Description
Christmas Cookie Lush is a festive layered dessert featuring a buttery sugar cookie crust topped with a creamy blend of sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping, a layer of smooth vanilla pudding, and finished with a fluffy whipped topping adorned with colorful sprinkles and optional crushed peppermint candies. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this no-bake-in-the-final-step dessert is chilled to set and delightfully rich in flavor and texture.
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 Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cookie crust.
- Mix Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a uniform dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Form and Bake Crust: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to create the crust layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps for a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until evenly combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust to form the second layer.
- Make Vanilla Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk together vigorously until the pudding thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Layer Pudding: Pour the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer and gently spread it evenly for a smooth surface.
- Add Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer to create the final creamy topping.
- Decorate: Sprinkle festive sprinkles on top for a colorful, festive appearance. Optionally, garnish with crushed peppermint candies to add a peppermint crunch and seasonal flair.
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow all layers to set firmly and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, slice the Christmas Cookie Lush into squares and enjoy this delightful, layered holiday treat.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting and runny layers.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and dairy for the best texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the sugar cookie mix with a gluten-free alternative.
- Chilling overnight enhances the layering and flavor combination.
- For added peppermint flavor, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the cream cheese layer.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.
