Homemade Cookies-And-Cream Ice Cream

There's nothing that says summer quite like a bowl of cookies and cream ice cream. This season, instead of going the store-bought route, why not try homemade ice cream?

When we say our homemade cookies and cream ice cream is the easiest, we mean it. This recipe only requires five ingredients, most of which you might already have on hand. This is also an egg-free, no-cook dessert, and all you need is your electric ice cream maker and a little freezing time.

This sweet cookie ice cream recipe was an absolute hit in Southern Living's Test Kitchen, where our recipe developers gave it a 10 out of 10 for simplicity and taste. The trick is in the cookies. When crushing up cookies to add into the ice cream base, be sure to get them to a very fine consistency. This will ensure that every bite is filled with cookies-and-cream goodness.

Learn how to make cookies and cream ice cream. One bite and you may never go back to store-bought.

The History of Cookies-and-Cream Ice Cream

While the exact origin of cookies and cream ice cream is unknown, some competing theories exist about when and how it was first created. An ice cream consultant named Malcolm Stogo, South Dakota State University's dairy plant, and Steve Herrell of Herrell's Ice Cream all claim to have invented the flavor in the late 1970s. John Harrison, the official taster for Dreyer's and Edy's Ice Cream, claims to have invented it in 1982. To make it even trickier to determine, United Dairy Farmers also lays claim to its invention, as well as Blue Bell Creameries.

While we may never know who was the first to mix chocolate sandwich cookies into vanilla ice cream, we can certainly thank all involved for bringing us this beloved flavor. Cookies and cream became one of the top five best-selling ice cream flavors in 1983.

Ingredients for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Just five ingredients are needed to make this crowd-pleasing homemade ice cream, and you probably have most or all of them already on hand. To make homemade cookies and cream ice cream, you'll need:

• Whole milk: The base for the ice cream mixture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the ice cream base.
• Heavy cream: Gives the ice cream a rich, creamy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
• Cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies: The defining element of classic cookies-and-cream ice cream.

How To Make Homemade Cookies-and-Cream Ice Cream

There's no cooking required when making this homemade ice cream. A quick whisk, and the ice cream base is ready to process in an ice cream maker. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Prepare ice cream base: Whisk together milk and sugar in a bowl until sugar is dissolved. Stir in cream and vanilla. Freeze in an electric ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Step 2. Add cookies to ice cream: Crush 10 cookies to fine crumbs. Add crushed cookies to thickened ice cream with the ice cream machine running. Continue to freeze until incorporated. Transfer ice cream to a loaf pan.
• Step 3. Freeze: Chop remaining cookies and gently fold into ice cream. Cover with plastic wrap, and freeze at least two hours.

Our Tips for the Best Homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

For the creamiest, most decadent cookies and cream ice cream, keep these tips in mind:

• Use the best quality ingredients: Use high-quality vanilla, cookies, and heavy cream for the best flavor and texture.
• Crush cookies: While it's tempting to leave the cookies in large chunks, smaller pieces will incorporate evenly into the ice cream mixture while churning.
• Don't over-churn: Follow the manufacturer's instructions on your machine to avoid over-churning your ice cream, which could lead to a grainy texture.
• Fold in big chunks: Now's the time to have some fun. Fold in big chunks of cookies before freezing the ice cream for that classic cookies-and-cream texture and look.
• Freeze until firm: For the most scoopable texture.
• Seal tightly: For the freshest ice cream, without freezer burn or freezer odors, wrap tightly or store in a container with an airtight lid.
  

How To Serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Cookies and cream ice cream is definitely satisfying all on its own, but to up the ante a bit more, serve scoops of this homemade ice cream topped with crumbled or chocolate-dipped Oreos, hot fudge or caramel sauce, whipped cream, chocolate chips or chunks, sprinkles, toasted nuts, toasted coconut, or fresh berries.

You can even serve scoops over warm brownies, alongside molten lava cakes, chocolate cake, or stuffed into ice cream sandwiches for an over-the-top dessert everyone will love.

How To Store Homemade Ice Cream

Tightly wrapped or sealed, this ice cream can remain fresh in the freezer for up to two weeks, or possibly even longer. Using an airtight container will help reduce the likelihood of freezer burn or the addition of any freezer odors. Avoid letting the ice cream soften too much while serving—this can cause it to become icy in texture.

More Homemade Ice Cream Recipes You'll Love

When the warm weather hits, we think homemade ice cream is an absolute must. If you're new to the game, these crowd-pleasing recipes are the perfect place to start:

• Sea Salt Ice Cream
• Banana Ice Cream
• Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
• Pistachio Ice Cream
• Bourbon Ice Cream with Bourbon-Caramel Swirl
• Cornbread Ice Cream
• Fresh Peach Ice Cream
  
• Cream Cheese Ice Cream

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.