Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
- By Amy Dong
- Published Jul. 15, 2024
- Updated Jul. 16, 2024
This 5-ingredient Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is extremely easy and incredibly delicious. It’s creamy, smooth, and packed with crunchy chocolate cookies strewn throughout.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Homemade ice cream is the perfect sweet treat to make with the family on a hot summer day, and Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is our favorite flavor. Here’s why:
- No Eggs Required: This recipe uses our super simple Egg-Free Vanilla Ice Cream as the base. So, you can skip the hassle of egg tempering.
- Super Creamy Texture: This ice cream stays super creamy, thanks to real cream and whole milk.
- Oreo Cookie Chunks: We can’t deny that Oreos elevate almost any dessert like these Cookies ‘n Cream Cookies, and we’re generous with the cookie chunks in this recipe.
- Easy To Make: Homemade ice cream can seem intimidating, but can be super easy – a trusty ice cream maker is all you need.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Whole Milk – Whole milk makes this ice cream creamy, even without the help of eggs.
- Sugar – Simple granulated sugar is the only sweetener you’ll need.
- Heavy Cream – Use heavy cream, as it has enough fat content for rich and creamy results.
- Vanilla Extract – Aromatic vanilla is an essential for the ice cream base.
- Oreos – A generous amount of coarsely chopped Oreos sets this ice cream far above store-bought versions. You can also use any other brand of similar sandwich cookies.
Substitutions And Variations
There are just about as many mix in options for this recipe as there are Dairy Queen Blizzard variations. Take a look at some of our favorite:
- Vary the Cookies: Feel free to swap out classic Oreos for any variety of flavors such as golden, double chocolate, mint, peanut butter, or birthday cake.
- Double the Chocolate: Use this Easy Chocolate Ice Cream recipe instead of vanilla to double the chocolate.
- Mix-Ins: Try mixing in Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped Butterfingers bars, or chopped KitKats instead of Oreos. We’ve also crumbled some of these Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies over our ice cream.
- Make it a Sundae: Drizzle on some of this Decadent Hot Fudge Sauce or this 4-Ingredient Salted Caramel Sauce for a do-it-yourself sundae.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Mix together milk and sugar until sugar is dissolved.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla extract and whisk.
- Pour mixture into ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes. Add in Oreos and churn for 5-10 more minutes.
- Transfer ice cream to a separate container and freeze for 2 hours. Scoop and enjoy!
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Here are a few key strategies for making Cookies and Cream Ice Cream even easier:
- Freeze Your Oreos: Next time you have Oreos in the pantry, set some aside for this ice cream recipe. The chopped cookies can even be frozen in an airtight zipper baggie until you’re ready to use them.
- Chill Ice Cream Churner: The key to successful churning is starting with freezing-cold items. Be sure to freeze your ice cream maker’s churning bowl solid in advance. Don’t take it out of the freezer until the very last minute, when you’re ready to pour your ice cream mixture into it.
- Chill your Tools: 5 minutes ahead of time, place a metal mixing bowl and hand-whisk in the freezer. This way, your milk and cream will stay very cold while mixing.
Commonly Asked Questions
How long does cookies and cream ice cream stay fresh?
Homemade ice cream will stay best for 2-3 weeks. Like any ice cream that has been opened, it’s possible for freezer burn to happen after a few weeks.
Why do some ice cream recipes use eggs?
Egg yolks are common in ice cream recipes, because they help create a really creamy, custardy texture. We use whole milk and heavy cream in this recipe to compensate for the lack of egg yolk. However, if you want to try the egg version, take a look at our Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream recipe!
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
Yes! You will need an ice cream maker for this recipe. Check out the recipe card below for suggestions.
Do I need to remove the filling of my Oreo cookies for this recipe?
While we like to scrape off the cream filling and just use the crispy cookies in this recipe; it’s totally up to you whether to remove filling or use whole cookies.
Did you make this?
Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
This 5-ingredient Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is extremely easy and incredibly delicious. It's creamy, smooth, and packed with crunchy chocolate cookies strewn throughout.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, very cold
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream, very cold
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup Oreos, coarsely chopped, or any brand chocolate sandwich cookies
Instructions
- In a cold bowl, whisk together milk and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla.
- Pour mixture into ice cream maker’s freezer bowl. Let it churn for about 20 minutes (or according to your machine’s manufacturer instructions.)
- Add in the chopped Oreos and keep churning for another 5-10 minutes or until mixture is thick and creamy. If your machine’s instructions vary for add-ins, please follow those instructions instead.
- Use rubber spatula to transfer ice cream to a freezable container. Cover airtight and place in freezer about 2 hours to set up firmly.
Equipment
Notes
- This recipe makes approximately 1.5-2 quarts.
- This is my favorite 2-quart ice cream maker, which churns perfectly rich and creamy ice cream every time and is easy to use.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for add-ins.
- Chopped cookies can be frozen in airtight zipper baggie well ahead of time, until you’re ready to use.
- Prior to starting with this recipe, place metal mixing bowl and hand-whisk in the freezer for a few minutes; this ensures that all your ingredients stay very cold, which is important for successful churning.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 740IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg
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