If you have a craving for something creamy, cool, and irresistibly sweet, this Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe is here to make your day absolutely delightful. Imagine velvety smooth ice cream bursting with crunchy, chocolatey cookie bits in every bite—this homemade treat brings all the joy of a classic dessert into your kitchen with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a little indulgence, this recipe delivers a luscious, crowd-pleasing result that’s bound to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient for this Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and texture. From the rich heavy cream that lends a luscious mouthfeel to the sweetened condensed milk that adds smooth sweetness, every item is essential for the magic to happen.
- 2 cups heavy cream (cold): Using chilled heavy cream helps whip up stiff peaks quickly, giving the ice cream its creamy texture without an ice cream maker.
- 1 14 oz sweetened condensed milk: This adds a velvety sweetness and keeps the ice cream creamy as it freezes without getting icy.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enriches the flavor, making every bite taste like a scoop of pure comfort.
- 20 Oreo cookies (crushed and divided): The star ingredient—cookies provide crunch and chocolatey contrast throughout the ice cream, plus a decorative topping.
- Ice cream cones (for serving): Optional but highly recommended for enjoying your ice cream the classic way!
How to Make Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Chill Your Loaf Pan
Start by placing your loaf pan in the freezer to get it nice and cold. This helps the ice cream set quickly and evenly when you pour the mixture in later, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Whip the Cream to Stiff Peaks
Grab a large mixing bowl and an electric mixer, then beat your cold heavy cream until it holds stiff peaks—stiff enough that it doesn’t collapse when you lift the beaters. This whipped cream base gives your ice cream its light yet rich texture.
Step 3: Combine Flavors Gently
Stir in the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk carefully, just until everything is blended together. This step ensures the ice cream is sweet and flavorful without losing the airy lightness you just created.
Step 4: Fold in Most of the Crushed Oreos
Set aside about a quarter cup of the crushed Oreos for topping. Then fold the rest of the cookie pieces gently into the ice cream mixture, distributing those crunchy bits evenly for maximum cookie goodness in every scoop.
Step 5: Pour and Decorate
Take your chilled loaf pan out of the freezer and pour the creamy mixture in. Smooth the top with a spatula, then sprinkle your reserved crushed Oreos over the surface for that perfect finishing touch.
Step 6: Freeze Until Firm
Pop the pan back into the freezer and let it chill for 6 to 8 hours, or overnight if you prefer. This allows the ice cream to fully set, ready to scoop into cones or bowls whenever your sweet tooth calls.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra crushed Oreos or add chocolate shavings on top to elevate the look and taste. You can also drizzle warm fudge or caramel sauce over the ice cream to add a gooey, decadent experience that complements the crisp cookies perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe alongside a warm brownie, a slice of cheesecake, or even fresh berries. These sides add contrasting temperatures and flavors that highlight the creamy, crunchy delight of the ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by layering the ice cream with cookie crumbs in parfait glasses or using it to make ice cream sandwiches with additional cookies. Another fun idea is to serve scoops atop a waffle cone or bowl for that nostalgic ice cream parlor vibe right in your own home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra ice cream after a gathering or family treat time, make sure to keep it stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain that fresh ice cream taste for days.
Freezing
This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe freezes beautifully. After making it, just cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it in the coldest part of your freezer for up to two weeks without any loss in quality.
Reheating
Ice cream doesn’t need reheating, but if it becomes too hard to scoop straight from the freezer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it to soften just enough to scoop easily without melting.
FAQs
Can I use a different brand of cookies for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Oreos are classic for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe, you can experiment with any chocolate sandwich cookie you like, just crush them into small pieces to maintain that perfect texture.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
Good news—you do not! This recipe is designed to be simple and foolproof, using whipped cream and freezing steps that give you creamy results without any special equipment.
How long does the ice cream keep in the freezer?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe will stay delicious for up to two weeks, so you can savor it slowly without rushing.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative to make a dairy-free version, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
Can I add other mix-ins to the ice cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in chocolate chips, nuts, or even swirl in some fudge or caramel to personalize your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe exactly how you like it.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a wonderfully simple, irresistibly creamy Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe that’s easy to whip up and sure to bring smiles all around. I can’t recommend trying this enough, whether you’re an ice cream novice or a longtime fan. So gather your ingredients, get your bowl and mixer ready, and indulge in your very own homemade scoop of happiness.
Print
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 scoops
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy no-churn Cookies and Cream Ice Cream combines rich, creamy heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk with crunchy Oreo cookies for a delicious homemade treat. Perfect for summer, this recipe requires no ice cream maker and is ready after just a few hours of freezing.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream (cold)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins and Serving
- 20 Oreo cookies (crushed and divided)
- Ice cream cones (for serving)
Instructions
- Chill the Pan: Place your loaf pan into the freezer to chill thoroughly before adding the ice cream mixture.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Then gently stir in the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk until just combined to create a smooth mixture.
- Prepare Oreo Mix-ins: Reserve ¼ cup of crushed Oreo cookies separately; fold the remaining crushed Oreos into the ice cream mixture carefully to maintain the light texture.
- Pour into Pan: Remove the chilled loaf pan from the freezer and pour the ice cream mixture evenly into the pan.
- Add Topping: Evenly spread the reserved crushed Oreo cookies over the top of the ice cream for added crunch and decoration.
- Freeze: Return the loaf pan to the freezer and freeze for 6-8 hours or until the ice cream is fully set and firm.
- Serve: Once set, scoop the ice cream into bowls or ice cream cones and enjoy your homemade cookies and cream delight!
Notes
- Ensure the heavy cream is very cold before whipping to achieve stiff peaks.
- Do not overmix after adding the condensed milk to keep the texture light and airy.
- Use a loaf pan with a lid or cover it tightly with plastic wrap while freezing to avoid ice crystals.
- You can substitute regular Oreos with gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- For a stronger cookie flavor, slightly crush the Oreos instead of finely crushing them.
