Best Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe

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I remember the first time I decided to venture into the world of homemade ice cream. The idea was daunting at first – could I really replicate my all-time favorite flavor in my kitchen? Would it live up to the delectable versions I’d savored at ice cream parlors and from store-bought containers? But as I gathered my ingredients, something clicked. This wasn’t just about recreating a flavor; it was about adding my twist and sharing the joy with family and friends. In this article, I’m excited to take you through the steps to create your very own Cookies and Cream Ice Cream from scratch.

How to make Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Cookies and Cream ice cream is a popular flavor made by blending crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) into a creamy vanilla ice cream base. The combination of the smooth, sweet vanilla ice cream with the crunchy, chocolatey cookie pieces creates a delicious contrast in both texture and flavor.

Ingredients for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream:

To whip up your homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, here’s what you’ll need:

• Heavy Cream: 2 cups – This base gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture.
• Whole Milk: 1 cup – Helps balance the cream’s richness.
• Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup – Sweetens the ice cream.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds a subtle flavor depth that complements the cookies.
• Salt: 1 pinch – A little salt enhances the flavors.
• Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (like Oreos): 15-20 cookies (depending on your preference) – These are crushed and mixed into the ice cream.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Continue to whisk until the sugar has completely dissolved into the mixture. The texture should be smooth and the sugar granules shouldn’t be felt.

Step 2: Using an Ice Cream Maker

1. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning. This typically involves setting up the bowl and paddles and turning on the machine.
2. Let the ice cream churn for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Step 3: Adding the Cookies

1. While the ice cream is churning, take your chocolate sandwich cookies and roughly chop or crush them into large pieces (not too fine – you want chunks for texture).
2. About 5 minutes before the churning is complete, add the cookie pieces into the ice cream maker. Allow them to mix thoroughly with the ice cream.

Step 4: Freezing

1. Transfer the churned ice cream, now mixed with cookie pieces, into an airtight container.
2. Smooth the top and cover. To firm up the ice cream, freeze it for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight.

Tips for Perfect Cookies and Cream Ice Cream:

• Ensure Cold Ingredients: For best results, make sure all your ingredients are cold before you start. This helps achieve a smoother texture as the mixture begins to freeze.
• Cookie Size: Don’t crush your cookies into very fine pieces as they can get lost in the ice cream. Chunky pieces offer a better texture and flavor burst.
• Quality Ingredients: Use good quality vanilla extract and fresh cream/milk for the best flavor.
• Final Consistency: If you prefer softer ice cream, you can enjoy it right out of the ice cream maker. The extra freezing time is crucial for those who prefer a firmer consistency.

What to serve with

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is delightful on its own but can also be the star ingredient in various dessert pairings. Serving it with complementary foods can enhance the overall flavor experience. Here’s how you can transform your homemade ice cream into a more tempting treat.

Dessert Pairings:

• Chocolate or Fudge Sauce: Drizzle a warm chocolate or fudge sauce over your ice cream for a double dose of chocolatey goodness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and fluffy contrast to the dense creaminess of the ice cream.
• Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing element.
• Waffle Cones or Bowls: Serve your ice cream in a crunchy waffle cone or bowl for an added textural delight that brings out the nostalgia of a classic ice cream parlor.
• Coffee or Espresso: A side of strong coffee or a shot of espresso pairs beautifully with the sweet ice cream, creating a balance and accentuating the flavors.

For a Decadent Sundae:

Create a decadent sundae by layering your cookies and cream ice cream with these add-ons:

• A layer of brownie or chocolate chip cookie at the bottom
• A scoop (or two) of Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
• Whipped cream for a light, airy touch
• A cherry or a few chocolate shavings to finish it off

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream allows personalized taste adjustments and accommodates dietary restrictions or ingredient availability issues. Here are some common substitutes for ingredients typically used in making this delightful ice cream flavor:

Heavy Cream

• For a lower-fat version: Use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a smaller quantity of cream. This will still be creamy but with less fat.
• Dairy-free/vegan option: Coconut cream provides a rich, creamy texture and subtle coconut flavor. Other plant-based alternatives include cashew cream or almond cream.

Whole Milk

• For a creamier texture without heavy cream: Use a combination of skim or 2% milk with a small amount of melted butter mixed in.
• Dairy-free/vegan options: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used.

Sugar

• For a healthier alternative: Use coconut sugar, agave syrup, or honey (note: honey is sweeter, so you may need to adjust the quantity).
• For low-carb/diabetic-friendly: Erythritol or monk fruit sweetener are good substitutes that do not raise blood sugar levels as regular sugar does.

Eggs (if used in your recipe for a custard base)

• Egg substitutes for allergies/dietary preferences: For a custard base without eggs, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as thickeners for the ice cream mixture. About 2 tablespoons of either should work in place of 1 egg.
• Vegan option: Silken tofu blends smoothly into the base, or a commercial vegan egg replacer can be used according to package directions.

Vanilla Extract

• Alternative: For a different flavor profile, use pure almond extract. Start with half the amount since it’s typically stronger than vanilla.
• Homemade Vanilla Flavor: Scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean into the mixture. One bean is equivalent to about 3 teaspoons of extract.

Cookies (The “Cookies” in Cookies and Cream)

• For a different twist: Use chocolate chip cookies, shortbread, or vegan/gluten-free cookies to mix into the ice cream.
• Homemade or healthier options: You can make your own cookies to control ingredients like sugar and flour or to comply with dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own cookies and cream ice cream is fun and opens up possibilities for you to customize it to your taste. Whether you add more cookies or experiment with different types of cookies, each batch can be a new version of this classic favorite.

More Ice Cream Recipes:

• Crumbl Cookies Strawberry Ice Cream Bar Recipe
• How to Make Ice Cream Sandwich That Doesn’t Melt
• Copycat Propitious Mango Ice Cream Recipe
• Disney Churro Ice Cream Sandwich
• Churro Ice Cream Recipe