Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Introduction

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is a rich, creamy, and classic frozen dessert made with chilled milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. It has a smooth vanilla ice cream base with crunchy cookie pieces mixed throughout, creating the perfect balance of creamy and chocolatey texture.

This homemade ice cream is perfect for warm days, family desserts, birthday parties, or anytime you want a simple frozen treat with a bakery-style flavor. With only a few ingredients, you can make a delicious ice cream that tastes fresh, sweet, and wonderfully creamy.

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk, chilled

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 cups heavy cream, chilled

12 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish

Extra crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

Whole mini cookies

Chocolate syrup

Whipped cream

Preparation Method

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the chilled whole milk and granulated sugar.
2. Whisk well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This helps create a smooth ice cream base without grainy texture.
3. Add the chilled heavy cream to the bowl.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the vanilla flavor.
5. Mix everything gently until the ice cream base is smooth and well combined.
6. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the mixture helps the ice cream freeze better and become creamier.
7. Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker.
8. Churn according to your ice cream maker’s instructions, usually for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mixture becomes thick and soft-serve consistency.
9. While the ice cream is churning, crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into small and medium pieces. Avoid crushing them too finely so the ice cream has nice cookie texture.
10. During the last few minutes of churning, add the crushed cookies to the ice cream.
11. Let the machine mix until the cookies are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
12. Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container.
13. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle extra cookie crumbs on top if desired.
14. Cover the container tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
15. Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften slightly.

No-Churn Method

1. In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. In another bowl, mix the whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the milk mixture.
4. Add the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and fold gently.
5. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
6. Cover and freeze for 6 hours or overnight until firm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream in bowls, cones, milkshakes, or as a topping for brownies, chocolate cake, waffles, or warm cookies. For a richer dessert, drizzle with chocolate syrup and add extra crushed cookies on top.

It also makes a delicious filling for ice cream sandwiches or a creamy layer in frozen dessert cakes.

Storage Tips

Store the ice cream in an airtight freezer-safe container. Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface before covering to help prevent ice crystals.

For the best flavor and texture, enjoy within 2 weeks.

Conclusion

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is creamy, sweet, crunchy, and full of classic cookie flavor in every scoop. It is easy to prepare at home and perfect for both kids and adults. Would you enjoy this ice cream in a cone, a bowl, or blended into a milkshake?