No Churn Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

Ice cream is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, a dessert that evokes warm memories of summer days, joyful celebrations, and indulgent late-night cravings. Among the myriad of flavors, cookies and cream reigns supreme for many. The combination of velvety vanilla ice cream swirled with crunchy, chocolatey cookie bits creates a texture and taste profile that’s simply unmatched. But what if you could skip the store-bought version and create this delicious treat at home, without the need for an ice cream maker? Enter no-churn cookies and cream ice cream—a game-changing recipe that’s incredibly simple to prepare and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy a scoop.

Print

This no-churn recipe eliminates the intimidating process of traditional ice cream making, which often involves tempering eggs, cooking a custard base, and using a machine. Instead, it relies on a straightforward combination of whipped heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk as the base. The result? A luscious, creamy texture that feels just like the premium ice cream you’d find at your local parlor. The addition of Oreo cookies takes it to another level, introducing delightful bursts of crunch and rich chocolate flavor in every bite.

Beyond its simplicity, this recipe offers flexibility, allowing you to customize flavors and experiment with variations. Whether you’re making it for a weekend treat, a special occasion, or simply because you’re craving something sweet, this no-churn cookies and cream ice cream is guaranteed to become a go-to dessert in your home.

Ingredients

One of the beauties of this recipe is its short and simple ingredient list. You’ll need just a handful of items, many of which you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the components:

• 2 cups heavy cream: The base of the ice cream, heavy cream provides the rich, creamy texture essential for this recipe. Make sure it’s cold before you whip it to ensure maximum volume.
• 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the ice cream base, balancing the richness of the cream and complementing the chocolate cookies.
• 20–30 chocolate sandwich cookies: The star of the show, these cookies provide both flavor and texture. You’ll divide them for different uses: some will be blended into crumbs, and others will be chopped into chunks for added crunch.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving the ice cream a subtle hint of warmth and sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is designed to be as easy as possible, perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks. Follow these simple steps to whip up your homemade cookies and cream ice cream.

1. Whip the Cream
   Begin by whipping the heavy cream in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or even a whisk if you’re up for a workout. Beat the cream until it reaches soft peaks. This means when you lift the beater or whisk, the cream forms peaks that gently fold over. Whipping the cream incorporates air, which will give the ice cream its light, fluffy texture.
2. Prepare the Cookies
   Take 15–20 chocolate sandwich cookies and separate the cookies from the cream filling. Set the filling aside for later use. Place the cookies (without the filling) in a blender or food processor. Pulse them three times, about one second per pulse, to create fine crumbs. This will give your ice cream its signature cookies and cream flavor.
3. Combine the Ice Cream Base
   Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the reserved cookie filling to the whipped cream. Gently fold these ingredients into the cream using a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without deflating the whipped cream.
4. Incorporate the Cookie Crumbs
   Next, add the prepared cookie crumbs to the whipped cream mixture. Fold them in gently, making sure they’re evenly mixed. This step ensures every bite of ice cream is infused with the classic cookies and cream flavor.
5. Add Cookie Chunks for Texture
   Chop the remaining 5–10 chocolate sandwich cookies into quarters or sixths, depending on your preference for chunk size. Fold these into the mixture as well. These larger pieces will provide delightful bursts of crunch, adding an extra layer of texture to your ice cream.
6. Freeze the Ice Cream
   Transfer the mixture into a 6-cup or 1.5-quart dish. Smooth the top with a spatula, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer. Let the ice cream freeze for at least 4–6 hours, or preferably overnight, to achieve the perfect consistency.

The Magic of No-Churn Ice Cream

Traditional ice cream recipes rely on churning to incorporate air and create a smooth texture. This no-churn version achieves the same result through the process of whipping the cream. The sugar and cookie crumbs act as stabilizers, preventing ice crystals from forming and keeping the texture creamy. The result is an ice cream that’s just as indulgent as its churned counterpart but far easier to make.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma

The first thing you’ll notice when you take a bite of this homemade cookies and cream ice cream is the richness of the flavor. The creamy vanilla base is perfectly sweetened, offering a luxurious contrast to the bittersweet crunch of the chocolate cookies. The cookies themselves, softened slightly by the cream, provide just the right amount of chewiness, while the larger chunks add a satisfying crunch.

As for the aroma, it’s a delightful combination of fresh cream, vanilla, and chocolate—a trifecta that’s hard to resist. The texture is smooth and velvety, with the occasional crunch from the cookie pieces making it an engaging and indulgent eating experience.

Tips for Success

To ensure your no-churn cookies and cream ice cream turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold heavy cream whips up faster and holds its volume better. Make sure to chill your cream thoroughly before starting.
• Don’t Overmix: When folding the ingredients into the whipped cream, be gentle. Overmixing can deflate the cream and result in a denser texture.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, reduce the amount of sugar slightly. You can always taste the base before freezing and adjust as needed.
• Freeze Properly: For the creamiest texture, allow the ice cream to freeze fully before serving. Covering the dish tightly will also prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize your ice cream:

• Golden Oreos: Swap the classic chocolate sandwich cookies for Golden Oreos for a lighter, vanilla-forward flavor.
• Mint Cookies and Cream: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the base and use mint-flavored Oreos for a refreshing twist.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Mix in mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate along with the cookie chunks for an extra indulgent treat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free sandwich cookies to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade cookies and cream ice cream is delightful on its own, but you can take it to the next level with creative serving ideas:

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Scoop the ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies for a fun and portable dessert.
• Sundaes: Top a scoop with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a cherry for a classic sundae.
• Milkshakes: Blend a few scoops with milk for a thick, creamy milkshake.
• Ice Cream Cake: Use this ice cream as a filling for a layered ice cream cake, alternating with chocolate cake or brownie layers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making no-churn cookies and cream ice cream at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to control the ingredients and flavor, but you’ll also save money compared to buying premium store-bought ice cream. The process is fun and simple, making it a great activity to do with kids or friends. Plus, the end result is a show-stopping dessert that tastes as good as—or even better than—what you’d find at your local ice cream shop.

With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and delightful crunch, this no-churn cookies and cream ice cream is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it as a midnight snack, or treating yourself after a long day, it’s a dessert that’s impossible to resist.