Description
Christmas Cookie Lush is a festive, layered dessert featuring a buttery sugar cookie crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping layer, smooth vanilla pudding, and a final fluffy whipped topping adorned with colorful sprinkles and optional crushed peppermint. Chilled and set to perfection, this no-bake layered treat combines classic holiday flavors and textures, ideal for Christmas parties and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Crust
- 1 package (15.25 oz) sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Vanilla Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup whipped topping (for topping)
- 1 cup festive sprinkles
- Optional: crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms.
- Bake the Cookie Crust: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish creating the crust layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and allow it to cool completely before assembling the layers.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and well combined for a creamy base layer.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Fold 1 cup of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully blended and spread this evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
- Make Vanilla Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Assemble Pudding Layer: Pour the thickened pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer and gently spread to cover evenly.
- Add Final Whipped Topping: Spread the additional 1 cup of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer for a light and fluffy topping.
- Decorate: Sprinkle festive sprinkles over the top for color and fun. Optionally, garnish with crushed peppermint candies to add a minty festive accent.
- Chill to Set: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow all layers to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, slice into squares and enjoy the rich, creamy, and festive goodness of Christmas Cookie Lush.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie crust is completely cooled before adding the creamy layers to avoid melting or mixing layers.
- For best results, chill the dessert overnight to allow full setting and improved flavor melding.
- You can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Use festive sprinkles and crushed peppermint candies to customize the dessert to your holiday theme.
- This dessert can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
