Irresistible Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Irresistibly Delicious Homemade Cookies & Cream Ice Cream: Your Ultimate #SundaySupper Treat

Sunday isn’t just another day; it’s a cherished tradition, especially when it comes to gathering around the table for #SundaySupper. This week, our culinary theme invites us to get creative in the kitchen, perhaps even with the little ones. While I don’t personally have children of my own, I’ve crafted a dessert that no child – or adult, for that matter – could possibly resist. Brace yourselves, because we’re diving into the delightful world of homemade ice cream, specifically the legendary Cookies & Cream! Imagine a generous, heaping bowl of sweet, creamy goodness, brimming with generous chunks of America’s favorite cookie, the Oreo. The mere thought is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. It’s a classic for a reason, and making it at home elevates the experience to an entirely new level.

My passion for ice cream runs deep; it consistently ranks among my absolute favorite sweet indulgences. There’s an undeniable magic in that moment when you scoop out a dollop of cold, sweet, custardy creaminess, each spoonful promising pure joy. From my earliest memories, Cookies & Cream ice cream held a special place in my heart, a position it steadfastly maintains to this very day. My Mom-mom, bless her heart, always seemed to know when I was coming to visit. Without fail, a carton of my beloved Cookies & Cream would be perfectly stashed in her freezer, waiting for me. My routine was unwavering: a warm hug for my grandparents, followed by a beeline straight to the freezer, eyes scanning for that familiar label. And there it always was – Cookies & Cream. I must confess, and please don’t tell my mom, but my Mom-mom would sometimes even let me have a bowl for breakfast when I was a tiny tot. Those impromptu breakfast ice cream sessions are among my most cherished childhood memories, truly a testament to how utterly cool my Mom-mom was. This particular flavor isn’t just a dessert; it’s a vessel for nostalgia, a taste of simpler times and unconditional love.

Just last night, around 11 PM, I found myself wide awake. I’m fairly certain a vivid dream of an epic ice cream snowball fight was the culprit, triggering an immediate and intense craving. Knowing there was a fresh batch of this homemade Cookies & Cream ice cream patiently waiting in my kitchen made sleep an impossible feat. I yielded to the temptation, treating myself to a small, satisfying scoop. There’s something uniquely comforting about a late-night dessert, especially when it’s something you’ve crafted with your own hands. It’s a testament to the power of a really good treat – it can disrupt your sleep, yet leave you utterly content.

Despite its luxurious taste and texture, homemade ice cream is remarkably one of the simplest treats to master in the kitchen. The process is straightforward, almost meditative: you begin by creating a rich custard base, allow it to chill thoroughly in the refrigerator until it’s perfectly cold, and then, the magic happens as you churn it in an ice cream maker. It’s a simple dance of ingredients and patience, culminating in an absolutely rewarding culinary experience. For those who might feel intimidated, rest assured, the steps are foolproof, and the results are far superior to anything you can buy in a store.

This particular batch of Cookies & Cream ice cream turned out to be the creamiest I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. I attribute this incredible richness and silky smooth texture primarily to the generous inclusion of six large egg yolks in the custard base. These yolks are the secret to a truly decadent, French-style ice cream, providing unparalleled body and a luxurious mouthfeel that coats your palate beautifully. Now, I never claimed this recipe was designed for health-conscious eating, and indeed, it’s a full-on indulgence. But every now and then, a treat this exquisite is entirely worth it. It’s a celebration of flavor and texture, made with love and enjoyed without an ounce of guilt.

For the perfect homemade Cookies & Cream ice cream, it all begins with quality ingredients. Whole milk and heavy cream form the luscious base, while pure vanilla extract or, even better, vanilla paste, infuses it with a warm, inviting aroma. The six egg yolks, as mentioned, are key for that velvety custard. And of course, the star of the show: Oreo cookies. For the best texture, aim for coarse crumbs rather than fine powder, allowing those iconic chocolatey bites to stand out in every spoonful. When preparing the custard, tempering the egg yolks is crucial – slowly whisking the hot milk mixture into the yolks prevents them from scrambling. Once the custard is thickened and strained, patience is your best friend. A minimum of 8 hours, or even overnight, in the fridge ensures the mixture is thoroughly chilled, which is essential for proper churning and a smooth, non-icy final product. Your ice cream maker will do the hard work, transforming the liquid custard into soft-serve consistency. Only *after* churning should you gently fold in the crushed Oreos, preserving their distinct crunch and preventing them from becoming too soggy. Freeze the finished ice cream in an airtight container for a few hours to firm up, and then prepare for an extraordinary homemade dessert experience that rivals any premium store-bought brand.

