It was a chilly December evening, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air. I had just pulled the last batch of my classic sugar cookies out of the oven when my neighbor, Sarah, came over with a mischievous grin. “Hey, I’ve got the most incredible recipe to share with you – Christmas Cookie Lasagna!” she exclaimed. I had never heard of such a thing, but the way her eyes lit up with excitement had me intrigued.
Sarah proceeded to explain that this decadent dessert combined the best of both worlds – the classic flavors of Christmas cookies with the indulgence of creamy layers. As she described the buttery cookie crust, the creamy peppermint-infused filling, and the festive candy cane and coconut topping, I couldn’t wait to try it. That night, we got to work in the kitchen, and let me tell you, the result was nothing short of amazing.
Why This Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Cookie Lasagna
What makes this Christmas Cookie Lasagna recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cookie crust is rich and buttery, providing a sturdy foundation for the creamy, peppermint-laced filling. The crushed candy canes and shredded coconut on top add a delightful crunch and a pop of festive flair. But the real showstopper is the way the flavors meld together, creating a harmonious and addictive dessert that will have your guests coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the cookie crust, ensuring it holds its shape and doesn’t crumble.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The butter adds a rich, decadent flavor and tender texture to the cookie base.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The sugar not only sweetens the crust but also helps create a delightful crispness around the edges.
- 1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the cookie dough together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This classic flavoring enhances the overall sweetness and aroma of the dessert.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A small amount of baking powder helps the cookie crust rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the other flavors.
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese is the backbone of the creamy filling, providing a rich and indulgent texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The powdered sugar sweetens the filling and helps to create a smooth, velvety consistency.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: This ingredient adds a refreshing, minty note that perfectly complements the holiday-inspired flavors.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes: The crushed candy canes not only add a festive pop of color but also a delightful crunch and peppermint flavor.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: The white chocolate chips melt into the filling, creating pockets of creamy sweetness.
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut: The shredded coconut adds a lovely texture and subtle flavor that ties the whole dessert together.
Step-by-Step Christmas Cookie Lasagna Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Cookie Lasagna
Preparing this Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a breeze, with a total time of just 50 minutes (15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking). You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cookie crust from sticking.
2- In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
4- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure to reach the edges. The dough should form a smooth, even layer. Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown.
5- While the crust is baking, prepare the creamy filling. In a large bowl, beat the 24 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, and mix until well combined.
6- Once the cookie crust has cooled slightly, spread the peppermint cream cheese filling evenly over the top. Sprinkle the 1 cup of crushed candy canes, 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips, and 1/4 cup of shredded coconut over the filling. Refrigerate the assembled Christmas Cookie Lasagna for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature before you begin. This will make them much easier to work with and help the dough and filling come together smoothly.
- For the crunchiest candy cane topping, crush the candy canes just before assembling the lasagna. This will prevent them from losing their texture and flavor.
- Don’t overbake the cookie crust. Keep a close eye on it during the 20-25 minute baking time to ensure it doesn’t become too dry or hard.
- Refrigerate the assembled lasagna for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Cookie Lasagna
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Cookie Lasagna
This Christmas Cookie Lasagna is the perfect festive dessert to serve at any holiday gathering. It pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a glass of rich, creamy eggnog. For a truly indulgent experience, serve a slice alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. With 12 servings in this recipe, it’s the ideal dessert to share with family and friends.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Christmas Cookie Lasagna is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Once assembled, you can cover and refrigerate the lasagna for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, simply remove it from the fridge and cut into slices.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the lasagna. Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight before cutting and serving.
If you have any leftover slices, simply cover them and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either enjoy them chilled or warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Cookie Lasagna
Creative Christmas Cookie Lasagna Variations
While the original Christmas Cookie Lasagna recipe is a true delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own twist on it:
- Swap the peppermint extract for other festive flavors like cinnamon, gingerbread, or eggnog.
- Use a mix of crushed candy canes and crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream twist.
- Replace the white chocolate chips with festive M&Ms or chopped pecans for added crunch.
- Try a layered version with alternating cookie crust and creamy filling for a true lasagna effect.
Making Christmas Cookie Lasagna Diet-Friendly
For those looking to enjoy this dessert while adhering to dietary restrictions, there are a few simple substitutions you can make:
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour for the cookie crust.
- Dairy-free: Swap the cream cheese and butter for plant-based alternatives, such as dairy-free cream cheese and coconut oil.
- Low-carb: Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener, and use low-carb cookie recipes or almond flour in the crust.
With a few minor tweaks, you can ensure that everyone can indulge in the deliciousness of Christmas Cookie Lasagna, no matter their dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
A: Absolutely! While the classic sugar cookie crust is delicious, you can experiment with other holiday-inspired cookie doughs, such as gingerbread or chocolate chip.
Q: How long does it take to prepare the Christmas Cookie Lasagna?
A: The total time for this recipe is 50 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of baking time.
Q: Can I make the Christmas Cookie Lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble the entire lasagna, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 5 days before serving.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Christmas Cookie Lasagna recipe yields 12 servings, making it a great dessert to share with family and friends.
Q: What should I do if the cookie crust becomes too hard or dry?
A: If the cookie crust bakes up too hard or dry, try reducing the baking time by a few minutes next time. You can also try pressing the dough a bit more gently into the pan to prevent over-compacting.
Christmas Cookie Lasagna
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate holiday dessert with this decadent Christmas Cookie Lasagna! Layers of buttery cookies, creamy filling, and festive toppings come together to create a truly irresistible treat.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 cup crushed candy canes
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and 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 a dough forms.
4. Press half of the dough into the prepared baking dish, forming an even layer.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the peppermint extract.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cookie layer in the baking dish.
7. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the cream cheese layer, creating an even top layer.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
9. Allow the Christmas Cookie Lasagna to cool completely before cutting into squares.
10. Top with crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, and shredded coconut.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive touch.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Cookies & Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Christmas Cookie Lasagna is a delightful and unique twist on traditional holiday baking. With its buttery cookie crust, creamy peppermint filling, and festive toppings, this dessert is sure to become a new family favorite. The balance of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the make-ahead capabilities make it the perfect addition to any holiday gathering.
So why not give this Christmas Cookie Lasagna a try this season? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how it turns out – I can’t wait to hear all about your holiday baking adventures!
