I absolutely adore making this Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe whenever I want a delightful treat that feels both indulgent and homemade. The combination of creamy vanilla ice cream with crunchy Oreo cookie pieces is such a nostalgic favorite for me, and using the Ninja Creami makes the process surprisingly easy and fun. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles all around and makes me feel like I’ve created something really special in my own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe
I find that what really sets this Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe apart is the perfectly balanced flavor profile. The creamy sweetness from the rich heavy cream and whole milk base is beautifully complemented by the subtle vanilla notes and the satisfying crunch of Oreo cookies throughout. Every bite feels like a nostalgic trip back to my childhood, but elevated with that irresistible homemade touch.
Beyond the delicious taste, I love how straightforward this recipe is to prepare. The blending, freezing, and churning steps are so simple, making it accessible even if you’re new to homemade ice cream. It’s perfect for any occasion — from casual family nights to celebrations where you want to impress without fussing over complicated steps. Whenever I serve this, I get excited to share it because it truly stands out as a crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes like a treat from a fancy ice cream parlor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in creating that smooth, creamy texture and authentic cookies and cream flavor we all love. These few ingredients come together effortlessly to give you a perfect homemade ice cream experience.
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream: This adds rich creaminess and helps achieve a smooth, luscious texture.
- 1¼ cups whole milk: Balances the cream and lightens the base for a perfect consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting vanilla undertones.
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the ice cream without any grainy texture for a velvety finish.
- 3 Oreo cookies (halved): The star mix-in that adds that classic cookies and cream crunch and chocolate flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Begin by adding the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to your blender. Blend everything together for about 10 to 15 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly combined but not overly frothy.
Step 2: Pour this smooth liquid mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure you don’t fill past the MAX FILL line, as this allows enough room for the ice cream to expand as it freezes.
Step 3: Seal the pint container with its lid and place it upright on a level surface inside your freezer. Let it freeze solid for at least 24 hours — patience here is key for the ideal texture.
Step 4: After freezing, remove the pint from the freezer and take off the lid. Insert the pint into the Ninja Creami bowl assembly, secure the outer lid, and lock it into the motor base by turning it to the right. Then, select the “Ice Cream” setting and let the machine work its magic.
Step 5: If the ice cream looks a bit dry or crumbly after the first spin, don’t worry! Make a small well with a spoon in the center and add about a tablespoon of milk or cream. Replace the lid and use the “RE-SPIN” function to get a smoother, creamier texture.
Step 6: Now it’s time for the fun part! Use a spoon to create a well straight down to the bottom of the pint and add the halved Oreo cookies into the center. Secure the lid again and press the “MIX-IN” button, which evenly folds the cookie pieces throughout the ice cream without breaking them into crumbs.
Step 7: Your homemade Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is ready to enjoy! Scoop it up immediately for the best texture and savor every creamy, crunchy bite.
Servings and Timing
This Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or a small group of friends. The prep time is incredibly short—only about 5 minutes to blend and fill the container—but you will need to plan ahead for a full 24 hours of freezing time to achieve the perfect consistency. Churning with the Ninja Creami only takes a few minutes, so the total hands-on time is minimal, making it an easy, make-ahead dessert option.
How to Serve This Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe
I love serving this ice cream on its own to truly let the delicious cookies and cream flavor shine, but there are so many tasty ways to elevate it. For a special touch, I like to garnish each scoop with a few extra Oreo cookie crumbs or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup. A sprig of fresh mint adds a delightful color contrast and a hint of freshness that brightens the dish beautifully.
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like a freshly baked brownie or chocolate chip cookies, creating an irresistible combo of hot and cold sensations. When I serve it at family dinners or weekend get-togethers, I often place the scoops in pretty glass bowls for an elegant yet casual presentation. Portion sizes of about ½ cup per person work perfectly for satisfying servings without being too heavy.
For beverages, I recommend pairing your Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream with a chilled glass of milk for a classic combo, or if you’re feeling fancy, a coffee-based liqueur cocktail complements those Oreo flavors beautifully. It’s an excellent treat for holidays, celebrations, or just when I want a comforting dessert to round out a cozy night.
Variations
One of the reasons I enjoy making this Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe is because it’s so easy to customize. For example, if you want a dairy-free option, you can swap the heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream alternatives. Just keep in mind the texture might change slightly, but it still tastes fantastic.
If you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies instead of Oreos. I’ve done this many times, and the result is just as delicious without compromising on that fun cookies and cream vibe. You can also experiment by adding mix-ins like peanut butter chips, chocolate chunks, or even a swirl of fudge sauce before freezing for some exciting flavor twists.
