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This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream recipe stands out for its simplicity and indulgence.
With just five ingredients, it delivers a rich, creamy texture that’s perfectly balanced by the crunchy chocolate sandwich cookies scattered throughout.
It’s a delightful treat that combines the smoothness of homemade ice cream with the nostalgic comfort of Oreo cookies.
While indulgent, it offers moderate protein from whole milk and heavy cream and contains good fats that contribute to its creamy mouthfeel.
Though not low in sugar or saturated fat, it’s an approachable dessert that can be made at home without additives or preservatives found in store-bought versions.
This recipe is ideal for everyday cooking because it’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is extremely satisfying.
Plus, the ice cream maker simplifies the process, making it a great choice for meal prepping desserts or impressing guests with a homemade classic.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Ice Cream Maker
Essential for churning the mixture into a smooth, creamy texture, this appliance transforms basic ingredients into a delicious frozen dessert.
Its broader kitchen value includes making sorbets, gelatos, and frozen yogurts, offering endless homemade frozen treat options.
Metal Mixing Bowl
Used to whisk cold milk and sugar, a metal bowl chills quickly to maintain the cold temperature essential for perfect ice cream texture.
Beyond this recipe, it’s versatile for mixing, marinating, or chilling ingredients.
Rubber Spatula
Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and transferring thick ice cream into containers without wasting a drop.
This flexible tool is indispensable for folding, mixing, and scraping in any kitchen task.
Hand Whisk
Useful for dissolving sugar in milk smoothly before churning. A whisk aerates and combines ingredients efficiently, making it a fundamental tool for sauces, batters, and dressings.
Airtight Freezer Container
Key for storing the ice cream safely and preventing freezer burn while allowing it to set to the perfect scoopable consistency.
These containers are great for freezing leftovers, meal prep, and preserving freshness.
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Ice Cream Maker (2-quart capacity recommended)
- 1 Metal Mixing Bowl (large)
- 1 rubber spatula
- 1 Hand Whisk
- 1 Airtight Freezer-Safe Container
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk chilled
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream well chilled
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate sandwich cookies such as Oreos, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweetened Milk Base: In a well-chilled mixing bowl, combine the cold whole milk and granulated sugar. Using a whisk, stir gently until the sugar has fully dissolved into the milk, creating a smooth and sweetened liquid base.
- Incorporate Cream and Flavor: Add the cold heavy cream and pure vanilla extract to the sweetened milk mixture. Stir just enough to blend the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the mixture stays cold for optimal churning.
- Begin Churning the Ice Cream: Pour the prepared mixture into the freezer bowl of your ice cream maker. Turn on the machine and allow it to churn for about 20 minutes, or follow the timing guidelines specific to your ice cream maker, until the mixture thickens and starts resembling soft-serve ice cream.
- Add the Cookie Chunks: When the ice cream reaches a creamy consistency, introduce the chopped chocolate sandwich cookies into the churner. Continue to mix for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the cookie pieces to distribute evenly and the ice cream to thicken further.
- Freeze to Set Firmly: Using a flexible spatula, transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container suitable for freezing. Seal tightly and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the ice cream firms up enough to scoop easily.
Notes
- For best results, pre-chill your mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for several minutes before starting to keep ingredients cold and improve texture.
- The recipe yields approximately 1.5 to 2 quarts of ice cream, perfect for sharing or saving for later.
- You can prepare and freeze cookie chunks in advance, stored in an airtight bag, to streamline the process.
- Always refer to your ice cream maker’s manufacturer instructions for guidance on add-ins and churning times, as models may vary.
- Store leftover ice cream in a tightly sealed container to prevent ice crystals and maintain freshness.
Chef’s Secrets for Creamy Perfection
The key to truly luscious, creamy ice cream at home lies in keeping everything very cold throughout the process.
Chill your mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for a few minutes before starting—this helps prevent the mixture from warming up, which can lead to icy results.
Use full-fat dairy like whole milk and heavy cream for the creamiest texture, and avoid reducing the sugar as it plays a crucial role in softening the final product.
When adding cookies, chop them coarsely so you get that signature crunch and bite in every scoop—too fine and they’ll disappear into the base.
Finally, don’t skip the final freezer step after churning.
Allowing the ice cream to rest and firm up in the freezer for a couple of hours enhances its scoopability and texture.
Best Ways to Serve and Enjoy
This cookies and cream ice cream is incredibly versatile and satisfying on its own, but you can elevate it with a few fun serving ideas.
Serve it in sugar cones for a nostalgic twist or layer it between two chocolate chip cookies for the ultimate ice cream sandwich.
It also pairs beautifully with warm desserts—try scooping it over a fudgy brownie, molten lava cake, or baked apple crumble for a hot-and-cold contrast.
For a party-friendly option, fill small dessert cups and top with whipped cream, extra crushed cookies, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
You can even use it as the base for milkshakes or ice cream cakes.
However you serve it, this recipe is always a hit.
Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness
Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 weeks of making, although it can last a bit longer if stored properly.
Always use an airtight, freezer-safe container to minimize exposure to air, which leads to freezer burn.
Pressing a layer of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the lid can also help preserve its creamy texture.
Store it toward the back of the freezer where temperatures remain most stable.
If your ice cream becomes too firm over time, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for a smoother experience.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly
1. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, while an ice cream maker yields the creamiest texture, you can make a no-churn version by whipping the cream separately, folding in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, then adding the cookies. Freeze for several hours until firm.
2. Why do the ingredients need to be cold?
Cold ingredients help the ice cream base churn faster and more effectively, reducing ice crystal formation and resulting in a smoother, silkier final product.
3. Can I use low-fat milk or cream alternatives?
You can experiment with lower-fat options, but expect a less creamy result. Heavy cream and whole milk contribute to the luxurious mouthfeel of classic ice cream.
For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream and oat milk, but results may vary.
4. How do I prevent my cookies from getting soggy?
Use coarsely chopped cookies and fold them in toward the end of the churning process.
If they’re added too early, they can soften too much. You can also freeze the chopped cookies ahead of time to help maintain their crunch.
5. Can I customize this recipe with mix-ins?
Absolutely! Add-ins like chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or even a peanut butter ribbon can enhance the base.
Just be sure to follow your machine’s guidelines on when and how to add them without interrupting the churning process.
This recipe is inspired by chewoutloud and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.