Ever been disappointed when you open a half gallon of Cookies and Cream Ice Cream and discover they skimped on the cookies? Never again. Take control with the best cookies and cream ice cream recipe. This creamy ice cream is simple to make, does not have eggs, and you can add as many cookies as your heart desires. Perfect for parties, hot summer days, or a cozy night in—this dessert will surely impress everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With no complicated steps, anyone can whip up this delicious treat in just 15 minutes of prep.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the amount of cookies to suit your taste. The more, the merrier!
- No Eggs Needed: Enjoy a rich and creamy texture without worrying about cooking eggs or using egg substitutes.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a birthday party or a family gathering, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and heavy cream creates an indulgent flavor that rivals store-bought versions.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Ice cream maker
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Ice cream maker: This tool ensures that your ice cream achieves that smooth, creamy texture by churning while it freezes.
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients effortlessly without spills or messes.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: These tools save time and effort when beating ingredients together for a consistent mixture.

Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
For the Cookies
- 20 Oreo cookies
How to Make Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Beat the cream cheese and 1/4 cup of sugar with a mixer until creamy.
- Add a little bit of milk to the mixture and continue beating until all the milk has been mixed in.
Step 2: Combine Remaining Ingredients
- In a large bowl, stir together the remaining sugar and honey.
- Whisk in the heavy cream, milk mixture, vanilla, and salt until sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture (Optional)
- Chill the ice cream base for at least one hour to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Prepare for Churning
- Whisk the milk mixture one more time.
- Pour into an ice cream maker according to manufacturer directions.
- Churn for 20-40 minutes, depending on your machine.
Step 5: Add Cookie Chunks
- While the ice cream is churning, chop the Oreo cookies into bite-sized pieces.
- Set aside 1/4 cup of cookie chunks.
Step 6: Layer Ice Cream and Cookies
- Once frozen, place spoonfuls of soft serve ice cream into a chilled container.
- Sprinkle each spoonful with cookie chunks until all ice cream and cookies are used.
Step 7: Mix Gently
- Stir very gently with a spoon or knife to mix.
- Sprinkle reserved cookie chunks on top.
Step 8: Freeze Before Serving
- Press parchment paper or wax paper directly on top of the ice cream.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid.
- Freeze for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream!
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Serving Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with creative ideas. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert presentation.
Fun Sundae Bar
- Set up a sundae bar with various toppings like sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream for guests to customize their own treats.
Cookie Crumble Topping
- Add extra crushed Oreo cookies on top of the ice cream for an extra crunch and rich flavor, creating a delicious contrast in texture.
Milkshake Delight
- Blend Cookies and Cream Ice Cream with milk for a thick milkshake. Top with whipped cream and more cookie crumbles for an indulgent drink.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Scoop the ice cream between two cookies or brownies for a fun twist on classic ice cream sandwiches that everyone will love.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle melted chocolate over scoops of ice cream right before serving. This adds an elegant touch and enhances the flavor profile.
Layered Parfait
- Layer the ice cream with fresh fruits or additional cookie pieces in a glass for a stunning parfait that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Perfect Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
To achieve the best texture and flavor in your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, consider these tips for perfection.
- Chill your ingredients: Start with cold cream cheese, milk, and heavy whipping cream to help create a smoother mixture before churning.
- Use high-quality cookies: Opt for name-brand cookies like Oreos for better flavor infusion; they break down well during churning.
- Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the ice cream base not only improves flavor but also contributes to a better texture when churned.
- Monitor churning time: Keep an eye on the ice cream as it churns; you want it to reach soft-serve consistency without over-churning.
- Add-ins timing: Introduce cookie chunks during the last few minutes of churning to keep them intact rather than letting them dissolve into the mix.
- Proper freezing: Make sure to properly cover your ice cream in the container to prevent freezer burn while it hardens in the freezer.
Best Side Dishes for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Pairing side dishes with your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies that pair perfectly with ice cream, offering a warm contrast to the cold treat.
- Brownie Bites: Rich brownies cut into bite-sized pieces make an indulgent complement to the creamy texture of ice cream.
- Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds freshness and acidity that balances sweetness.
- Waffle Cones: Serve in crispy waffle cones for an added crunch that enhances each scoop’s enjoyment.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast alongside the richness of cookies and cream ice cream.
- Chocolate Sauce: Warm chocolate sauce drizzled over each scoop creates an extra decadent treat that’s hard to resist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cookies and Cream Ice Cream can be fun, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final product.
- Skipping the cream cheese: Neglecting this key ingredient can lead to a less creamy texture. Ensure you beat cream cheese well with sugar for the right base.
- Not chilling the mixture: Failing to chill the ice cream base can result in icy textures. Allow it to chill for at least one hour for better flavor.
- Over-churning: Churning too long can make your ice cream too hard. Follow your machine’s instructions and stop when it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Using stale cookies: Using old or stale cookies can spoil the flavor of your ice cream. Always use fresh Oreo cookies for the best taste.
- Neglecting cookie size: Not chopping cookies into appropriate sizes can lead to uneven distribution. Make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for even mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.
Freezing Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a tightly sealed container.
- Use parchment paper between layers if storing multiple containers.
Reheating Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm ice cream in a dish for about 5 minutes, just until soft.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until softened; be careful not to melt it completely.
- Stovetop: Place ice cream in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until softened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cookies and Cream Ice Cream.
Can I use other cookies besides Oreos?
Yes! You can substitute with any chocolate sandwich cookies or even add mix-ins like crushed candy bars.
How long does it take to make Cookies and Cream Ice Cream?
The total time is about 15 minutes of prep plus freezing time of at least 2-3 hours before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for people with lactose intolerance?
You could use lactose-free milk and cream as substitutes to make this Cookies and Cream Ice Cream more suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Can I customize my Cookies and Cream Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like chocolate chips or different flavored syrups for unique variations.
What should I do if my ice cream is too hard?
Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will soften it enough to scoop easily.
Final Thoughts
This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You have the freedom to adjust the amount of cookies or add other mix-ins as you desire. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious homemade treat!

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Indulge in the ultimate homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream that you can customize to your heart’s content! No more disappointment from store-bought versions skimping on cookie pieces—this creamy delight is made with simple ingredients, no eggs required. Perfect for summer gatherings, cozy movie nights, or any sweet treat occasion, this recipe allows you to add as many cookies as you desire for an indulgent experience. With its rich flavor, smooth texture, and endless topping possibilities, your homemade ice cream will surely impress family and friends alike. Get ready to scoop up smiles with every serving!
- Total Time: 12 minute
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 20 Oreo cookies
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer and mix in 1/4 cup of sugar until creamy. Gradually add milk until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine remaining sugar and honey. Whisk in heavy cream, milk mixture, vanilla, and salt until sugar dissolves.
- Chill the mixture for at least one hour (optional but recommended).
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (20-40 minutes).
- Chop Oreo cookies into bite-sized pieces and reserve 1/4 cup for topping.
- Layer soft serve ice cream with cookie chunks in a chilled container.
- Freeze for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Churning time varies based on machine
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For extra flavor variations, try adding crushed candy bars or chocolate chips. Ensure all ingredients are chilled before starting for a smoother texture.