Description
Christmas Cookie Lush is a festive and creamy layered dessert featuring a homemade sugar cookie crust, a rich cream cheese and whipped topping layer, a smooth vanilla pudding topping, and a final decorative touch with festive sprinkles and optional crushed peppermint candies. This no-bake chilled treat is perfect for holiday celebrations and combines classic flavors with a visually appealing presentation.
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 Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a cohesive dough forms.
- Bake Cookie Crust: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely before adding layers.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold 1 cup of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust layer.
- Make Vanilla Pudding: In another bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk together until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Layer Pudding: Pour the thickened pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer and gently spread it to cover evenly.
- Add Top Whipped Topping: Spread the additional cup of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer for a smooth finish.
- Decorate: Sprinkle festive sprinkles over the top layer. Optionally, garnish with crushed peppermint candies to add a festive flavor and texture.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and meld flavors.
- Serve: Slice the layered dessert into squares before serving and enjoy this festive, creamy Christmas treat.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie crust is fully cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting and mixing of layers.
- For best results, allow the dessert to chill overnight to develop full flavor and proper firm texture.
- Use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese and whipped topping for a lighter version, though texture may vary.
- Festive sprinkles and peppermint candies can be omitted or substituted based on dietary preferences or availability.
- This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
