This Easy No-Churn Cookie Monster Ice Cream is a fun and tasty treat! It’s creamy, loaded with cookie chunks, and doesn’t need an ice cream maker—how cool is that?
Who can resist cookies and ice cream together? I mean, it’s like a party in a bowl! I love making this on hot days—just mix, freeze, and enjoy. It’s as easy as pie… or maybe ice cream! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Whipping Cream: This adds a rich and creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whipped topping, but the ice cream may not be as creamy.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives sweetness and creaminess without the need for churning. You could try coconut milk for a dairy-free version, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Blue Food Coloring: This is what gives the ice cream its iconic Cookie Monster look! You can use natural food coloring if preferred, but the shade may vary. If blue isn’t your thing, feel free to use any color you enjoy!
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: Oreos are classic, but any similar cookie works well! For a different twist, try using mint or peanut butter cookies.
Cookie Chunks: You can crush up homemade cookies or use store-bought. If you have cookie dough instead, that’s a fun addition for a chewy texture in your ice cream!
How Do I Ensure My Ice Cream Turns Out Smooth and Creamy?
Achieving a smooth and creamy no-churn ice cream is all about proper mixing and folding techniques. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Make sure your heavy whipping cream is cold; this helps it whip up to stiff peaks more easily.
- When combining the whipped cream with the condensed milk, use a gentle folding motion. This preserves the airiness that makes your ice cream light.
- Don’t overmix! Just fold until you see no streaks of white. You want everything combined without losing fluffiness.
Freezing for at least 6 hours or overnight is key too—this helps the flavors meld and the texture set nicely.
Easy No-Churn Cookie Monster Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Blue food coloring (about 1–2 tsp, adjust for desired color)
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- 1 cup crushed chocolate chip cookies or chocolate chip cookie dough chunks
- Optional: Whole cookies for garnish (chocolate sandwich cookies and chocolate chip cookies)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ice cream takes about 15 minutes of prep time. After that, you’ll need to freeze it for at least 6 hours or overnight. So, overall, it’s super quick to prepare, and then you just let the freezer do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whip the Cream:
Start by pouring the cold heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to whip the cream until you see stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters out, the peaks hold their shape nicely. This will make your ice cream rich and fluffy!
2. Mix the Base:
In another bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and blue food coloring. Stir the mixture until the blue color is well mixed and bright. This will give your ice cream that fun, Cookie Monster look!
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Now it’s time to combine the two mixtures! Gently fold the blue condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream. Use a spatula and be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much. You want it to remain fluffy and smooth.
4. Add the Cookies:
Next, fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and the chocolate chip cookies or cookie dough chunks. Mix until the cookie pieces are evenly distributed throughout the bright blue base.
5. Freeze the Mixture:
Transfer the ice cream mixture to a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula, then cover it tightly. Place it in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, so it can fully set and firm up.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, scoop out the ice cream into bowls and, if you’d like, garnish with whole chocolate sandwich and chocolate chip cookies for an extra treat on top. Dive into your sweet and colorful Cookie Monster Ice Cream!
Enjoy your creamy, colorful, and cookie-packed homemade Cookie Monster Ice Cream — no churning required!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cookies in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chocolate sandwich cookies and chocolate chip cookies are classic choices, you can get creative. Try using different flavors like mint Oreos, peanut butter cookies, or even homemade cookies for a unique twist!
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover Cookie Monster Ice Cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping!
Can I Make This Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy whipping cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free whipping cream alternative. For the sweetened condensed milk, look for a dairy-free version made from coconut or almond milk to keep it all dairy-free while still creamy!
What If I Don’t Have Blue Food Coloring?
No worries! If you don’t have blue food coloring, you can simply skip it for a plain vanilla version, or experiment with other colors based on your preference. Just keep in mind that the iconic Cookie Monster look comes from that vibrant blue!
