive version of this treat. Happy holidays and happy no-baking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use homemade cookies instead of store-bought?

A: Absolutely! Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up in layers. Softer cookies might get too mushy, but gingersnaps or sugar cookies work great.

Q: Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

A: Yes, you can! Whip about 2 cups of heavy cream with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. It’ll be richer and extra delicious.

Q: My layers aren’t setting—what went wrong?

A: Make sure your pudding is fully thickened before layering. Also, the dessert needs at least 4 hours to chill (overnight is even better). If it’s still runny, it might need more time in the fridge.

Q: Can I make this in a smaller dish?

A: Definitely! Just adjust the amount of cookies and layers to fit your dish. For a smaller 8×8 pan, you’ll probably only need one pack of pudding mix and fewer cookies.

Q: What’s the best way to crush cookies for this recipe?

A: If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. It’s oddly satisfying and gets the job done!

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