If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday treat that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’re going to want to try this Christmas Cookie Lush Dessert Recipe. I absolutely love how this luscious, multi-layered dessert combines the festive crunch of Oreos with creamy cheesecake and pudding layers — it’s seriously a crowd-pleaser every single time. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a staple in your holiday dessert rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Layered Delight: Each layer has its own unique texture and flavor, making every bite a little celebration in your mouth.
- No-Bake Ease: This dessert comes together quickly with no oven required — perfect for busy holiday days.
- Festive and Fun: The holiday sprinkles add that magical touch that makes it great for all your Christmas parties and gatherings.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, especially kids who love the Oreos and colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything here works like a charm together — from the classic vanilla Oreo cookies to the creamy cheesecake layer. When I shop for this dessert, I look for fresh cream cheese and the fluffiest whipped topping to get that perfect texture.
- Vanilla Oreo cookies: Using the vanilla kind adds a sweeter, holiday vibe compared to the original chocolate.
- Butter: Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs perfectly for a sturdy crust.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly for that luscious cheesecake layer.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens without graininess—essential for silky texture.
- Holiday sprinkles: These festive sprinkles make the dessert pop visually and add just a hint of crunch.
- Whipped topping: I prefer a stable whipped topping brand; it gives the dessert great volume and lightness.
- Cheesecake instant pudding mix: This thickens the middle layer and amps up the cheesecake flavor.
- Cold milk: Needed to whisk the pudding mix into a smooth consistency.
Variations
I like to mix things up depending on what’s in my pantry or the tastes of my guests. The great thing about the Christmas Cookie Lush Dessert Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tweak it to your liking.
- Mint twist: I once added a splash of peppermint extract to the cream cheese layer, and it gave it a cool, festive taste that felt extra Christmassy.
- Chocolate Oreo upgrade: Swapping vanilla Oreos for chocolate is a hit with my chocoholic friends, and it adds depth to every bite.
- Dairy-free version: Using dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping has worked well when friends have dietary restrictions—just be sure the pudding mix is compatible.
- Extra crunch: Adding chopped nuts on top was a fun experiment that added great texture contrast.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Lush Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Crush and Press the Cookie Crust
Start by crushing 36 vanilla Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. I like using a food processor for this because it’s quick and gives an even texture, but a zip-top bag and rolling pin do the trick too if you’re in a pinch. Mix those crumbs with melted butter and half of your holiday sprinkles, then press it firmly into the bottom of your lined 9×13 baking dish. This crust sets the foundation and gets delightfully crisp after chilling.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer
Next, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of peppermint extract until silky smooth. Folding in one tub of whipped topping and the rest of your sprinkles makes this layer light as air but still creamy. Spread it over your cookie crust like frosting—and don’t worry if it looks a little thick; that’s exactly how you want it.
Step 3: Prepare and Add the Pudding Layer
Whisk the cheesecake instant pudding mix with cold milk until thickened—this usually takes a couple minutes, so be patient. Stir in the remaining sprinkles, then spread this decadent pudding over the cream cheese layer evenly. This step adds that dreamy cheesecake depth that makes the Christmas Cookie Lush Dessert Recipe so addictive.
Step 4: Top It Off and Chill
Finish by spreading the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer. Then crush the last 12 Oreo cookies and sprinkle them on top, adding more sprinkles for those final festive touches. Cover and chill your dessert in the fridge for at least 4 hours—and if you want the cleanest slices, freezing it for a bit before serving works like a charm.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Cookie Lush Dessert Recipe
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is very soft before mixing—it helps keep the texture smooth without lumps.
- Cookie Crust Pressing: Press the cookie crust firmly but evenly—this prevents cracks and keeps your base sturdy.
- Chill Time Patrol: Don’t rush the chilling; it’s the secret to firm layers that slice beautifully.
