Indulge in the creamy, dreamy delight of Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, a dessert that instantly brings joy with every scoop. This homemade treat is smooth, rich, and generously filled with crunchy chocolate sandwich cookies, offering a perfect balance of sweet creaminess and chocolatey crunch.
Why We Love This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
You’ll fall in love with this ice cream because it’s simple, yet indulgent. It doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced cooks. The smooth, creamy base blends beautifully with chunks of chocolate cookies, giving a delightful contrast in every bite. Plus, the recipe is customizable—you can adjust the amount of cookies or add your favorite chocolate treats to make it your own. It’s a versatile dessert that satisfies both kids and adults, perfect for any occasion where a sweet treat is welcome.
Ingredients for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
- 1 cup whole milk, very cold
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream, very cold
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos or any brand), coarsely chopped
How to Make Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Start by preparing a cold mixing bowl, which helps your ice cream churn more effectively. In the chilled bowl, whisk together the cold milk and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Then, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring gently to combine. Pour this mixture into your ice cream maker’s freezer bowl and begin churning according to your machine’s instructions, usually about 20 minutes.
Once the ice cream starts to thicken, gently fold in the chopped chocolate cookies. Continue churning for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to ensure the cookies are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture. The result should be a smooth, thick ice cream with crunchy cookie bits in every scoop.
After churning, use a rubber spatula to transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly and place it in the freezer for at least two hours to firm up. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, making scooping easier and more enjoyable. The key to a perfect texture is keeping your ingredients very cold from the start, which helps achieve that creamy, smooth consistency that makes homemade ice cream so special.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Serving this ice cream is simple, but presentation can make it feel extra special. You can scoop it into classic bowls or elegant dessert glasses for a more sophisticated touch. Consider topping each serving with additional cookie crumbles or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fun twist. Pair it with fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas, for a contrast of flavors that balances the sweetness.
This ice cream also works beautifully in sandwiches, between layers of cookies, or as a topping for pies and cakes. You can even use it to create a sundae bar for friends and family, letting everyone add their favorite toppings. No matter how you serve it, the creamy texture and chocolate cookie pieces are sure to delight anyone who tries it.
Expert Tips for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
To achieve the best results, there are a few tricks you should keep in mind. First, make sure all your ingredients are very cold before churning. Cold ingredients help the ice cream base thicken properly, ensuring a creamy texture. Second, follow your ice cream maker’s instructions for adding mix-ins like cookies. Adding them too early or too late can affect the distribution and texture.
Coarsely chop your cookies to avoid pieces that are too small or too large. Freezing the chopped cookies in an airtight bag ahead of time helps maintain their crunch. When transferring the ice cream to a container, use a rubber spatula to avoid deflating the mixture. Finally, allow the ice cream to firm in the freezer for at least two hours before serving to ensure the perfect scoopable consistency.
How to Store Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Storing your ice cream properly is key to maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor. Use an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming. Keep the ice cream in the back of the freezer where the temperature is most consistent, rather than in the door, which experiences frequent temperature changes.
If you want to store it for longer than a couple of weeks, consider placing a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing the container. This simple step helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the ice cream tasting fresh. Always allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping for the best texture and flavor.
Variation of Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and textures. For a chocolate twist, use chocolate ice cream base instead of plain cream, or mix in chocolate chunks along with the cookies. You can also add caramel or peanut butter swirls for a more decadent treat.
Try incorporating different types of cookies, such as chocolate chip or double chocolate varieties, to give the ice cream a unique flavor profile. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk and cream while still keeping the dessert rich and creamy. Seasonal variations, like adding crushed peppermint cookies during the holidays, can make this dessert festive and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
What is the best type of cookies to use?
You can use any chocolate sandwich cookies, but classic Oreos are ideal for the traditional flavor. Coarsely chop them to maintain texture in the ice cream.
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can use a no-churn method by whipping the cream separately and folding it into the milk and sugar mixture before adding cookies. Freeze until firm.
How long does homemade ice cream last?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the freezer, it can last up to two weeks while maintaining the best flavor and texture.
Can I add extra flavors to the ice cream?
Absolutely. Vanilla, chocolate, caramel, or even a touch of coffee extract can enhance the base flavor. Just ensure any additions do not overpower the cookies.
Is it necessary to chill the mixing bowl?
Yes, chilling the bowl and utensils helps keep the ingredients cold and ensures a smooth, creamy texture when churning.
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk very cold
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream very cold
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate sandwich cookies coarsely chopped (Oreos recommended)
Instructions
- Chill a mixing bowl. Whisk together cold milk and sugar until dissolved. Add heavy cream and vanilla, stirring gently.
- Pour mixture into the ice cream maker’s freezer bowl and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 20 minutes.
- When ice cream thickens, fold in chopped cookies. Continue churning for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
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