Description
This Christmas Cookie Lush is a creamy, dreamy no-bake layered dessert that captures the festive joy of your favorite Christmas cookies. It’s the ultimate holiday treat that is both impressive and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–14 ounces Christmas Cookies (a mix of festive sugar cookies, gingerbread snaps, or shortbread cookies)
- 1/2 cup Melted Butter (unsalted)
- 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)
- 2 small boxes Instant Pudding Mix (3.4 oz each, vanilla or white chocolate)
- 2 cups Cold Milk (whole or 2%)
- 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. Pop the dish into the refrigerator 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. Carefully spread this mixture evenly over your chilled cookie crust. Return the dish 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. Carefully spoon and spread the thickened pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer. Place the dish back in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the pudding layer is completely set.
- Add the Final Topping & Garnish: Once the pudding layer is set, spread the remaining thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the dessert. Generously sprinkle your 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, or ideally, overnight. When ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut the lush into squares.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Chilling time is crucial for clean layers. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. Be gentle when folding in whipped topping to maintain airiness. For cleaner slices, dip your knife in hot water before cutting.