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Easy Christmas Cookie Lush: Festive No-Bake Holiday Dessert Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 80 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.