This Easy Homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is a tasty treat! It’s creamy and filled with crunchy cookies that make every scoop delightful.
Making it is super simple—just mix, freeze, and enjoy! I love how I can use any cookies I have on hand. Plus, it’s always a hit at parties! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This gives your ice cream a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the ice cream will be less creamy.
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds moisture and richness. You can use 2% milk for a lighter version, but it may affect the creaminess.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens your ice cream. If you prefer a sugar alternative, try using honey or agave syrup—just adjust the quantity as they are sweeter than sugar.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla enhances the flavor. If you’re out, you can use vanilla extract or even almond extract for a different taste.
Oreo Cookies: Oreos are classic, but feel free to use any chocolate sandwich cookies you love! Gluten-free cookies can also work if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Ice Cream Churns Perfectly?
Churning properly is key to achieving smooth ice cream. Here’s what to consider:
- Ensure your ice cream maker bowl is completely frozen beforehand (usually 24 hours) for the best results.
- Churn the mixture until it reaches a soft-serve consistency; this usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Keeping an eye on it will help prevent over-churning.
- Adding the cookies during the last 5 minutes helps keep them crunchy rather than soggy.
Once done, transfer your ice cream to an airtight container for freezing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor!
Easy Homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 1 cup whole milk, cold
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 15-20 Oreo cookies or chocolate sandwich cookies, roughly chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus approximately 20-25 minutes to churn in the ice cream maker. After that, allow at least 4 hours for freezing, making a total of about 4 hours and 35 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious ice cream!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, combine the cold heavy cream, cold whole milk, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the sugar has completely dissolved, and the mixture is smooth and combined.
2. Churn the Ice Cream:
Next, pour your creamy mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, which usually takes around 20-25 minutes. You want it to reach a soft-serve consistency, which is perfect for the next step!
3. Add the Cookies:
During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the roughly chopped Oreo cookies or chocolate sandwich cookies to the mixture. This will help distribute the cookie pieces evenly throughout your ice cream.
4. Freeze:
After churning, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed well, and then place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours. This allows your ice cream to firm up and become the perfect scoopable treat!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your ice cream is fully frozen, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy the creamy texture mixed with delightful cookie pieces. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion!
Enjoy your creamy, crunchy homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream! 🍦
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Cookies?
Absolutely! While Oreos are the classic choice, feel free to use any chocolate sandwich cookies you like. You could also experiment with different flavors, such as peanut butter or mint cookies, for a unique twist!
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! You can still make this ice cream without one. Just pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30-45 minutes, stir it vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals until it’s fully frozen. This will help maintain a creamy texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It should keep well for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to make it easier to serve!
Is There a Dairy-Free Version?
Yes! You can make this ice cream dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy milk of your choice. Just be sure to check the ingredients in your cookies for any dairy content if you need it to be completely dairy-free.
