Cookie Lasagna: Grandma’s No-Bake Recipe That Wins Every Time

     Cookie lasagna wasn’t just dessert. It was the scent of home, the soft hush of summer crickets outside Grandma Rose’s screen door, and the buttery coolness of linoleum under bare feet. I still remember being a boy—six, maybe seven—watching her from the wooden stool she kept by the counter just for me.

She moved slowly, lovingly, never measuring a thing. There were always cookies—Oreos crushed by hand, cream cheese whipped with a silver fork, and chocolate pudding chilled to perfection. “This,” she’d say, as she smoothed the final layer with the back of a spoon, “is your sweet lasagna. No oven needed.”

And there it was—cookie lasagna. Layered not just with cream and chocolate, but with the warmth of a life lived gently. No screens. No rush. Just humming radio tunes, the tick of the wall clock, and a boy memorizing every moment of magic in a modest kitchen.

I didn’t know it then, but I was learning something deeper than a recipe. I was tasting love.

This article isn’t just about how to make a no-bake dessert. It’s about remembering where it all began, learning Grandma’s secrets, and bringing back a bit of that sweetness to your own table. You’ll find the best cookie lasagna recipe, variations for every season, practical tips, and a whole lot of heart chilled into every layer.

A Story Baked Into Every Bite

Grandma Rose’s Chilled Summer Surprise

The first time I tasted cookie lasagna, I was eight, barefoot in Grandma’s kitchen on a hot Indiana July afternoon. She was wearing her floral apron, humming to an old Patsy Cline song, when she pulled a chilled glass dish from the fridge.

What came out wasn’t like the bubbling lasagna I knew—it was cool, creamy, and topped with cookie crumbs and chocolate curls. “Lasagna for dessert?” I asked with wide eyes. She just winked and handed me a spoon.

From that moment on, cookie lasagna wasn’t just a dessert. It was our thing.

From Depression-Era Icebox to Modern-Day Delight

Cookie lasagna’s roots go back to the 1920s and 30s icebox cakes, born when ovens were scarce and convenience reigned supreme. Layered desserts became popular thanks to boxed pudding mixes and store-bought whipped toppings that made creating indulgent sweets quick and accessible.

Today, cookie lasagna is a TikTok darling, a potluck MVP, and still a family favorite. But its heart remains unchanged—layers of love, built to share.

Ingredients: Simple, Sweet, and Nostalgic

What You’ll Need

For creative swaps, check out chocolate chip cheesecake cookies to add a creamy twist to your layers.

How to Make Cookie Lasagna (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Crush the Cookies

Place Oreos in a food processor or smash them in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin. Aim for fine crumbs to create a firm base.

Step 2: Press the Crust

Press the cookie crumbs into a 9×13-inch baking dish. You can use a bit of melted butter to firm it up, but Grandma always kept it classic—just the cookies.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Layer

Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and half of the whipped topping until smooth. Spread gently over the cookie crust.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Layer

Prepare the pudding with cold milk and pour it evenly over the cream cheese layer. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Top and Chill

Spread the remaining whipped topping across the top. Sprinkle with crushed cookies or chocolate shavings. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Looking for a faster no-bake fix? Try our Oreo mug cake recipe!

Need a quick primer on how to crush cookies or press the perfect dessert crust? Taste of Home’s Chocolate Lasagna recipe offers a classic method that aligns beautifully with traditional cookie lasagna techniques. Their visuals and step-by-step layout are great for first-time bakers.

Grandma’s Pro Tips for Cookie Lasagna

1. Don’t Rush the Chill Time

Cold desserts like this develop deeper flavor and hold their shape better with time. Grandma insisted on chilling it overnight—and she was always right.

2. Keep Ingredients Cold

Cold milk helps pudding set quickly. And chilled cream cheese blends better for a smooth filling.

3. Avoid Overmixing

Whipped toppings need gentle folding. Overmixing breaks their fluffiness and can create a grainy texture.

4. Use Real Vanilla

Add a dash of real vanilla extract to the cream cheese layer for a warm, homemade flavor. Or go bold and add mint or almond extract for seasonal spins.

Fun Cookie Lasagna Variations

You can’t improve perfection—but you can personalize it.

Peanut Butter Dream

Use peanut butter sandwich cookies instead of Oreos. Layer in chopped peanut butter cups for an extra kick.

Berry Vanilla Delight

Substitute vanilla sandwich cookies and layer in sliced strawberries or blueberries between layers.

Pumpkin Patch Version

Swap chocolate pudding for pumpkin pudding, and sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top. Need ideas? Check out these no-bake pumpkin cheesecake balls for extra fall flavor.

Don’t miss our vegan holiday cookies if you want to serve this dish at the next plant-based gathering.

