Decadent Christmas Cookie Lasagna

It was the Saturday before Christmas, and the kitchen was already humming with the kind of quiet chaos I’ve come to expect in December. My aunt was at the sink peeling oranges for mulled cider, two neighbor kids were helping my son string popcorn garlands, and Bing Crosby crooned faintly in the background.

In the middle of it all, I was staring at a box of brownie mix and a bag of holiday M&M’s, wondering what dessert I could pull together without running back to the store. That’s how this Christmas Cookie Lasagna first came to life layered, festive, and no fuss.

The layering came together on instinct: a fudgy brownie base, whipped vanilla cream cheese, buttery cookie crumbs, more whipped topping, and a blizzard of red-and-green candies. I chilled it while everyone played board games, and by the time it hit the table after dinner, forks were flying.

Someone asked if there was peppermint in it (nope, just the magic of balance), and another said it tasted like everything good about the holidays stacked into one cold, creamy bite.

Now, Christmas Cookie Lasagna makes an appearance at everything from classroom parties to cozy nights with movies and cocoa. It’s festive without being fussy, and each chilled slice holds together beautifully, no matter how many little hands go in for seconds. It’s one of those desserts that looks impressive, tastes nostalgic, and takes surprisingly little effort to make.

Short Description

Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a no-bake holiday dessert featuring layers of fudgy brownies, whipped cream cheese filling, golden cookie crumbs, fluffy topping, and festive M&M’s. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Key Ingredients

• 1 box brownie mix
• Ingredients for brownie mix (usually eggs, oil, water)
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
• 18 golden sandwich cookies, finely crushed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 8 oz whipped topping, for top layer
• 1 cup red and green Christmas M&M’s
• 2 tablespoons red and white sprinkles (optional)

Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Brownie Base

Prepare the brownie batter according to the box instructions. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Make the Cream Layer

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in 8 oz of whipped topping using a spatula until fully combined and airy.

Step 3: Spread the Cream Layer

Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top. Chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to set the layer slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cookie Crust

Mix crushed golden sandwich cookies with melted butter until they resemble wet sand. Sprinkle evenly over the cream layer and press gently to adhere.

Step 5: Finish and Decorate

Spread the remaining 8 oz of whipped topping over the cookie layer. Decorate the top with red and green M&M’s and optional sprinkles for extra cheer.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make with minimal ingredients

Great for potlucks, parties, or casual evenings

Kid-approved and festive-looking

No fancy tools or baking skills required

Make-ahead friendly gets better as it chills

Fun textures from creamy layers to crunchy toppings

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using warm brownies
Spreading cream over warm brownies makes it melt.
Solution: Cool brownies fully before layering.

Overmixing the whipped topping
Folding too hard can deflate the cream layer.
Solution: Gently fold to keep the texture light and fluffy.

Skipping the chill time
Layers won’t hold together without time to set.
Solution: Always chill for at least 4 hours.

Not pressing the cookie layer
Loose crumbs will shift when serving.
Solution: Use a spatula to gently press the cookie crumbs into the cream layer.

Uneven layers
Can cause the lasagna to collapse when cut.
Solution: Use a spatula to level each layer before adding the next.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled, cut into clean squares

Pair with hot cocoa or peppermint coffee

Add crushed candy canes for an extra winter twist

Great for holiday potlucks or buffet tables

Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream if desired

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days

Do not freeze, as whipped topping may separate

Best served cold no reheating necessary

Use parchment under the first layer for easy lifting

Store individual slices in airtight containers for lunchbox treats

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade brownies instead of box mix?
Yes, as long as they’re dense and not too cakey. Just cool them completely first.

2. Is there a substitute for golden sandwich cookies?
Crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers work well, but adjust butter as needed.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—overnight chilling improves the flavor and structure.

4. Can I use peppermint-flavored whipped topping?
You can, but keep the rest of the ingredients simple to balance the flavor.

5. How do I cut neat slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wipe between cuts for clean edges.

Tips & Tricks

For extra crunch, add chopped peppermint bark on top

Line the pan with parchment for easy removal

Use stabilized whipped cream if serving at room temp

Add a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese layer for depth

Press cookie crumbs lightly don’t compact them too much

Recipe Variations

Peppermint Cookie Lasagna: Use peppermint sandwich cookies instead of golden ones, and top with crushed candy canes.

Peanut Butter Twist: Add ¼ cup peanut butter to the cream cheese layer and swap in peanut butter M&M’s.

Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Use chocolate sandwich cookies and add mini chocolate chips to the top layer.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free brownie mix and certified GF sandwich cookies.

Nutty Crunch Layer: Mix chopped roasted almonds with the cookie crumbs for extra texture.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Cookie Lasagna feels like the kind of dessert that shows up when people gather in cozy, cheerful ways. I’ve served it in kitchens crowded with cousins and at quiet dinners where the glow came from just the tree. It always finds its way to the center of the table colorful, layered, and full of holiday spirit.

It’s sweet without being overwhelming, simple enough for a weeknight treat but festive enough for something fancier. If you’re like me and crave recipes that invite people in without requiring perfection, this one checks all the boxes. Whether you cut it into perfect squares or scoop it with a spoon, the joy is baked right in well, chilled right in.