This creamy cookies and cream ice cream is a treat made right at home! With crushed chocolate cookies mixed into sweet, smooth vanilla ice cream, it’s hard to resist.
Whenever I make this, I end up snacking on the cookie bits! It’s super easy too—just mix, freeze, and enjoy a scoop (or two!) anytime you want a sweet cool down!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Whipping Cream: This creates a rich and creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but it won’t be as creamy. I find the full heavy cream gives a fantastic mouthfeel.
Whole Milk: The milk adds a nice balance to the cream. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute with almond, coconut, or oat milk. Just note that the flavor may slightly change.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps to enhance the flavors. You can switch to brown sugar for a different sweetness that adds a hint of caramel flavor, or use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla gives the best flavor, but you can use imitation vanilla if needed. I find that a bit more vanilla elevates the overall taste, so feel free to adjust to your liking!
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: Oreos are classic, but other brands work too! Gluten-free cookies are also an option if you have dietary restrictions. You can even use homemade chocolate cookies for a personal touch.
How Do I Get the Best Texture in My Ice Cream?
The key to creamy ice cream is in the churning! This incorporates air into the mixture, making it fluffy and light. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure all ingredients are cold; refrigerate before mixing.
- Churn the mixture in your machine until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually 20-25 minutes.
- If your ice cream maker doesn’t freeze well, pre-freeze the bowl according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Don’t skimp on the freezing time afterward! A full 4 hours helps get that firm, scoopable texture.
Easy Homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This ice cream recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus around 20-25 minutes to churn in the ice cream maker. After that, you’ll need to freeze it for at least 4 hours to achieve the perfect firm texture. So, a total of about 4 hours and 40 minutes, including freezing time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. With a whisk, mix everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This is where your ice cream begins to get that lovely creamy base!
2. Churning the Ice Cream:
Next, pour the creamy mixture into your ice cream maker. Please churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a soft-serve consistency—nice and fluffy!
3. Adding Cookies:
Just before the churning is done, sprinkle in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. This way, they’re evenly mixed throughout the creamy base, adding delightful little bites of chocolatey goodness with every scoop.
4. Freezing the Ice Cream:
Once churning is complete, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed tightly and then pop it into the freezer. You’ll want to freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm. Patience will pay off here!
5. Serving Your Treat:
After the ice cream has frozen and is firm, it’s time to enjoy! Scoop it into bowls or cones, and savor the delicious homemade cookies and cream ice cream you’ve created!
Enjoy your delicious, creamy homemade cookies and cream ice cream! It’s the perfect treat for a hot day or just when you want something sweet.
FAQ: Easy Homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Can I Use Low-Fat Milk for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk, but the ice cream may not be as creamy and rich. For the best texture, stick with whole milk or a combination of milk and cream.
What if I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can still make this ice cream by pouring the mixture into a shallow dish. Freeze it, and every 30 minutes, stir it with a fork to break up the ice crystals until fully frozen, which may take about 3-4 hours.
How Long Does This Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
This ice cream can last about 2-3 weeks in the freezer. To keep it at its best, make sure it’s stored in an airtight container, and try to minimize the amount of air in the container.
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding chocolate chips, crushed candy bars, or even some peanut butter swirls. Just keep in mind that any mix-ins should be added towards the end of churning for even distribution.
