If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the Easy Christmas Cookie Lush: Festive No-Bake Holiday Dessert Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful layered treat combines crumbly Christmas cookies, a smooth cream cheese layer, luscious pudding, and fluffy whipped topping, all crowned with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes. It’s the perfect no-fuss dessert that brings all the flavors and colors of the season together, creating a sweet centerpiece that will make any holiday gathering extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting set up for this festive treat is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each adds something unique and essential—from the buttery cookie crust to the creamy pudding layer, every component builds flavor, texture, and real holiday charm.
- 12-14 ounces Christmas Cookies: A blend of sugar cookies, gingerbread snaps, or shortbread gives a buttery, spiced base perfect for the crust.
- 1/2 cup Melted Butter (unsalted): Helps bind the cookie crumbs into a firm, flavorful crust without overpowering the other layers.
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (full-fat, softened): Adds richness and tang, creating a luscious mid-layer that’s irresistibly smooth.
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer while keeping it silky and light.
- 1 tub Whipped Topping (thawed): Used twice—folded into the cream cheese mix and again as a topping for fluffy, cloud-like texture.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure): Brings warmth and depth, rounding out all the sweet layers beautifully.
- 2 small boxes Instant Pudding Mix (vanilla or white chocolate): Creates a creamy, tender pudding layer that sets perfectly without baking.
- 2 cups Cold Milk (whole or 2%): Essential for whisking the pudding mix to its luscious, thickened state.
- Christmas Sprinkles or Crushed Candy Canes: Adds bright pops of color and festive crunch for the final touch.
How to Make Easy Christmas Cookie Lush: Festive No-Bake Holiday Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust
The very first step is magic—turning festive Christmas cookies into a tasty crust without any baking. Simply pulse your cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form, then mix them with melted butter. This mixture presses into your dish to create a buttery, crumbly base that’s sturdy yet tender. Chilling it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes sets the stage for the creamy layers to come.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
Next, whip up the cream cheese mixture, which will melt in your mouth. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar for sweetness and vanilla extract to amp up the flavor. Folding in half of the whipped topping keeps it light and fluffy. Spread this gorgeous, creamy layer over your chilled crust and return it to the fridge so it can firm up while you prepare the next heavenly layer.
Step 3: Whip the Pudding Layer
Now it’s pudding time! Combine your two boxes of instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix with cold milk, whisking vigorously until it starts to thicken—just a few minutes. This no-bake pudding layer adds a silky, luscious texture that contrasts perfectly with the cream cheese layer below. Spoon it gently over the chilled cream cheese and pop the dish back in the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours, letting it set into creamy perfection.
Step 4: Top It Off with Whipped Topping & Garnishes
Once the pudding layer is firm, it’s time for the grand finale. Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly to create a soft, snowy cap. Then sprinkle on your festive Christmas sprinkles or crushed candy canes for that perfect holiday sparkle and a little peppermint crunch. This is where the dish truly dresses to impress.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Patience is a virtue with this dessert—the longer it chills, the better it tastes. Allow your Christmas Cookie Lush to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can. When it’s finally time to dig in, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares that show off all those beautiful colorful layers. Trust me, every bite will be like a festive holiday hug.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Cookie Lush: Festive No-Bake Holiday Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
While the sprinkles and crushed candy canes are festive classics, feel free to get creative with your garnishes. A few fresh mint leaves, a dusting of edible glitter, or even small chocolate curls can add an extra touch of elegance or whimsy—whatever makes your holiday table feel merry and bright.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with warm drinks like a spicy cinnamon hot chocolate or a rich gingerbread latte, serving as a sweet counterpoint. You might also serve it alongside light fruit salads or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly celebratory experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests visually, consider serving the Easy Christmas Cookie Lush: Festive No-Bake Holiday Dessert Recipe in clear individual cups or mason jars. Layer the ingredients as you would in the pan to showcase those stunning layers, topping each with a sprinkle of holiday cheer for a festive, portable treat that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dessert keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid to keep the luscious layers fresh and the whipped topping perfectly fluffy. It’s a wonderful make-ahead dessert that maintains its fresh-from-the-fridge flavor.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it may alter the texture of the whipped topping and pudding slightly. If you must freeze leftovers, cover the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently stir the top layer to refresh it before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold and is not meant to be reheated. The creamy layers could separate or lose their charm if warmed up. Trust me, the chill is part of the magic that makes the Easy Christmas Cookie Lush: Festive No-Bake Holiday Dessert Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cookies for the crust?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite festive cookies. Gingerbread, sugar cookies, or shortbread all work wonderfully and bring unique flavors to the crust.
Is it necessary to use full-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor for this recipe. Using low-fat varieties might make the cream cheese layer less creamy and rich, so it’s best to stick with full-fat for that luscious mouthfeel.
What if I can’t find instant pudding mix?
If instant pudding mix isn’t available, you can try making pudding from scratch with cornstarch, sugar, milk, and flavorings. Just be sure to let it cool and thicken completely before layering for best results.
How far in advance can I assemble this dessert?
You can assemble the Easy Christmas Cookie Lush up to 24 hours before serving. Just cover and refrigerate it to let all those delicious layers meld together beautifully.
Can I substitute whipped cream for the whipped topping?
Yes, freshly whipped cream can be a lovely alternative, lending an even richer taste. Just make sure it’s whipped to soft peaks and used right away to keep that delicate texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about pulling together the Easy Christmas Cookie Lush: Festive No-Bake Holiday Dessert Recipe during the holidays. It’s simple enough to make on a busy day, yet impressive enough to wow your guests with layers of festive flavor and color. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch it quickly become a cherished holiday tradition in your home.
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Easy Christmas Cookie Lush: Festive No-Bake Holiday Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Christmas Cookie Lush is a delightfully festive no-bake holiday dessert that layers a buttery cookie crust with creamy cream cheese, fluffy pudding, and whipped topping, all garnished with cheerful Christmas sprinkles or crushed candy canes. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this dessert is simple to prepare and wonderfully indulgent.
Ingredients
Crust
- 12–14 ounces Christmas Cookies (a mix of festive sugar cookies, gingerbread snaps, or shortbread cookies)
- 1/2 cup Melted Butter (unsalted)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (full-fat, softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 tub Whipped Topping (thawed, like Cool Whip)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure)
Pudding Layer
- 2 small boxes Instant Pudding Mix (3.4 oz each, vanilla or white chocolate)
- 2 cups Cold Milk (whole or 2%)
Final Topping & Garnish
- 1 tub Whipped Topping (thawed, for topping)
- Christmas Sprinkles or Crushed Candy Canes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, pulse your Christmas cookies until fine crumbs form. Melt your butter and add it to the cookie crumbs. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the crust firm up.
- Create the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in about half of your thawed whipped topping until just combined. Spread this mixture evenly over your chilled cookie crust. Return to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
- Whip Up the Pudding Layer: In another mixing bowl, combine the instant pudding mixes with the cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2-3 minutes, or until the pudding begins to thicken. Spoon and spread the thickened pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until the pudding layer is fully set.
- Add the Final Topping & Garnish: Once the pudding is set, spread the remaining thawed whipped topping evenly over the dessert. Generously sprinkle Christmas sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or any other festive garnishes over the whipped topping.
- Chill & Serve: Allow the Christmas Cookie Lush to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. When ready, use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use whole or 2% milk for best pudding texture, but skim can be used for a lighter option.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and a creamy texture.
- You can substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- For an alcohol-free dessert, avoid any cookies or toppings that contain alcohol.
- Keep the dessert refrigerated until serving to maintain its structure.
