Cookie Salad

Get ready for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat—Cookie Salad! If you’ve never had it before, this dish is a delightful surprise. It’s a sweet, creamy treat that combines the crunch of cookies with the smooth, coolness of whipped cream and pudding. This is one of those recipes that’ll have everyone asking for the secret. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert to bring to a party or just want something deliciously indulgent, this cookie salad is always a hit.

Why You’ll Love Cookie Salad

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the experience! You’re going to love this sweet, creamy concoction, and here’s why:

Versatile: It’s great for parties, potlucks, or even as a fun dessert for a family dinner. You can even change up the cookies for different flavors!

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this delicious dessert. Most of the items are pantry staples.

Quick and Easy: Whip this up in no time at all—no oven required, just mix and chill!

Customizable: Want to add some fruit like strawberries or bananas? Go for it! Want a chocolate version with brownie bits? It’s all up to you.

Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of sweet cookies, creamy filling, and crunchy texture is sure to win over any crowd.

Ingredients in Cookie Salad

Here’s the beauty of this dessert—it’s made with just a few ingredients, yet the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Sugar Cookies: The base of this dessert! Soft, sweet, and a little bit crumbly, they’re the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.

Vanilla Pudding Mix: This adds that rich, smooth creaminess we all love in a good dessert. It’s the perfect binder to hold everything together.

Whipped Topping: Light, airy, and just the right amount of sweetness. It brings everything to life.

Mini Marshmallows: A sweet, soft bite that adds a chewy element and a little extra fun.

Fruit (Optional): You can add fruits like crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, or fresh berries for a burst of freshness and color.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this sweet masterpiece:

Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until it thickens. This will form the base of your creamy filling.

Add the Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping with the pudding mixture. Take care not to deflate the whipped cream too much—it should stay light and fluffy!

Crush the Cookies: Break your sugar cookies into bite-sized pieces. You can do this by hand or pulse them in a food processor. The cookie bits will add the perfect crunch to your salad.

Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed cookies and mini marshmallows to the pudding mixture. If you’re using fruit, fold it in now as well. Mix until everything is well-coated and the flavors start to meld together.

Chill and Set: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to let the flavors come together and for the texture to set. This is the hardest part—waiting!

Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, scoop out servings of your cookie salad, and enjoy the crunchy, creamy goodness!

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250

(Note: these values may vary depending on your ingredients.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chill time)

How to Serve Cookie Salad

This dessert is perfect on its own, but you can make it even more decadent by pairing it with fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, or a drizzle of caramel. Serve it at your next barbecue, family gathering, or as a sweet treat after dinner. It’s one of those desserts that always steals the show.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Try swapping the sugar cookies for gingersnaps or chocolate chip cookies for a new twist on the flavor.
• Add some nuts (like crushed pecans or walnuts) for a little extra texture.
• If you’re using canned fruit like pineapple or mandarin oranges, make sure to drain it well so it doesn’t make the salad too runny.
• This recipe can be made the night before for convenience—just let it sit in the fridge overnight for maximum flavor.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this without whipped topping?
Yes, you can substitute with fresh whipped cream if you prefer, but the texture will be slightly different.

2. Can I use other types of cookies?
Absolutely! You can use any type of cookie you like—chocolate chip, oatmeal, or even shortbread work great.

3. How long can I store this cookie salad?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best eaten fresh, but it’ll still taste amazing after a couple of days.

4. Can I add more fruit to the salad?
Of course! Fresh berries, bananas, or even sliced kiwi would make a lovely addition.

5. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free pudding mix, whipped topping, and milk alternatives to make it dairy-free.

6. Can I freeze this dessert?
While it’s best served chilled, you can freeze it. However, the texture may change once it’s thawed.

7. How do I make the pudding mix?
Use the instructions on the pudding box—just whisk it with milk until thickened. If you don’t have pudding mix, you can make a homemade vanilla pudding.

8. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Adding chocolate chips would give it a nice crunch and extra sweetness.

9. How much time does it need to chill?
Let it chill for at least 1-2 hours, but if you can wait longer, the flavors will meld even better.

10. Can I make this without marshmallows?
Yes, you can leave out the marshmallows, but they do add a nice soft texture to the salad.

Conclusion

Cookie Salad is one of those desserts that’ll make you the star of any gathering. It’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a treat that everyone will be asking for seconds of. So grab your ingredients, make this delightful dish, and get ready to impress!

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