Description
Christmas Cookie Lush is a festive layered dessert featuring a baked sugar cookie crust topped with a creamy cream cheese layer, rich vanilla pudding, and whipped topping, all decorated with colorful sprinkles and optional crushed peppermint candies for a holiday touch. This no-bake layered dessert combines buttery, sweet, and creamy textures, 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 and Garnish
- 1 additional cup whipped topping (for topping)
- 1 cup festive sprinkles
- Optional: crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare 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 until a dough forms, ensuring ingredients are well incorporated.
- Bake Cookie Crust: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns a golden brown color. Remove and allow to cool completely before continuing.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and completely blended, creating a silky mixture.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold 1 cup of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and creamy. Spread this layer evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
- Make Vanilla Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until the pudding thickens, approximately 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Assemble Pudding Layer: Pour the thickened pudding over the cream cheese layer and spread it gently and evenly to cover the surface.
- Add Whipped Topping: Spread the additional cup of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer to create a light, fluffy topping.
- Decorate: Sprinkle festive sprinkles over the top layer for color and holiday cheer. If desired, garnish with crushed peppermint candies to add a refreshing peppermint touch.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the dessert layers to set firmly and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, slice the lush dessert into squares and enjoy the delightful combination of buttery cookie, creamy layers, and festive toppings.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie crust is completely cooled before adding cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Instant pudding thickens quickly; whisk vigorously to avoid lumps.
- Refrigeration time is crucial for setting the layers properly.
- Optional crushed peppermint candies add a nice festive crunch and flavor, but can be omitted if preferred.
