Make Ahead No Bake Christmas Cookie Lush Delight Recipe
Introduction
This Make Ahead No Bake Christmas Cookie Lush Delight is a festive and creamy dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. With layers of chocolate cookie crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and rich chocolate pudding, it’s sure to impress without any baking.

Ingredients
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 12 oz Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups whole milk
- Cocoa powder (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter until evenly mixed. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust.
- Step 2: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and whole milk. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens.
- Step 4: Layer half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie crust, then spread half of the chocolate pudding mixture on top.
- Step 5: Repeat the layers with the remaining crushed cookies, cream cheese mixture, and pudding. Finish by topping with the remaining Cool Whip.
- Step 6: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the pudding mix before whisking.
- Use flavored sandwich cookies like mint or cherry to add a festive twist.
- Top with chocolate shavings or crushed candy canes instead of cocoa powder for a decorative garnish.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free sandwich cookies in place of regular ones.
Storage
Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled. To rehydrate slightly if it becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this is a make-ahead dessert. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the layers set perfectly before serving.
Can I substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream can be substituted in equal amounts for a fresher taste, though it may affect the dessert’s stability slightly.
PrintMake Ahead No Bake Christmas Cookie Lush Delight Recipe
This Make Ahead No Bake Christmas Cookie Lush Delight is a creamy, indulgent layered dessert featuring crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, whipped cream, cream cheese, and chocolate pudding. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it requires no baking and can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight for a rich and festive treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Crust
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 12 oz Cool Whip, thawed
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups whole milk
Garnish
- Cocoa powder, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with the melted butter until evenly mixed. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust layer.
- Make cream cheese mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until fully incorporated, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Prepare pudding mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with whole milk. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens and is smooth.
- Layer the dessert: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie crust in the dish. Then add half of the chocolate pudding mixture on top of the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the process by adding the remaining crushed cookie mixture as the next layer, followed by the remaining cream cheese mixture, and then the remaining pudding mixture. Finish the dessert by topping it with the remaining Cool Whip layer.
- Chill and serve: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set and the flavors to blend. Before serving, sprinkle cocoa powder on top as a garnish for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing.
- This dessert can be made up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- If you prefer a lighter dessert, use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat milk for the pudding.
- Be sure to press the cookie crust firmly to form a stable base that holds up well to layering.
- Allow adequate chilling time so the pudding and cream cheese layers firm up nicely before serving.
Keywords: No bake dessert, Christmas dessert, layered dessert, chocolate pudding dessert, holiday dessert, cream cheese dessert

