Ingredients
Scale
- 24 soft sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade works beautifully)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips or holiday-themed sprinkles
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional for a festive touch)
- Fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds for garnish (optional)
Substitution tips: If you’re watching dairy intake, try using a dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternative. For a gluten-free version, swap the sugar cookies for your favorite gluten-free cookies. And if you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy—about 3-4 minutes. This step reminds me of those afternoons watching my grandmother beat butter and sugar until fluffy; it’s where the magic begins.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and continue beating until fully combined and silky smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. This light, airy whipped cream will give the lasagna its dreamy texture.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese frosting mixture until fully incorporated. This step creates a luscious, fluffy frosting that melts in your mouth.
- Now, it’s time to assemble. In a 9×13 inch dish, lay down a single layer of sugar cookies, covering the bottom completely. I love how this layering feels like building a cozy blanket of sweetness, much like the ones my kids snuggle under during our holiday movie nights.
- Spread approximately one-third of the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cookie layer.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or holiday-themed sprinkles over the frosting for a pop of color and texture.
- Repeat the layering process two more times—cookies, frosting, and sprinkles—ending with a thick layer of frosting on top.
- For a festive finish, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and scatter fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds over the top. These bright pops of color remind me of the garlands and lights we hang every year, making the dessert feel truly special.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- When ready to serve, cut into squares and watch the smiles light up around the table. Trust me, this dessert disappears fast!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International