Christmas Cookie Lasagna

If you’re searching for a festive no-bake dessert that brings layers of flavor and texture to your holiday table, Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a must-try. This decadent dessert combines a chewy brownie base, a creamy cheesecake-like middle, cookie crumbles, whipped topping, and festive red and green M&M’s to create a visually striking and irresistibly indulgent treat. Every bite tastes like the magic of Christmas in dessert form — rich, creamy, crunchy, and sweet all at once.

Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the tree, this layered dessert is designed to impress both visually and on the palate. It’s also delightfully easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time, which makes it ideal for busy holiday schedules. The combination of festive colors and irresistible layers makes it a standout addition to any dessert spread.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Lasagna

• It’s a no-bake recipe (besides the brownie base), meaning less kitchen stress.
• Visually stunning with layers and festive colors.
• Make-ahead friendly — prepare the night before your gathering.
• Great texture contrast between creamy, chewy, and crunchy.
• Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing for all ages.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dessert as smooth as possible, it helps to have the right tools. You’ll need:

• 9×13 Baking Dish: Essential for building and showcasing your lasagna layers.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Perfect for whipping the cream cheese filling until it’s smooth and fluffy.
• Mixing Bowls: Separate bowls for brownie batter, cream cheese mix, and crushed cookies.
• Spatula: For evenly spreading each layer without disturbing the one below.
• Piping Bag (Optional): For decorating the top layer with whipped cream rosettes.

Each tool plays a role in ensuring your layers are distinct and beautiful, while helping you work quickly and cleanly.

Preparation Tips

Start by baking the brownie base and allowing it to cool completely before adding other layers — this ensures the cream layer doesn’t melt. Chill your mixing bowl before whipping the cream cheese filling for a more stable texture. For the cookie crumble layer, pulse cookies in a food processor until fine but still slightly textured. When spreading each layer, use an offset spatula for precision and to keep layers intact. Let the entire lasagna chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight to help the flavors meld and the dessert set firmly.

---

Ingredients for this Christmas Cookie Lasagna

Brownie Base:

• 1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on the package)

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

Cookie Crumble Layer:

• 15–18 golden sandwich cookies (like Golden Oreos), finely crushed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Whipped Topping Layer:

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

Toppings:

• Christmas red and green M&M’s
• Red and white sprinkles (optional)

---

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix instructions. Prepare the mix as directed and pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Bake as directed, then remove and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This layer is the sturdy, chewy foundation for your lasagna.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined. This creates a luscious, velvety layer that balances the rich brownie base.

Step 3: Layer the Cream Cheese Mix

Once the brownie layer has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top using a spatula or offset knife. Smooth the layer carefully to avoid mixing into the brownies. Chill this layer for 15–30 minutes to firm it slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cookie Crumble Layer

Crush the golden sandwich cookies in a food processor or by hand in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until combined, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Lightly press the crumbs down so they hold together.

Step 5: Top with Whipped Topping

Spread a layer of whipped topping evenly over the cookie crumbs. You can use the entire container or reserve some for decorative piping later. Use a spatula to make smooth, even strokes.

Step 6: Decorate with Festive Toppings

Generously sprinkle red and green M&M’s over the top layer. Add festive sprinkles for extra color and crunch. If desired, pipe small rosettes of whipped topping and place M&M’s on top of each swirl for a beautiful holiday presentation.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled lasagna for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This helps the layers set and enhances the overall flavor. Slice into squares and serve chilled. Each piece will deliver a festive mix of chewy, creamy, and crunchy textures that taste like the holidays.

---

Notes

To make your Christmas Cookie Lasagna a standout dessert, focus on chilling each layer well before adding the next. This helps keep the layers distinct and prevents any sagging or melting. You can prepare this dessert up to 24 hours in advance, and it actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to mingle. If you’re looking to save even more time, you can use store-bought brownie bites or pre-baked brownie sheets as the base.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the chill time: Not allowing the brownie base to fully cool or rushing the layering can cause the dessert to collapse or look messy.
• Overmixing the cream cheese filling: Whip until just fluffy; overdoing it can cause it to become runny.
• Crushing the cookies too finely: You want some texture left in the cookie layer — avoid turning it into powder.
• Using frozen whipped topping straight from the freezer: Always let it thaw in the fridge first to keep the texture light and spreadable.
• Serving too soon: Let the lasagna chill at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure neat slices.

---

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because of the cream cheese and whipped topping, this dessert should always be kept chilled. It’s not freezer-friendly due to the creamy layers, which can separate and become watery when thawed. For best results, slice only what you need and keep the rest well-covered to retain freshness.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: ~390
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Sugar: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make Christmas Cookie Lasagna?

You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight enhances the flavor and texture.

Can I use homemade brownies instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! Just make sure they are dense and chewy rather than cakey for the best results.

Can I freeze Christmas Cookie Lasagna?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream cheese and whipped topping layers, which can separate when thawed.

What other toppings can I use besides M&M’s?

Crushed peppermint, mini chocolate chips, holiday sprinkles, or even drizzled chocolate would all be festive and delicious.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or whipped topping?

Yes, but it may slightly alter the taste and texture. Full-fat ingredients will give you the richest flavor.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut.

Is this safe for kids to help make?

Definitely! Kids can help with layering, decorating, and crushing cookies — just supervise any baking and knife use.

Can I make this in a smaller pan?

Yes, but reduce the ingredient quantities accordingly, or expect thicker layers. An 8×8 dish works great for half batches.

---

Conclusion

Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a showstopping dessert that captures the whimsy and indulgence of the holiday season in every bite. With layers of rich brownie, velvety cream cheese, buttery cookie crumble, and colorful candy toppings, it’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to treat your family to something sweet and festive, this dessert delivers big holiday cheer with minimal fuss. Make it ahead, chill it well, and watch it disappear slice by slice!

---

Print