Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies: non-cookie dessert

My mother-in-law makes a special holiday version of the classic "dirt" dessert every year - it's chocolately, pepperminty, goodness, and it always gets devoured!

I don't have her exact recipe, but this one from Taste of Home is pretty close to how she makes it - just add a layer of crushed candy canes or other mints while you are laying in the pudding and cookies!


Holiday "Dirt"
Original recipe from Taste of Home
Makes 20 servings

Ingredients 

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 
• 1/4 cup butter, softened 
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar 
• 3-1/2 cups cold 2% milk 
• 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix 
• 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed 
• 1 package (15-1/2 ounces) Oreo cookies 
• Crushed candy canes or other mints
• Shaved chocolate, optional 

Directions 

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and confectioners' sugar until smooth. In another large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes; let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Gradually stir into cream cheese mixture. Fold in whipped topping. 
2. Spread 1-1/3 cups of crushed cookies into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. dish. Layer with half of the pudding mixture, half of the candy canes, and half of the remaining cookies. Repeat layers. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve topped with shaved chocolate if desired.