Want to try other no-bake treats your kids can help with? Food Network’s No-Bake Dessert Recipes offer creative spins on layered sweets, parfaits, and cookie bars. It’s a perfect go-to if you love dessert-building without ever touching the oven.

Serving Cookie Lasagna Through the Seasons

Summer BBQs

This no-bake dessert is ideal for hot weather. It’s cool, refreshing, and doesn’t require turning on the oven.

Winter Comfort

Use peppermint whipped cream or crushed candy canes for a festive holiday version. Pair it with this butter pecan pound cake for a double delight!

Birthday Bash

Top with rainbow sprinkles or swap in Golden Oreos for a fun twist.

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)

Based on 12 servings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cookie Lasagna

How long should lasagna bake for?

Traditional lasagna needs 45 minutes in the oven. But cookie lasagna is no-bake, making it faster and easier.

How long does lasagna rest?

Cookie lasagna needs to rest (chill) for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for a firm slice.

How many layers of lasagna is good?

Three or four layers are just right: cookie base, cream cheese filling, pudding, and whipped topping.

How long to cook lasagne?

No cooking required! Just assemble and chill.

How do I know if my lasagna is done?

It’s ready when it holds its shape and the pudding is firm. If it jiggles too much, it needs more fridge time.

How long to heat a lasagne?

Cookie lasagna is served cold! Don’t heat it up—just slice and enjoy.

Why Cookie Lasagna Is So Much More Than Dessert

Cookie lasagna isn’t just a recipe—it’s a love letter written in cream and chocolate. It reminds us of the comfort of tradition, the sweetness of simplicity, and the magic of food passed down through generations.

In Grandma Rose’s kitchen, there were no timers, no exact measurements—just a feel for what felt right. That’s the spirit of cookie lasagna. It invites you to make it your own, to share it with others, and to savor every spoonful like it matters.

It’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, backyard cookouts, or quiet moments when you need a little nostalgic hug. Make it with your kids, your partner, your best friend. Or make it just for yourself—because sometimes, you deserve dessert that feels like home.

If you’re feeling inspired, discover our twist on Alfredo lasagna to bring savory and sweet lasagna vibes full circle.

If this story reminds you of your own childhood desserts, you’ll love Southern Living’s Grandma’s Best Desserts roundup. It’s a collection of comforting, time-honored recipes that carry the same heart and heritage as cookie lasagna—simple, sweet, and unforgettable.

Cookie Lasagna: Grandma’s No-Bake Recipe That Wins Every Time

This no-bake cookie lasagna is layered with crushed Oreos, creamy filling, and chocolate pudding. It’s an easy, nostalgic dessert inspired by Grandma’s kitchen—perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or weeknight treats

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Chill Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert No-Bake Dessert Holiday Treats

Cuisine American Comfort Food Family Recipes

Servings 12 people

Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

• 1 9×13-inch Baking Dish Glass or ceramic preferred
• 1 Mixing Bowl Medium to large size
• 1 Hand Mixer or Whisk To blend cream layer
• 1 Spatula For smooth layering
• 1 Food Processor or Rolling Pin For crushing cookies

Ingredients

  

• 36 cookies Oreo cookies Crushed finely for base & topping
• 8 oz Cream cheese Softened
• 1 cup Powdered sugar Sifted
• 16 oz Whipped topping (Cool Whip) Divided
• 2 boxes Instant chocolate pudding mix 3.9 oz each
• 3 cups Milk Cold
• 12 cup Chocolate chips or shavings Optional topping

Instructions

 

• Crush the Cookies:Place Oreo cookies in a food processor or a zip-top bag. Crush them until fine crumbs form. Set aside ½ cup for topping
• Make the Crust:Press the remaining cookie crumbs into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust. For extra firmness, you may mix with 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional).
• Prepare the Cream Layer:In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread evenly over the cookie crust.
• Add the Pudding Layer:Whisk the chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens slightly (about 2 minutes). Spread it over the cream cheese layer.
• Top with Whipped Topping:Gently spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
• Add Final Touches:Sprinkle reserved cookie crumbs and chocolate chips or shavings on top
• Chill and Serve:Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow layers to set. Slice and enjoy chilled!

Notes

This no-bake cookie lasagna is a family favorite that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home. For best results, let it chill overnight to fully set and develop that rich, layered flavor.

Tips:

• You can substitute Oreo cookies with peanut butter or vanilla sandwich cookies for a flavor twist.
• Light whipped topping or low-fat cream cheese can be used for a slightly lighter version.
• Make it ahead! It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covered tightly.

This dessert is kid-friendly and a great no-bake option for warm seasons when you don’t want to turn on the oven. It’s also an ideal make-ahead treat for feeding a crowd.

Keyword cookie lasagna no bake dessert oreo dessert layered dessert grandma’s recipe easy chocolate dessert