Easy No-Churn Cookies and Cream Ice Cream with Just 4 Ingredients
Making homemade ice cream is now super easy. This simple recipe lets you enjoy the creamiest No Churn Cookies and Cream Ice Cream without an ice cream maker. It only needs four ingredients, making it ideal for hot summer days.
This guide will help you make a tasty, refreshing dessert everyone loves. The best thing? It’s easy to make, needing just a few tools and effort.
Table of Contents
What Are No Churn Cookies and Cream Ice Cream?
No-churn ice cream is a quick and popular way to make ice cream at home. Cookies and cream is among the most loved flavors because it combines a smooth, creamy texture with crunchy cookie bits.
Unlike traditional ice cream, no-churn versions don’t require an ice cream machine. The mixture freezes into a decadent, creamy treat, making it easy for anyone to prepare.
Key Ingredients
To make no-churn cookies and cream ice cream, you’ll need:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla extract
- Crushed Oreo cookies (or your favorite chocolate sandwich cookies)
These simple ingredients blend to create a creamy, flavorful ice cream. The whipping cream gives it a smooth texture, the condensed milk adds sweetness, and the vanilla adds flavor. The crushed cookies provide the classic cookies-and-cream crunch.
All you have to do is mix everything and freeze it—no special tools needed!
You can make delicious no-churn cookies and cream ice cream following these steps. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Why Make Ice Cream at Home?
Making ice cream at home has plenty of advantages. One of the biggest is that you control the quality and flavor of your treats.
Better Freshness and Taste
Homemade ice cream is made with fresh ingredients. Unlike many store-bought options that include preservatives or artificial flavors, your homemade version can be free from unwanted additives. You can choose the type of milk, cream, and sweetener you prefer, giving you a cleaner, richer taste every time.
Create Your Flavors
Another bonus of making your ice cream is how easy it is to customize. You can mix cookies, fruits, or candies in your favorite flavors. Whether you’re craving classic vanilla, chocolate fudge, or a fun new combo, the choice is all yours.
You can change the sweetness, use dairy-free options, or add healthy twists to fit your lifestyle.
Homemade ice cream gives you complete control—from the ingredients to the taste—so every batch is just how you like it.
Must-Have Tools for Making Ice Cream
Making no-churn cookies and cream ice cream is easy, but having the right tools makes it even better. These basic items help you mix and store your ice cream properly.
Mixer and Mixing Tools
A hand or stand mixer is ideal for whipping the cream quickly. You’ll also need a large mixing bowl to combine all your ingredients. While a whisk can work in a pinch, a mixer gives faster and better results.
Freezer-Safe Storage
You’ll need an airtight, freezer-safe container to store your ice cream. This will keep the texture smooth and help prevent ice crystals from forming.
With a mixer, mixing bowl, and storage container, you’ll have everything you need to make creamy, homemade no-churn cookies and ice cream. Get ready to enjoy a sweet treat straight from your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Recipe for No-Churn Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Making no-churn cookies and cream ice cream is easy. You need just a few ingredients and basic kitchen tools. Here’s a simple recipe for delicious homemade cookies and cream ice cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this ice cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Oreo cookies (or your preferred cookie)
Preparation Process
1. Whipping the Cream: Wash the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks form. This should take about 2-3 minutes, depending on your mixer’s speed and the temperature of your cream.
2. Mixing with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla: Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Mix until well combined.
3. Folding in Crushed Cookies: Gently fold the crushed Oreo cookies (or your chosen cookies) into the cream mixture until evenly distributed throughout.
Freezing Techniques
1. Initial Freezing: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar container. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it.
2. Aging the Ice Cream: Allow the mixture to freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. The mixture will be pretty firm after 2 hours, but it’s best to let it age in the freezer for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips for Creamy, Smooth Ice Cream
Getting the right texture in your no-churn cookies and cream ice cream is about technique and proper storage. Here’s how to make it extra creamy and smooth:
How to Make It Creamy
Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks—but don’t overdo it. Over-whipping can cause the mixture to become grainy or too dense. The goal is light, airy cream that blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
This step adds the right amount of air, helping your ice cream stay soft and creamy after freezing.
Preventing Ice Crystals
Store your ice cream in an airtight container to avoid a gritty or icy texture. Air causes ice crystals to form, ruining the smoothness. Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or colder for best results.
Seal the container tightly to block air and lock in freshness. That way, your ice cream stays soft and scoopable.
With these simple tips, your homemade no-churn ice cream will always come out rich, creamy, and smooth!
Adding Extra Flavors and Ingredients
Customizing your no-churn cookies and cream ice cream is fun and creative. Mixing ingredients and swirling can add extra flavor.
Mix-Ins and Swirls
Mix-ins add flavor and texture to your ice cream. You can use crushed cookies, nuts, and candy pieces. For example, crushed Oreos or chocolate sandwich cookies make it taste like cookies and cream.
Nuts like walnuts or almonds add a nice texture. Candy pieces like M&M’s or chopped peanut butter cups make it fun and playful.
When adding mix-ins, think about the flavor and texture you want. Swirling in caramel or fudge can create a unique taste.
Healthier Alternatives
For healthier options, use less sugar or different milks. Try almond, soy, or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. This lowers sugar and calorie content.
You can add nuts, seeds, or fruit for more nutrition, making your ice cream healthier and tastier.
You can make a healthier version of your favorite ice cream with simple changes.
How to Store Your Homemade Ice Cream
Proper storage helps your no-churn cookies and cream ice cream stay fresh, creamy, and ready to enjoy.