- Clean Slicing: Freeze the dessert for about an hour before slicing, then use a sharp knife warmed in hot water for perfect pieces.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Lush Dessert Recipe

Garnishes
I usually stick to the holiday sprinkles and crushed Oreos on top because they add a pretty pop of color and texture without overwhelming the flavors. Sometimes, a few fresh cranberries or a mint leaf make a nice visual pairing if you want to get fancy for guests.
Side Dishes
This dessert holds up as the star, but if you’re serving a Christmas feast, a simple cup of hot cocoa or coffee goes wonderfully alongside. It also pairs nicely with a light fruit salad to balance all that richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I like layering this dessert in individual mason jars — it’s charming and portable, plus everyone loves getting their own little treat. You can also turn it into parfait cups by alternating the layers with extra crushed Oreos and sprinkles right in the glass.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After serving, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen after sitting a bit!
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dessert, I recommend freezing it in the baking dish, covered well with foil, for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the texture perfect.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t needed—but letting frozen slices thaw out for about an hour at room temperature softens them nicely before enjoying.
FAQs
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Can I use regular Oreo cookies instead of vanilla for this dessert?
Absolutely! Regular Oreos work perfectly if you prefer a chocolatey base. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be richer and less sweet compared to the vanilla Oreos, so it’s all about your personal preference.
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Do I need to chill the dessert for the full 4 hours?
Chilling for at least 4 hours helps the layers set and flavors meld, making slicing easier and taste better. However, if you’re short on time, you can chill for 2-3 hours—just expect softer layers.
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Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert is great for making a day or two ahead, which actually improves the flavor. Just cover it well and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
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What can I substitute for the cheesecake instant pudding mix?
If you can’t find cheesecake pudding mix, vanilla instant pudding is a good substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich. You can also make a homemade pudding layer, but it will take extra time.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cookie Lush Dessert Recipe is truly a labor of love that’s easy to assemble but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I still remember the first time I brought this to my family reunion—everyone asked for the recipe and a second helping! If you’re searching for a festive, no-bake dessert that’ll wow your guests and warm your heart, give this a try. I promise, you’ll be coming back to it year after year.
Print
Christmas Cookie Lush Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Cookie Lush is a festive layered dessert featuring a buttery Oreo cookie crust, creamy peppermint-infused cream cheese layer, rich cheesecake pudding, and topped with fluffy whipped cream and holiday sprinkles. Perfect for the holiday season, this no-bake treat brings together crunchy cookies, smooth textures, and colorful sprinkles to delight your guests.
Ingredients
Crust
- 36 vanilla Oreo cookies
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ tablespoon holiday sprinkles
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tablespoon holiday sprinkles
- 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Pudding Layer
- 1 box (3.4 ounces) cheesecake instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- ½ tablespoon holiday sprinkles
Topping
- 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping
- 12 vanilla Oreo cookies, crushed
- Remaining holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Crush 36 vanilla Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over with a rolling pin. Mix the cookie crumbs with melted butter and ½ tablespoon of holiday sprinkles. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in one tub (8 ounces) of whipped topping and ½ tablespoon of holiday sprinkles. Spread this creamy mixture over the prepared cookie crust evenly.
- Prepare pudding layer: In another bowl, whisk the cheesecake instant pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk until it thickens according to package instructions. Stir in ½ tablespoon of holiday sprinkles. Spread this pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the topping: Spread the remaining tub of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
- Decorate the top: Crush the remaining 12 vanilla Oreo cookies and sprinkle them over the whipped topping. Add any remaining holiday sprinkles for garnish and a festive touch.
- Chill the dessert: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours to set properly. For firmer, cleaner slices, freeze it and thaw for about an hour prior to serving.
- Serve: Slice into 16 squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this festive, creamy holiday dessert!
Notes
- For the cleanest and most precise slices, freeze the dessert before cutting and thaw for about an hour before serving.
- Using parchment paper makes removing the dessert easier and helps maintain its shape.
- Be sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer.
- Adding peppermint extract gives a seasonal flavor, but it can be omitted or substituted as desired.
- You can use other crushed festive cookies or sprinkles to customize the flavor and appearance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16th of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg

