Who doesn’t love a scoop of creamy ice cream paired with the sweet chewiness of cookie dough? It’s the ultimate comfort dessert. Now, imagine that same indulgence—but packed with protein to keep you feeling good about that second (or third) bite. That’s what this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream is all about—a guilt-free treat that nails the balance between flavor and fitness.
The best part? You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make it. Whether you’re all about meal prepping or just love experimenting with your Ninja Creami, this recipe is simple, fun, and oh-so-worth it. Let’s dive in!
Quick Recipe Snapshot
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s what you need to know:
Time Commitment:
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Freeze: 24 hours
- Process: 10 minutes
Servings: Makes one pint (perfect for one or two indulgent servings).
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly—no kitchen expertise required.
Equipment:
- Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker
- Blender
- Measuring tools
No Ninja Creami? You can try a blender or food processor, but results might vary.
What You’ll Need
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz Unsweetened Almond Milk – Keeps it light and dairy-free. Swap for oat or coconut milk, if you want.
- ¼ cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese – Adds that creamy texture and protein. Not a fan? Greek yogurt works too.
- 1 scoop Unflavored Whey Protein Powder – Makes it a protein boost. Prefer flavor? Use vanilla or chocolate powder.
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar Substitute – Swerve or monk fruit sweetener keeps the sugar low.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste – Deepens the flavor. Vanilla extract is a fine substitute.
- ¼ tsp Guar Gum – Helps keep it smooth. Xanthan gum is a good backup.
Mix-ins
- 2 Cookies’ Worth of Edible Cookie Dough – Break them into chunks for that chewy, cookie-dough goodness. Got no-bake cookie dough? Even better!
Optional: A splash of almond milk (1–2 tbsp) to adjust texture during processing.
How to Make It
The first step is creating the perfect ice cream base. Grab your blender and combine the almond milk, cottage cheese, protein powder, sweetener, vanilla paste, and guar gum. Blend everything until it’s silky smooth with no lumps in sight. The goal is a creamy, consistent mixture that will set beautifully when frozen. Once blended, pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container, being careful not to go past the max fill line. Place the container on a flat surface in your freezer and let it freeze for 24 hours. For the best results, leave the lid off during freezing to ensure the ice cream sets evenly.
When the base has been frozen solid, it’s time for the fun part: processing it into ice cream. Take the pint container out of the freezer and secure it in the outer bowl of your Ninja Creami. Use the “Lite Ice Cream” setting to process the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. If you notice a crumbly or dry texture, don’t worry—just add a splash or two of almond milk, re-spin the mixture, and watch as the texture transforms into something velvety and scoopable.
Next comes the mix-ins. Using a spoon, make a small well in the middle of the processed ice cream and add the chopped edible cookie dough chunks. Return the pint to the Ninja Creami and select the “Mix-in” setting. This step ensures the cookie dough pieces are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream, adding bursts of chewy sweetness in every bite.
Finally, serve your homemade creation immediately for the best texture and flavor. Scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy the creamy, protein-packed indulgence you’ve crafted. It’s as simple as blend, freeze, process, and enjoy!
Ways to Make It Yours
Diet Friendly Modifications
- Gluten-free? Stick to GF cookie dough.
- Vegan? Use silken tofu instead of cottage cheese, and a plant-based protein powder.
Twist the Flavors
- Craving chocolate? Use chocolate almond milk and chocolate protein powder.
- Feeling festive? Add crushed peppermint candies in winter, or fresh berries in summer.
Everyday vs Fancy
- Want to impress? Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top.
- Keeping it simple? Skip the mix-ins for a classic protein ice cream.
Serving & Storing Tips
- Serve It Like a Pro: Scoop it into a chilled bowl or cone. Add a few extra cookie dough bites for fun.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to two days. Just let it sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes to soften before serving.
This Ninja Creami Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream is more than a dessert—it’s a treat that balances flavor and fitness goals. Whether you’re making it as a post-workout reward or just because you need some ice cream love, it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat. So grab your Ninja Creami and try it out—you’ll thank yourself later!
PrintNinja Creami Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream
Creamy, protein-packed, and loaded with chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough, this Ninja Creami ice cream is the perfect guilt-free treat. With a smooth texture and rich flavor, it’s a healthier twist on a classic favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 24 hours 10 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: 1 pint (1–2 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 8 fl oz (236 ml) unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup (52 g) low-fat cottage cheese (no salt added)
- 1 scoop unflavored whey protein powder
- 2 tbsp Swerve sugar substitute (granulated allulose blend)
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- ¼ tsp guar gum
Mix-ins:
- 2 cookies no-bake chocolate chip cookie dough, chopped (~2 tbsp)
Optional:
- 1–2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (for texture adjustment)
Instructions
- Blend the Base: Combine almond milk, cottage cheese, protein powder, sugar substitute, vanilla bean paste, and guar gum in a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Tip: Ensure no lumps remain for a creamy texture. - Freeze: Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Freeze on a flat surface for 24 hours without the lid to avoid uneven freezing.
- Process the Ice Cream: Place the frozen pint into the Ninja Creami machine and process using the “Lite Ice Cream” setting. If crumbly or dry, add 1–2 tbsp almond milk and re-spin until smooth.
- Add Mix-ins: Create a well in the center of the ice cream and add chopped cookie dough pieces. Use the “Mix-in” setting to evenly distribute them throughout.
- Serve: Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy immediately for the best texture!
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with extra cookie dough chunks or drizzle with melted chocolate for added indulgence.
Tips & Tricks:
- For smoother results, ensure your freezer is set between -7°F to 9°F (-22°C to -13°C).
- Avoid reprocessing leftovers to maintain mix-in texture.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two days. Allow to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.