If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that captures the magic of the holidays in every bite, the Christmas Cookie Lush Recipe is exactly what you need. This layered delight brings together a buttery sugar cookie crust, creamy layers of sweetened cream cheese and vanilla pudding, all topped with fluffy whipped topping and festive sprinkles that sparkle with Christmas cheer. It’s an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that’s not only easy to make but will become an instant holiday favorite for your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything about the Christmas Cookie Lush Recipe is about simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s the cookie mix providing the perfect crisp base or the pudding adding creamy sweetness—get ready for an unforgettable celebration treat.
- Sugar cookie mix (15.25 oz): The foundation for a buttery, golden crust that holds all the layers.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps bind the cookie dough perfectly.
- Egg (1): Helps create that tender, cohesive cookie crust.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Delivers a smooth, tangy richness in the filling layer.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese layer evenly without graininess.
- Whipped topping (2 cups total): Offers lightness and fluffiness that balances the dense layers.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz): Provides luscious creaminess and a lovely vanilla flavor.
- Milk (2 cups): Essential for the pudding to thicken into a smooth, spoonable layer.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the pudding’s flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Festive sprinkles (1 cup): Adds colorful fun and that unmistakable holiday vibe.
- Optional crushed peppermint candies: A cool, minty crunch to elevate the Christmas spirit.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Lush Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, and egg until dough forms. Then press the dough evenly into your baking dish and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. This crust is the sturdy, buttery base that supports all the delicious layers to come, so be sure to let it cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
Next, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until silky smooth. Folding in one cup of whipped topping gives this layer a lovely lightness that melts effortlessly into the cookie crust. Once combined, spread this creamy layer evenly over the cooled cookie base. This step creates the wonderfully tangy middle that pairs so perfectly with the sweetness around it.
Step 3: Prepare and Add the Pudding Layer
Whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens, about two minutes, then stir in the vanilla extract to boost that comforting flavor. Pour this luscious pudding carefully over the cream cheese layer and smooth it out gently. The pudding adds a dreamy, velvety finish that ties the texture and flavors together brilliantly.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Topping and Decorations
Spread the remaining cup of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer for a fluffy, cloud-like finish. Then, sprinkle your festive sprinkles across the top for a burst of color and holiday cheer. If you want to take it a step further, crushing peppermint candies and sprinkling them on top gives a delightful minty crunch, making this Christmas Cookie Lush Recipe truly festive and fun.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Cover your masterpiece and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling step is what lets the layers settle and meld into one incredible dessert. When it’s time to serve, just slice into squares and watch the layers shine on your plate.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Lush Recipe
Garnishes
A simple layer of sprinkles is already vibrant, but to really wow your guests, consider adding a few crushed peppermint candies or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top. These touches add not only texture but a festive sparkle that will grab everyone’s attention.
Side Dishes
This lush dessert stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a hot cup of cocoa or a warm spiced cider complements the creamy, sweet flavor beautifully. Fresh seasonal fruit, like cranberries or raspberries, also pairs well by balancing the richness with bright, tart notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Set the Christmas Cookie Lush Recipe in a clear glass trifle bowl to display the stunning layers. You can also prepare individual parfait cups for parties, layering the components directly into glasses for a charming, portable version. Either way, presentation is half the fun with this colorful dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are best stored covered in the refrigerator, where the luscious layers will stay fresh and firm for up to 3 days. Keeping the dish covered protects the whipped topping from drying out and preserves the festive sprinkles’ crunch.
Freezing
While this dessert is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, although the whipped topping texture may soften slightly.
Reheating
The Christmas Cookie Lush Recipe is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Serve it cold straight from the fridge for that perfect contrast of cool creamy layers against the crisp cookie crust.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the mix?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can add a personal touch and might even make the crust a bit more flavorful. Just ensure the dough is pressed thinly and baked until golden for the best structure.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
You can swap dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese, nondairy whipped topping, and milk substitutes. Just check that the pudding mix is compatible or opt for a homemade pudding to keep it vegan.
How far ahead can I prepare the Christmas Cookie Lush?
This dessert gets better the longer it chills, so preparing it a day or two before your event is perfect. Just make sure to keep it covered and refrigerated until serving.
Can I add different flavors to the pudding layer?
Yes! While vanilla is classic, chocolate or peppermint pudding mixes can add a fun twist. Just be mindful to keep the flavors complementary to the other layers.
What’s the best way to cut the dessert into perfect squares?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts. This helps you slice smoothly without disturbing the delicate layers.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cookie Lush Recipe is a true holiday treasure that brings joy with every bite. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the beautiful layers makes it a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead, treat your loved ones to this festive delight and create sweet memories around the table this season!
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Christmas Cookie Lush Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 5h 35m
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Cookie Lush is a festive layered dessert combining a baked sugar cookie crust with creamy layers of sweetened cream cheese, whipped topping, and instant vanilla pudding. Topped with colorful sprinkles and optional crushed peppermint candies, this no-bake layered dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
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)
Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup whipped topping (for topping)
- 1 cup festive sprinkles
- Optional: crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the cookie dough: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, and egg, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
- Bake the crust: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to create the crust layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Remove and allow it to cool completely before adding layers.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate whipped topping: Fold 1 cup of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture gently until fully incorporated, then spread evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
- Make the pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Assemble the pudding layer: Pour the thickened pudding over the cream cheese layer and spread gently to cover evenly.
- Add the whipped topping: Spread the additional cup of whipped topping evenly on top of the pudding layer.
- Decorate: Sprinkle festive sprinkles over the whipped topping layer for color and festivity. Optionally, garnish with crushed peppermint candies for an extra holiday touch.
- Chill to set: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow all layers to set properly and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, slice into squares and enjoy the rich, creamy layers of your Christmas Cookie Lush dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and whipped topping to achieve smooth, creamy layers.
- You can prepare this dessert a day ahead to enhance the flavors and texture.
- Optional crushed peppermint candies add a refreshing mint flavor and festive appearance.
- This dessert should be kept refrigerated until serving to maintain its structure and freshness.