Whether you’re making this rich, satisfying ice cream for a special occasion or just because it’s Sunday, remember the joy of cooking with your family, even if the “kiddies” are just your inner child. And most importantly, savor the moments of togetherness, sharing delicious food and making lasting memories around the table.

Beyond our delightful Cookies & Cream, the #SundaySupper community is always buzzing with incredible culinary creations. Explore these fantastic recipes from fellow foodies, perfect for any meal of the day:

Start your day right:

  • Panko Encrusted French Toast Sticks ~Doggie At the Dinner Table
  • Pineapple Not-Upside Down Muffins ~In the Kitchen with Audrey
  • Bacon, Egg & Sausage Breakfast Cups ~Daily Dish Recipes
  • Buttermilk French Toast with Homemade Cinnamon – Raisin Bread ~What Smells So Good

Healthy Snackers for active little ones (and adults!):

  • Snack Attack: 3 Healthy Choices for Little Nibblers ~Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
  • Fruit Salad in an Orange Cup ~Mama’s Blissful Bites

Main Squeeze – Hearty meals for the whole family:

  • Whole-wheat Pretzel Dogs ~Family Spice
  • Poblano Mac ‘N Cheese ~Juanita’s Cocina
  • Coconut Chicken and Shrimp ~Super for a Steal
  • Lunie and Mini-me’s Grilled Pizza ~Cravings of a Lunatic
  • Hedgehog Meatballs and Chili Dog Pie ~Cooking by the Seat of our Pants
  • Walking Tostada ~Shockingly Delicious
  • Mini Sausage Rolls ~Small Wallet Big Appetite
  • Mini Corn Dog Muffins ~In The Kitchen With KP
  • Mexican Black Bean & Quinoa Burgers with Homemade Guacamole ~Cupcakes and Kale Chips
  • Threaded Spaghetti Hot Dog Bites ~Damn Delicious
  • Golden Potato Patties ~My Trials in the Kitchen
  • Grilled Chicken Wings in Sesame Flavors ~The Queen’s Notebook
  • Spaghetti Tacos ~Girlichef
  • Parmesan Corn on the Cob ~Home Cooking Memories
  • Yum Yum Salmon and Green Beans ~Family Foodie
  • Pad Thai ~Meal Planning Magic
  • Chicken Tortilla Bake ~Mrs. Mama Hen

Sweet Treats – Because every meal deserves a happy ending:

  • Chocolate Slab ~Happy Baking Days
  • Chocolate Chip Cut-Out Cookies ~Chocolate Moosey
  • Self-Crust Coconut Pie ~Magnolia Days
  • Fresh Cherry Clafoutis ~The Meltaways
  • Wolf’s Wonderful Peanut Butter-Brownie Fudge Sundaes ~The Weekend Gourmet
  • Healthy Creamy Caramel Apple Parfaits with Greek Yogurt ~Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
  • Chocolate and Salted Caramel Pudding Pops ~Hezzi-D’s Cooks and Books
  • Chocolate Cheese Turnover ~Basic and Delicious
  • Chocotorta Vintage Kitchen Notes
  • Oatmeal and M&M Cookies ~That Skinny Chick Can Bake
  • Purple Blueberry Cake ~Tora’s Real Food
  • Tropical Popsicles ~Pippi’s in the Kitchen Again
  • Carrot Cupcakes ~Diabetic Foodie
Cookies & Cream Ice Cream #SundaySupper
Recipe Type: Ice Cream
Author: Jennie
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4 Cups
Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream, divided
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla paste
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups oreo cookie crumbs, about 8 cookies
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of heavy cream and place a mesh strainer on top.
  2. In a medium bowl, add the egg yolks and whisk to combine.
  3. Heat the milk, sugar, and the remaining cup of heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat just until the mixture is hot to the touch (do not boil).
  4. Slowly pour the heated milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Add the egg mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Pour the mixture through the strainer and stir into the cream. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
  5. Place the mixture in an airtight container and chill completely before churning, at least 8 hours.
  6. Place Oreo cookies in a ziploc bag and crush into a coarse crumb with a rolling pin.
  7. When the mixture is completely chilled, place it in your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream is finished churning, stir in your cookie pieces with a rubber spatula. Place ice cream in an airtight container and freeze. Enjoy!
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