Description
Christmas Cookie Lush is a festive layered dessert featuring a golden sugar cookie crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping layer, a luscious vanilla pudding layer, and a final topping decorated with festive sprinkles and optional crushed peppermint candies. This no-bake layering after an initial baking step makes it perfect for holiday celebrations.
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 additional cup whipped topping (for topping)
- 1 cup festive sprinkles
- Optional: crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: 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 until a dough forms.
- Bake Crust: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely after baking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust layer.
- Make Pudding Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Layer Pudding: Pour the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer and gently spread to cover.
- Add Final Whipped Topping: Top the pudding layer with the additional cup of whipped topping, spreading it evenly.
- Decorate: Sprinkle festive sprinkles on top for decoration. If desired, garnish with crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive touch.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set properly.
- Serve: Before serving, slice into squares and enjoy the delicious layers of Christmas Cookie Lush.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cookie crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- You can substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- Allowing the dessert to chill overnight improves the layering and flavor melding.
- Optional crushed peppermint candies add a festive crunch and minty flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
