Hey there! Let’s dive into a fun recipe that’s perfect for dessert lovers. I’m talking about Cookies and Cream Ice Cream. Why make it at home? Because it’s creamier, chunkier, and totally customizable. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, you’ll never want store-bought again.

Picture this: velvety vanilla ice cream with pieces of chocolatey sandwich cookies in every bite. Sounds fancy, right? But guess what? It’s super easy to make. And the best part? You don’t even need a ton of ingredients or skills to pull it off.

Let’s break it down step by step so we can whip up this treat together.

What You Need to Know

Here’s a quick overview to help you get started:

Prep Time: About 15 minutes (so fast!)
Chill Time: 6-8 hours (patience is key).
Serves: 6-8 people (or fewer if you’re like me and eat straight from the tub).
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. No fancy skills required.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Ice cream maker (or just your freezer and a fork—it works!)
- Freezer-safe container

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this ice cream magic:

Heavy cream (2 cups): This makes it rich and creamy.
Whole milk (1 cup): Balances the creaminess. Oat or almond milk works too.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetness level = just right.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds that classic flavor. Go for the good stuff here.
Pinch of salt: Trust me, it makes the flavors pop.
Chocolate sandwich cookies (12-14): Crush them! Leave some chunks for extra crunch.

Substitutions? You bet! Want it dairy-free? Use coconut cream and almond milk instead. Need it gluten-free? Swap in gluten-free cookies. Easy fixes.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s make this together.

Mix the Base
Grab a bowl. Pour in the cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and that little pinch of salt. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. No gritty bits allowed! Then pop it into the fridge for 2 hours. Chilling is important. It helps everything come together later.
Smash Those Cookies
While the base chills, toss the cookies into a resealable bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them. Big chunks? Perfect. Tiny crumbs? Even better. Save some bigger pieces for topping later.
Churn It Up
Pour the chilled base into your ice cream maker. Let it churn for about 20-25 minutes. It should look like soft-serve when it’s done. Don’t have an ice cream maker? No problem. Pour the mix into a dish, freeze for an hour, and stir it with a fork. Repeat every 30 minutes for a few hours.
Add the Cookies
When the ice cream is almost ready, dump in those crushed cookies. Watch as they swirl in and turn your ice cream into cookies-and-cream perfection.
Freeze It
Scoop the ice cream into a container. Smooth the top and press some parchment or plastic wrap against the surface. Freeze for 4-6 hours. It’ll firm up nicely.
Scoop + Serve
Time to enjoy! Scoop it into bowls, cones, or just eat a spoonful straight from the tub. Sprinkle leftover cookie chunks for an extra treat.

Want to Mix It Up?

Dairy-free? Go with coconut cream and almond milk.
Gluten-free? Lots of cookie brands offer GF versions these days.
Feeling fancy? Add a swirl of caramel or chunks of dark chocolate.
Seasonal twist? Crushed peppermint candies instead of cookies during the holidays.

Serving + Storing Tips

Serving: Scoop into a white dish for that “fancy ice cream shop” look. Or serve in cones for a fun vibe.
Pair It: It goes amazingly with brownies or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Want to impress? Serve it alongside a warm chocolate chip cookie.
Storing: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Pro tip? Cover it with parchment to avoid ice crystals.
Too Firm? Let it sit at room temp for 5-7 minutes before scooping.

There you have it! Creamy, crunchy, and ridiculously satisfying Cookies and Cream Ice Cream. Perfect for a hot day, a birthday, or just because you deserve it. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!