For those who don’t have a Ninja Creami, you can try using other ice cream makers, but the texture may vary. Alternatively, stirring the mixture every 30 minutes during freezing can mimic the creaminess, although it requires more hands-on time. I personally love the convenience and consistent results that the Ninja Creami provides, especially for recipes like this.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming and to preserve the flavors. The best container is one that seals tightly, like a plastic freezer-safe container or the original Ninja Creami pint with its lid securely on. Stored this way, the ice cream will keep well for up to one week in the freezer without losing quality.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes beautifully thanks to the high-fat content from the cream and milk. Just be sure to keep the container sealed tightly to avoid absorbing any freezer odors. When freezing for longer periods, try placing the container inside a resealable plastic bag to add an extra layer of protection. For best texture, consume within one month.
Reheating
Unlike other dishes, ice cream isn’t something you want to reheat, but if it does get too hard, the best approach is to let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes to soften naturally before scooping. Avoid microwaving as this can cause uneven melting and ruin the creamy texture. Using your Ninja Creami’s RE-SPIN function after softening can help restore the perfect ice cream consistency easily.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk?
I don’t recommend using low-fat or skim milk in this recipe because it affects the creaminess and texture you get with the Ninja Creami. Whole milk provides the perfect fat content to balance the richness of the heavy cream and produce that smooth, luscious mouthfeel typical of cookies and cream ice cream.
How long should I freeze the mixture before churning in the Ninja Creami?
Freezing the mixture for at least 24 hours is essential. This ensures the ice cream base is solid and cold enough for the Ninja Creami to churn it into smooth, creamy ice cream. Skipping this step or freezing for less time can result in a less consistent texture.
Can I add extra Oreo cookies or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Adding more Oreos or different mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts is a great way to personalize your ice cream. Just be mindful of the amount so it mixes evenly and doesn’t overwhelm the creamy base. Adding them during the MIX-IN step ensures they’re incorporated perfectly without breaking down.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can create a vegan version by swapping dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and almond or oat milk. Use vegan-friendly cookies as well. While the texture might differ slightly, it’s an excellent way to enjoy a cookies and cream ice cream that fits your dietary preferences.
Can I prepare the ice cream base ahead of time?
Definitely! I often prepare the blended base a day ahead and keep it refrigerated before pouring it into the Ninja Creami pint container and freezing. This can help flavors meld nicely and makes the overall process even quicker when you’re ready to freeze and churn.
Conclusion
I can’t wait for you to try this Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe because it’s such a delightful, easy-to-make treat that brings so much joy with every bite. Whether you’re new to homemade ice cream or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers that perfect balance of creamy sweetness and crunchy cookie mix-ins that will keep you coming back for more. Give it a go, savor every scoop, and share the happiness!
Print
Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream recipe delivers a rich, creamy homemade treat with a perfect blend of smooth vanilla base and crunchy Oreo cookie mix-ins. Using the Ninja Creami, you can easily churn and customize your ice cream texture at home with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Mix-Ins
- 3 Oreo cookies (halved)
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a blender. Blend the mixture for 10-15 seconds until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Fill: Pour the blended ice cream base into a Ninja Creami pint container, making sure not to overfill past the MAX FILL line to allow for proper churning and expansion during freezing.
- Freeze: Secure the lid tightly on the pint container and place it upright on a level surface inside your freezer. Freeze for at least 24 hours until the mixture is completely solidified.
- Churn: Once thoroughly frozen, remove the pint from the freezer and take off the lid. Insert the pint into the Ninja Creami bowl assembly, secure the outer lid, and lock it onto the motor base by turning it to the right. Press the “Ice Cream” button to begin the churning process.
- Re-Spin (Optional): If the ice cream appears dry or has a powdery texture after churning, create a small well in the center with a spoon and add 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Replace the outer lid and press the “RE-SPIN” button to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add Mix-Ins: Make a well in the center of the churned ice cream down to the bottom of the pint jar using a spoon. Place the halved Oreo cookies into the well. Secure the lid and select the “MIX-IN” option on the Ninja Creami to evenly incorporate the cookies throughout the ice cream.
- Serve: Your homemade Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is now ready to enjoy! Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Notes
- Ensure the pint container is frozen at least 24 hours before churning for optimal texture.
- Do not fill beyond the MAX FILL line to prevent overflow during processing.
- If you prefer a softer texture, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- You can customize mix-ins by adding different cookies or other toppings as desired.