Freezing at the Right Temperature
Keep your freezer set to 0°F (-18°C). This is the best temperature to preserve the texture and taste of your ice cream.
Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness
Follow these storage tips to keep your ice cream smooth and delicious:
Label and Date – Mark each container with the date and flavor. This makes it easy to use older batches first and stay organized.
Use Airtight Containers—Choose freezer-safe, airtight containers to prevent air from getting in. This helps prevent ice crystals and keeps the texture creamy.
Fill to the Top, leaving as little space as possible. Less air inside means less chance for ice to form.
Stick to these tips, and your homemade ice cream will stay fresh and tasty for weeks!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made your delicious no-churn cookies and cream ice cream, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your frozen treat experience.
Creative Toppings
Add extra toppings to make your cookies and ice cream even more special. Some ideas include:
- Crushed Oreo cookies: Add some extra crushed Oreos to your ice cream for a cookies-and-cream overload.
- Hot fudge or caramel sauce: Drizzle some hot fudge or caramel sauce to give your ice cream an extra flavor.
- Fresh fruit: To add natural sweetness and flavor, top your ice cream with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
- Nuts: For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans over your ice cream.
- Candy pieces: Mix in candy pieces, such as M&Ms, chopped peanut butter cups, or chopped candy bars, to create a fun and playful ice cream.
Desserts and Pairings
In addition to toppings, you can consider pairing your cookies and cream ice cream with other desserts to create a unique and delicious treat. Some ideas include:
- Cookie sandwiches: For a cool and creamy twist, use your cookies and cream ice cream to fill in cookie sandwiches.
- Brownie sundaes: For a decadent dessert, top a brownie with a scoop of cookies and cream ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream.
- Ice cream cakes: Layer cookies and cream ice cream with cake, cookies, or wafers to create a show-stopping ice cream cake.
- Milkshake: Blend cookies and cream ice cream with milk and other ingredients to create a thick, creamy milkshake.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment and come up with your unique serving suggestions!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for common mistakes when making no-churn cookies and cream ice cream. These can affect the taste and texture of your ice cream. Knowing what to avoid can help you get the perfect scoop every time.
Overmixing the ingredients can make the ice cream dense and unpleasant. It’s essential to mix them just until they’re combined.
Overmixing the Ingredients
Mixing too much can ruin the texture of your ice cream. Stop mixing once the cream and sweetened condensed milk are combined with the cookies.
Inadequate Freezing Time
Not freezing the ice cream long enough can also affect its texture. Freeze it for at least 6 hours in a standard home freezer.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you make creamy and smooth no-churn cookies and cream ice cream.
Popular Variations of Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Cookies and cream ice cream is a favorite dessert. It can be made in many ways to please different tastes and diets.
Vegan No-Churn Versions
For vegans, dairy-free options for no-churn ice cream are available. These alternatives make it easy to enjoy this treat without animal products.
Chocolate and Other Flavor Combinations
Cookies and cream ice cream is very versatile. It can be mixed with chocolate or other flavors to create unique tastes.
FAQ
How long does homemade no-churn ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade no-churn ice cream stays good for 2–3 months if stored at 0°F (-18°C) or colder. The texture may change over time, but it’s still safe to eat.
Can I use different types of cookies in my no-churn cookies and cream ice cream?
Yes! Try chocolate sandwich cookies, peanut butter cookies, or even crushed candy like M&M’s for new flavors and fun textures.
Is it possible to make no-churn ice cream without a mixer?
Yes, you can whip the cream by hand using a whisk or a handheld mixer. It takes more effort but works just fine.
How can I make my no-churn ice cream more creamy?
Use high-quality cream, avoid overmixing, and store in an airtight container. Adding a small amount of xanthan gum helps improve texture too.
Can I make vegan no-churn cookies and cream ice cream?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a plant-based whipping cream and choose vegan cookies for a dairy-free version.
What are some fun mix-ins I can add to no-churn ice cream?
Try chopped nuts, chocolate chips, cookie dough bites, or candy pieces. Mix-ins add flavor and texture variety.
How do I store leftover no-churn ice cream?
Keep it in a freezer-safe, airtight container at 0°F (-18°C). Fill the container to the top to limit air exposure.
Why does my no-churn ice cream get icy?
Ice crystals form when air gets in. Prevent this by sealing the container tightly and keeping the freezer temperature consistent.
Your Guide to Homemade No-Churn Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade No-Churn Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is the perfect frozen treat—creamy, rich, and full of crushed cookie chunks, all without the need for an ice cream maker. With just four simple ingredients and minimal effort, this easy recipe creates a smooth and indulgent dessert ideal for summer gatherings or any time you crave a cold, sweet delight.
Ingredients
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1½ cups crushed Oreo cookies (or similar chocolate sandwich cookies)
Instructions
Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (2–3 minutes).
Mix in Condensed Milk and Vanilla: Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Gently fold until fully combined.
Fold in Cookies: Add the crushed Oreo cookies and fold them in with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Freeze the Ice Cream: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container (like a loaf pan or 9×13-inch dish). Smooth the top and cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
Chill: Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight, until the ice cream is firm and scoopable.
Notes
For extra texture, stir in additional cookie chunks right before serving.
Optional mix-ins: chopped chocolate, fudge swirls, caramel, or candy pieces.
Use dairy-free cream and vegan cookies for a vegan variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no-churn ice cream, cookies and cream, easy ice cream recipe, homemade dessert, Oreo ice cream, summer treat, frozen dessert, 4-ingredient recipe
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