Every December, when the house fills with the scent of cinnamon candles and the soft hum of Christmas music, my mind drifts back to those lively holiday gatherings when all the kids would race into the kitchen long before dessert was ready.
One year in particular, my youngest granddaughter peeked over the counter with those sparkling eyes of hers and said, “Grandma, can dessert be cosy too?” That question stayed with me. I spent the next few hours experimenting with layers of brownies, cream, cookies, and holiday candy, hoping to create something that felt like the dessert version of a warm blanket.
By the time we served it that night, everyone crowded around the table, spoons ready, as if we were unwrapping a present together. When the first slice was lifted, showing all those festive layers, the room erupted into delighted chatter. That moment, simple, sweet, and wonderfully chaotic, is what inspired this Christmas Cookie Lasagna.
Now, each year, making it has become a tradition in my kitchen. I love the pause between the flurry of holiday tasks, standing at the counter, folding whipped topping into soft cream cheese, hearing the crunch of cookie crumbs, decorating the top with bright M&M’s. It’s a gentle truth that joy often lives in the small moments. And if there’s any dessert capable of bringing a whole room together, laughter and all, it’s this irresistibly layered treat.
Short Description
Delicious Christmas Cookie Lasagna a fun, creamy, no-fuss holiday dessert featuring layers of fudgy brownie, fluffy cream cheese filling, buttery cookie crumble, and festive toppings.
Key Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- Ingredients needed for brownie mix (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 the top layer
- 1 cup Christmas red and green M&M’s
- 2 tablespoons red and white sprinkles (optional)
Tools Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Offset spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Refrigerator space for chilling
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Preheat your oven according to the brownie-mix instructions. Mix the brownie batter following the box directions, then pour it into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the center is fully set and the top appears shiny.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. They should be firm and room-temperature before adding any layers. If the edges seem too soft, let them cool an additional 10 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Fold in 8 oz of whipped topping gently with a spatula. The mixture should be airy and spreadable. If it feels too stiff, beat for an additional 20 seconds until fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the First Layer
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled brownie base. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top evenly. Once done, chill this layer for 15 to 30 minutes to help it firm up for easier layering.
Step 4: Create the Cookie Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the finely crushed golden sandwich cookies with melted butter. Mix until all crumbs are coated and resemble moist sand. Sprinkle this mixture over the cream cheese layer, gently pressing it so it adheres well. Avoid packing it too tightly to keep the texture light and crunchy.
Step 5: Add the Fluffy Top Layer
Spread the remaining 8 oz whipped topping evenly over the cookie crumble. Smooth gently to avoid disturbing the crumb layer underneath.
Step 6: Add Festive Touches
Top your lasagna with red and green M&M’s. You may scatter them randomly or arrange them in neat rows or holiday patterns. Add optional red and white sprinkles for extra colour. If desired, pipe small whipped-topping stars along the edges for a decorative border.
Step 7: Refrigerate
Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time helps the layers firm up for neat slicing and enhances the overall flavour and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A no-bake style dessert (after brownies) that’s easy to assemble.
Layers of contrasting textures make every bite exciting.
Beautifully festive without complicated decorating.
Great for feeding a crowd.
Can be made ahead for stress-free holiday hosting.
Kid-friendly and fun to decorate.
Perfect for potlucks, parties, or Christmas dinner.
Easily adaptable with simple ingredient swaps.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overbaking the brownies
If the brownies become too dry, the texture of the lasagna suffers.
Solution: Bake only until set. If the box suggests 20 minutes, start checking at 18. A slightly soft center is ideal.
Adding layers before brownies cool completely
Warm brownies melt the cream cheese layer, causing a messy texture.
Solution: Allow brownies to cool fully. If needed, place the pan in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Spreading whipped topping too aggressively
This can pull up the cookie crumbs or cream cheese layer.
Solution: Use an offset spatula and spread gently in long motions.
Crushing cookies too finely
If crumbs are too powdery, the cookie layer becomes pasty.
Solution: Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and small crunchy bits.
Skipping the chilling time
The lasagna won’t slice neatly and may collapse.
Solution: Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve chilled on a dessert platter for a festive buffet.
Cut into small squares for holiday parties or cookie exchanges.
Pair with hot cocoa, peppermint lattes, or spiced chai.
Serve family-style after Christmas dinner for a fun, shareable dessert.
Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or warm fudge sauce for extra richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keep the pan covered tightly to prevent the whipped topping from drying out.
This dessert should not be reheated. Enjoy it chilled for the best texture and flavor.
If making ahead, add M&M’s the day of serving to maintain their crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade brownies instead of boxed mix?
Yes, homemade brownies work beautifully. Just be sure they’re fully cooled before layering.
2. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free brownie mix and gluten-free sandwich cookies. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze Christmas Cookie Lasagna?
You can freeze it for up to 3 months, but add M&M’s after thawing for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
4. My cream cheese layer seems too thick. What should I do?
Beat it an extra 20 to 30 seconds and add 1 to 2 tablespoons whipped topping to loosen the mixture.
5. Can I make this without M&M’s?
Absolutely. You can use crushed peppermint, chopped chocolate bars, sprinkles, or festive gummy candies.
Tips & Tricks
Let cream cheese soften for at least 1 hour to ensure smooth mixing.
Line the brownie pan with parchment for easier slicing.
Use cold whipped topping when folding into cream cheese for best fluffiness.
Decorate just before serving if you want super-vibrant colors.
Chill overnight for the cleanest, most stable layers.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna: Swap golden cookies for chocolate cookies and add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture.
Peanut Butter Christmas Lasagna: Replace golden cookies with peanut butter sandwich cookies and drizzle melted peanut butter between layers.
All-Chocolate Midnight Lasagna: Use chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate whipped topping, and add mini chocolate chips on top.
Final Thoughts
Preparing this Christmas Cookie Lasagna has become one of those holiday moments that fills my kitchen with excitement. As each layer comes together, the brownie, cream cheese, and cookie crumble start forming a dessert that feels playful and festive without being complicated. The bright candies on top create a cheerful contrast that never fails to catch everyone’s attention when the pan is carried to the table.
What I treasure most is seeing the reactions as the first slice reveals those colorful layers stacked so neatly. It often sparks stories, laughter, and little compliments passed around the room, adding an extra touch of togetherness to the celebration. My hope is that this dessert brings a bit of that same joy into your gatherings, turning ordinary moments into ones worth remembering.
Delicious Christmas Cookie Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- Ingredients needed for brownie mix 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 the top layer
- 1 cup Christmas red and green M&M’s
- 2 tablespoons red and white sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Bake the brownies in a 9×13 pan and let them cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then gently fold in 8 oz of whipped topping.
- Spread the cream cheese layer over the brownies and chill for 15–30 minutes.
- Mix crushed golden cookies with melted butter, then sprinkle and press lightly over the cream layer.
- Spread the remaining 8 oz of whipped topping on top.
- Decorate with red and green M&Ms and extra sprinkles if you like.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.
