This fun and easy no-churn ice cream is perfect for cookie lovers! With yummy cookie pieces mixed in, it gives you all the flavors without the fuss of an ice cream maker.
Just whip it up, pour it into a container, and freeze! I love making this treat with the kids—they think I’m a hero when they see those big chunks of cookies in every scoop! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is what gives the ice cream its light and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use whole milk, but it won’t be as fluffy. Another great substitute could be coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds sweetness and creaminess. If you want to cut sugar, try using unsweetened condensed milk and add a sweetener of your choice to taste. Alternatively, you can use a homemade version using milk and sugar.
Blue Food Coloring: This gives the ice cream its signature Cookie Monster look. If you prefer natural dyes, you might try using blue spirulina or butterfly pea powder for a fun color. Just make sure to blend it well in your mixture.
Cookies: I used classic chocolate sandwich cookies and chocolate chip cookies, which give a nice crunch. Feel free to mix it up! You can use any cookie you love like peanut butter cookies, or even add sprinkles for a bit of fun.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Whipped Cream?
Whipping the cream correctly is essential for your ice cream’s airy texture. Here are some tips to nail it:
- Make sure your cream is cold—this helps achieve better volume.
- Use a clean bowl and beaters to avoid any residue that could affect the whipping process.
- Start at a lower speed to mix, then gradually increase. Once it starts to thicken, you can move to medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
Stiff peaks mean when you lift the beaters, the cream should hold its shape. Carefully folding this into your other mixture is key to keeping it light and fluffy.
Easy No-Churn Cookie Monster Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Blue food coloring (about 10-15 drops, adjust to desired color intensity)
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos)
- 1 cup crushed chocolate chip cookies or any favorite cookie chunks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This no-churn cookie ice cream recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll also need to let it freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best results. So, plan ahead to let this colorful treat set in the freezer!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Whip the Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This may take a few minutes, but you want the cream to hold its shape nicely!
2. Mix the Condensed Milk:
In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Add blue food coloring to the mixture—start with about 10 drops and mix well until you achieve a bright blue color. You can adjust the color with more food coloring if desired!
3. Fold the Mixtures Together:
Gently fold the colored condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream as you mix. You want to keep it fluffy! Keep folding until the color is uniform and you don’t see any more white streaks.
4. Add Cookies:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and chocolate chip cookies evenly into the mixture. This adds a delightful crunch and flavor to your ice cream!
5. Freeze Your Ice Cream:
Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container—smooth it out evenly. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming, and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight if you can wait!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s fully frozen, scoop out your glorious Cookie Monster Ice Cream! Serve it in bowls or cones, and feel free to garnish with extra cookie pieces on top for a fun finish. Enjoy your creation and share with friends and family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Cookies?
Absolutely! You can use any cookies you love. Try combining different flavors, such as peanut butter cookies, or even add in some sprinkles for a fun twist. Just make sure they are crushed into manageable pieces so you get that delightful crunch in every bite!
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover Cookie Monster Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Food Coloring?
Yes! If you prefer a more natural approach or want to skip the food coloring, you can omit it altogether. The ice cream will be white, but still delicious and loaded with cookie goodness!
What Can I Substitute for Sweetened Condensed Milk?
If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use homemade sweetened condensed milk by simmering milk and sugar until thickened. Alternatively, some recipes use coconut cream combined with sweeteners for a dairy-free version—just make sure to adjust the consistency accordingly!