It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means – it’s cookie season! But this year, I’ve got a recipe that’s going to blow your mind. It’s not your average Christmas cookie, oh no. It’s Christmas Cookie Lasagna, and it’s about to become your new holiday go-to.
I still remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a few days before Christmas, and I was in the middle of my annual cookie baking marathon. My kitchen was covered in flour, and I had enough sprinkles to last me until next year. But then I stumbled upon this genius idea – why not layer all of my favorite Christmas cookies into a delicious lasagna? It sounded crazy, but I just had to try it.
Let me tell you, the end result was nothing short of magical. The buttery, crunchy cookie layers, the creamy peppermint-infused filling, and the festive candy cane and white chocolate topping – it was a Christmas dream come true. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, with a total prep and cook time of just 50 minutes.
Why This Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Cookie Lasagna
What sets this Christmas Cookie Lasagna apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cookie dough is made with simple, classic ingredients like all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, creating a rich, buttery base. The addition of baking powder gives the cookies a lovely, tender crumb, while a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.
But the real magic happens in the creamy filling. Softened cream cheese is whipped with powdered sugar and a touch of peppermint extract, creating a lush, minty-fresh layer that complements the cookie base beautifully. And let’s not forget the festive toppings – crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of holiday sprinkles add the perfect finishing touches.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure and a tender texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies their rich, indulgent flavor and flaky, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough and caramelizes during baking, creating a delicious crunch.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the dough together and adds moisture for a soft, chewy center.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the natural flavors of the cookies and creates a warm, comforting aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Leavens the dough, resulting in a perfectly risen and tender cookie layer.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the recipe.
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened: The base of the creamy, peppermint-infused filling that ties the whole dish together.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the filling, creating a rich, indulgent texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped into the filling, it gives the layer a light, airy quality.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Provides the signature minty flavor that screams “Christmas” in every bite.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes: Adds a festive crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Melts into the filling, creating pockets of creamy sweetness.
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles: The final touch of color and holiday cheer.
Step-by-Step Christmas Cookie Lasagna Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Cookie Lasagna
With a total time of just 50 minutes (30 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking), this Christmas Cookie Lasagna is the perfect last-minute holiday treat. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and a few basic kitchen tools to get started.
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
3- Press half of the cookie dough into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, using your hands or a spatula to create an even layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
4- While the cookie base is baking, prepare the creamy peppermint filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the heavy cream and peppermint extract, whipping until the filling is light and fluffy.
5- Remove the baked cookie base from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Spread the peppermint cream cheese filling evenly over the cookie layer. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles over the top.
6- Finally, crumble the remaining cookie dough over the filling, creating a top layer. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden. Allow the Christmas Cookie Lasagna to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. This helps the dough come together easily and the filling whip up light and creamy.
- Use a food processor or sturdy zip-top bag to crush the candy canes into a fine, even consistency. This will help the pieces distribute evenly throughout the dish.
- For a perfectly sliced lasagna, let the dish cool completely before cutting. Warm or even room-temperature lasagna can be a bit messy. Chilling it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour will make for clean, neat slices.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings! Try adding chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra holiday flair.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Cookie Lasagna
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Cookie Lasagna
This Christmas Cookie Lasagna is the perfect holiday showstopper, serving up to 12 people. It pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or mulled wine, adding to the cozy, festive vibes. For a more elaborate spread, serve it alongside a platter of your other favorite Christmas cookies, some fresh fruit, and a selection of holiday-themed candies.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about this Christmas Cookie Lasagna is that it can be made ahead of time, making your holiday hosting a breeze. Once the lasagna has cooled completely, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you’d like to make it further in advance, you can also freeze the entire dish for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Cookie Lasagna
Creative Christmas Cookie Lasagna Variations
Looking to mix things up? Try swapping out the classic sugar cookie base for a gingerbread or chocolate chip cookie layer. You could also experiment with different flavors in the filling, such as eggnog or caramel. And for a truly over-the-top version, top the lasagna with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies.
Making Christmas Cookie Lasagna Diet-Friendly
Craving a healthier version of this indulgent treat? You can easily make some substitutions to cater to dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Looking to reduce the sugar? Try using a sugar-free powdered sugar alternative in the filling. And for a dairy-free or vegan version, swap the butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie dough for the base?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cookie doughs, such as gingerbread, chocolate chip, or even shortbread. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
Q: How long does it take to prepare the Christmas Cookie Lasagna?
A: The total time to make this recipe is 50 minutes, with 30 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking.
Q: Can I make the Christmas Cookie Lasagna in advance?
A: Yes, you can! The lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Q: How many servings does this Christmas Cookie Lasagna make?
A: This recipe yields 12 servings of delicious Christmas Cookie Lasagna.
Q: What if my cookie layers don’t bake evenly?
A: If the cookie layers don’t bake up perfectly flat, don’t worry! You can use a fork or the back of a spoon to gently press down any uneven areas before adding the filling and toppings.
Christmas Cookie Lasagna
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate Christmas dessert with this decadent and magical Christmas Cookie Lasagna. Layers of buttery cookies, creamy filling, and festive toppings come together to create a life-changing holiday treat that will wow your guests.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 cup crushed candy canes
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookie base to cool completely.
5. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then stir in the peppermint extract.
6. Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cooled cookie base. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles over the top.
7. Refrigerate the Christmas Cookie Lasagna for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set.
8. Slice and serve the Christmas Cookie Lasagna chilled, garnished with additional crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
For a variation, try using different types of cookies or swapping the peppermint extract for other festive flavors like eggnog or gingerbread. The Christmas Cookie Lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Christmas Cookie Lasagna is truly a holiday showstopper that’s sure to wow your friends and family. With its layers of buttery, crunchy cookie, creamy peppermint filling, and festive toppings, it’s a delicious and unique twist on classic Christmas cookies. And best of all, it’s easy to make, with a total prep and cook time of just 50 minutes.
So why not give this Christmas Cookie Lasagna a try this holiday season? Your taste buds (and your holiday guests) will thank you. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Merry Christmas and happy baking!
