The holiday season is the perfect excuse to turn your favorite sweet treats into full-blown dessert masterpieces, and this Christmas Cookie Lasagna is proof. With its luscious layers of crushed cookies, velvety cream cheese filling, whipped topping, and a festive chocolate layer, this no-bake wonder is both stunning and delightfully simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve gathering or need something magical for a cookie exchange, this recipe promises to steal the show.

Each bite delivers creamy, crunchy, chocolatey joy and a generous sprinkle of nostalgia. It’s topped with crushed peppermint candies and red and green M&Ms for that cheerful touch that practically shouts Christmas. No oven needed, which makes this perfect for holiday bakers of any skill level. Just chill, layer, and serve.

This dessert is super flexible, but to capture the classic flavor and texture, stick with holiday staples. Start with chocolate sandwich cookies for the base—they provide a fudgy, crunchy foundation. Graham crackers and gingersnaps work beautifully for additional layers, offering contrast and warm spice. If you want extra flair, crushed sugar cookies or shortbread can be added in between.

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: Crushed for the base layer, giving a rich, chocolaty crunch.
Cream Cheese: Softened to create a smooth, tangy middle layer that balances sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness without grittiness to the cream cheese layer.
Whipped Topping: Lightens the texture and creates the iconic fluffy layers.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds body and vanilla flavor to the creamy filling.
Milk: For mixing with the pudding mix, helps firm up the layers.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: Adds holiday flair and minty crunch.
Red and Green M&Ms: For the festive topping and a pop of chocolate.
Chocolate Ganache or Chocolate Whipped Topping: Optional but adds a decadent chocolatey layer near the top.

Start by crushing the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Press the crumbs into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form a crust. If you want it to hold together better, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter before pressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and a portion of whipped topping, mixing until creamy and fully blended. Spread this over the cookie crust evenly and chill in the fridge while you work on the next layer.

Step 3: Make the Pudding Layer

Whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. This should take about 2 minutes. Gently fold in another portion of the whipped topping until smooth. Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.

Step 4: Add a Chocolate Ganache or Chocolate Topping (Optional)

If using chocolate ganache or chocolate-flavored whipped topping, spread it carefully over the pudding layer. This gives the lasagna a rich, decadent touch.

Step 5: Top and Decorate

Add the remaining whipped topping as your final layer. Then, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and red and green M&Ms generously over the top. You can also pipe extra chocolate whipped topping in swirls for a more festive presentation.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the layers firm up and the flavors meld together beautifully. Slice and serve chilled for the ultimate Christmas delight.

This no-bake dessert is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife and a wide spatula to lift each slice cleanly, revealing those dreamy layers. It makes a showstopping centerpiece on any dessert table, especially when served on a white or holiday-themed platter.

To store, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, though the cookie layers may soften slightly over time. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this dessert?

You can prepare it up to 2 days ahead of time. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s stabilized (with gelatin or mascarpone) so it holds up well in layers.

Do I need to bake any part of this lasagna?

Nope! It’s completely no-bake, making it super convenient for busy holiday prep.

What can I use instead of chocolate sandwich cookies?

Try gingersnaps, graham crackers, or even shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free cookies and double-check that your pudding mix and toppings are gluten-free as well.

Can I skip the peppermint topping?

Of course. If you’re not a mint fan, substitute with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or even mini marshmallows for a fun twist.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you’re in the mood for even more cozy, no-bake, or Christmas-themed sweets, check out these other treats from the blog that pair beautifully with your dessert table:

Condensed Milk Snow Cookies: Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies dusted in powdered sugar.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies: Soft cookies swirled with creamy cheesecake and caramel ribbons.
Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups: Tangy and sweet, perfect for individual servings.
Winter Brittle: A crunchy, nutty brittle that’s holiday gift-worthy.
Bonnie’s Blue Ribbon Chocolate Dream Cake: Rich, fudgy layers for serious chocolate lovers.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday dessert board so you can come back to it anytime.

And if you make it, drop a comment and let me know—did you go for peppermint, marshmallows, or something entirely creative on top? I love seeing your spins on this!

Follow me on Pinterest at Life with Jam for more festive recipes shared daily. Let’s bake the season bright!

Christmas Cookie Lasagna

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This no-bake Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a festive, creamy layered dessert made with crushed chocolate cookies, fluffy cream cheese filling, pudding, and whipped topping. Topped with peppermint candies and colorful M&Ms, it’s the ultimate make-ahead treat for the holiday season.

Instructions

1. Crush chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs and press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. Mix with melted butter if desired for a firmer crust.

2. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and 1 cup whipped topping. Mix until creamy. Spread over the cookie crust. Chill.

3. Whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread over the cream cheese layer.

4. Spread chocolate ganache or chocolate whipped topping (if using) over the pudding layer.

5. Top with remaining whipped topping and decorate with crushed peppermint candies and M&Ms.

6. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice and serve cold.