Homemade Cookies and Cream

Introduction

Craving something that’s both indulgent and comforting? Let me introduce you to Homemade Cookies and Cream, a dessert that combines the best of two worlds: the rich, smooth creaminess of homemade ice cream and the satisfying crunch of cookies. It’s a treat that speaks to all ages and all occasions, whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging in a cozy night at home. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make from scratch, and how it elevates the humble cookie into something extraordinary. Ready to dive into this creamy, dreamy treat? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re probably wondering why this Homemade Cookies and Cream ice cream should be your next baking adventure. Well, here are a few reasons:

• Deliciously Creamy: The homemade vanilla ice cream base is rich, smooth, and buttery—so much better than store-bought!
• Perfectly Crunchy: Bits of crunchy cookies are swirled throughout, giving every spoonful a delightful texture.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the cookie variety or add some extra mix-ins like caramel or fudge swirls.
• No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is a freezer and a bit of patience—no fancy ice cream maker required.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic pantry items, you can whip up a batch of this decadent dessert in no time.
• Make-Ahead: You can make it ahead of time and have it ready whenever the craving strikes.
• Great for Parties: Serve it at your next gathering or BBQ, and watch it disappear in minutes.
• Kid-Friendly: This is a great recipe to get the kids involved in—let them crush the cookies and stir them into the mix!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a hot summer day or a cozy winter evening, this ice cream fits any mood.
• Impressive: Homemade ice cream just has that “wow” factor, and this one is no exception!

Preparation Time and Freezing Time

• Total Time: 6-8 hours (for freezing)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Freezing Time: 6-8 hours
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 14g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 3g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Homemade Cookies and Cream ice cream:

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Cookies and Cream Mix-In:

• 10-12 chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos), coarsely crushed

Ingredient Highlights

• Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: These ingredients make the base of the ice cream ultra-creamy and rich, providing that luxurious texture that everyone loves.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the base without overpowering the flavor, allowing the cookies to shine.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla helps balance the flavors and gives the ice cream a warm, comforting taste.
• Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: The star of the show—crunchy, chocolaty goodness that creates that irresistible cookies-and-cream effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Homemade Cookies and Cream is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down:

Prepare the Ice Cream Base

1. Mix the Dairy: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved completely, and the mixture is smooth.
2. Chill the Base: If you’re making this in advance, cover the bowl and refrigerate the ice cream base for at least 1 hour. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps the ice cream freeze faster and more evenly.

Churn the Ice Cream

1. Churn the Mixture: Pour the chilled ice cream base into a container that can go in the freezer. If you have an ice cream maker, pour it in and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn until it reaches soft-serve consistency. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
2. Without an Ice Cream Maker: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, no worries! Simply place the mixture into a shallow baking dish or a loaf pan, cover it, and freeze. Every 30 minutes, give the mixture a stir with a fork to break up any ice crystals. After about 4 hours of this, your ice cream will have a wonderful texture.

Add the Cookies

1. Add the Cookies: Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency (or is mostly frozen if you’re doing it by hand), fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. Be sure to leave some chunks of cookies for texture. These bites will freeze into the ice cream, giving it the iconic cookies-and-cream swirl.
2. Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 4-6 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.

How to Serve

Once your Homemade Cookies and Cream ice cream is ready, here are a few fun ways to serve it:

1. Classic Cone: Scoop a generous portion into a waffle cone for a classic treat.
2. Ice Cream Sundae: Top with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry for a decadent sundae.
3. Sandwich Style: Make ice cream sandwiches by scooping the ice cream between two cookies or between two slices of cake.
4. In a Bowl: For a simple, no-fuss treat, serve the ice cream in bowls with extra crushed cookies sprinkled on top.
5. Milkshake: Blend the ice cream with a little milk for a cookies-and-cream milkshake that’s creamy and delicious.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your ice cream less sweet, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
• Use Your Favorite Cookies: While chocolate sandwich cookies are the classic choice, you can experiment with different types of cookies, like mint chocolate cookies or even chocolate chip cookies.
• Add a Swirl: For extra flavor, swirl in some caramel sauce or fudge sauce along with the cookies.
• Keep It Smooth: Make sure to churn the ice cream properly to avoid ice crystals. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, be sure to stir every 30 minutes during the freezing process.
• Make it Extra Special: Add some crushed-up candy bars or nuts like pecans or almonds for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with these variations to make your Homemade Cookies and Cream even more unique:

• Mint Cookies and Cream: Add a few drops of mint extract to the ice cream base for a refreshing mint twist.
• Peanut Butter Cups: Mix in some chopped peanut butter cups along with the cookies for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination.
• Caramel Swirl: For a rich caramel touch, add a swirl of caramel sauce between the layers of ice cream as you freeze it.
• Vegan Version: Use coconut milk and coconut cream as a substitute for the dairy, and choose a vegan-friendly cookie for the mix-in.
• Chunky Chocolate: Replace the sandwich cookies with chunks of your favorite chocolate bars or brownies for a chunkier, more decadent ice cream.

Freezing and Storage

To keep your Homemade Cookies and Cream ice cream fresh and creamy:

• Storage: Store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the freezer.
• Serving Tips: Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
• Freezer Burn Prevention: Cover the surface of the ice cream with plastic wrap before sealing the container for extra protection against freezer burn.

Special Equipment

Here are the tools you’ll need for this recipe:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the ice cream base and adding the cookies.
• Whisk: To mix the ingredients until smooth.
• Ice Cream Maker: Optional, but it can make the churning process much easier and faster.
• Freezer-Friendly Container: To store your ice cream while it firms up in the freezer.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about making Homemade Cookies and Cream ice cream:

• Can I use a different type of cookie?
  Yes! You can experiment with various cookies like chocolate chip cookies, Oreos with different fillings, or even graham crackers for a different twist.
• What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
  No problem! Just follow the manual churning method mentioned above, and you’ll still get creamy ice cream.
• How long can I store this ice cream?
  It can last in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container.
• Can I make this dairy-free?
  Yes! Substitute the dairy with coconut milk and coconut cream, and use dairy-free cookies for a vegan version.

Print

Conclusion

This Homemade Cookies and Cream ice cream is everything you love about the classic treat, but made even better with a creamy, homemade twist. With its velvety smooth texture and crunchy cookie pieces, it’s the perfect dessert to enjoy on a hot day, during a family gathering, or just as a sweet indulgence when you need it most. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, and even more how delicious it tastes when it’s frozen to perfection!

Whether you’re a fan of cookies and cream or just looking to try something new, this homemade version is sure to become a staple in your freezer. So, grab your ingredients, get churning, and get ready to indulge in this homemade treat!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy every bite and share the joy with your friends and family!