If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a craving for cool mint and the timeless delight of cookies and cream, then you’re about to meet your new favorite summertime treat: Mint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream. This creamy, dreamy dessert combines the invigorating freshness of peppermint with swirls of chocolate cookie crunch, all nestled in a luscious homemade ice cream base. It’s the kind of treat that brings a playful whimsy to any occasion, satisfying both mint lovers and cookie connoisseurs in every single scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Mint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream lies in a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the rich cream that gives body to the bright mint extract that brings everything to life. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the key to a luxurious, velvety texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
- Whole Milk: Adds just the right amount of creaminess without making the ice cream overly dense.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the base while also helping to keep the ice cream soft and scoopable straight from the freezer.
- Peppermint Extract: Brings a cool, refreshing flavor that elevates the entire dessert, but be sure to measure so it doesn’t overpower.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors, making the mint feel mellow and balanced.
- Green Food Coloring (optional): Just a few drops give that signature minty hue, but feel free to leave it out for a more natural look.
- Crushed Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (like Oreos): Folded in at the end, these provide crunchy, chocolatey bursts in every bite.
How to Make Mint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Pour in the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and those playful drops of green food coloring if you’re using them. Whisk everything together with enthusiasm until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid is smooth and all one color. This is your flavor foundation—it should already smell like a sweet, minty promise of things to come!
Step 2: Churn in the Ice Cream Maker
Pour your minty base into your ice cream maker, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, this takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Watch as the mixture thickens and transforms into a soft-serve consistency—this is always my favorite part! The anticipation as the scent of mint fills the kitchen is half the fun.
Step 3: Stir in the Cookies
Once your ice cream looks thick, stop the machine and gently fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with a spatula. Save some extra cookie pieces if you love a little more crunch sprinkled on top later! Stir just enough to distribute them evenly, so you get a generous cookie crunch in every bite.
Step 4: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the soft ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with your spatula. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours, or longer if you like a firmer scoop. Use this time to dream up your perfect ice cream sundae or plan a late-night kitchen raid—you’ve earned it!
How to Serve Mint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra crushed cookies on top can never hurt! For a fancy touch, try adding fresh mint leaves, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of hot fudge sauce—the contrast of temperatures is such a thrill.
Side Dishes
Mint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream shines with classic pairings like fudgy brownies, chocolate chunk cookies, or crisp waffle cones. If you’re entertaining, serve it alongside a platter of fresh berries to add tartness and color to your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn each scoop into an experience! Layer the ice cream in mason jars with extra cookie crumbles for parfaits, or make ice cream sandwiches using chewy chocolate cookies. For a nostalgic twist, serve scoops in vintage sundae glasses topped with whipped cream and a cherry—childhood memories in a bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Mint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer. Press a piece of parchment or plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to help prevent icy crystals and keep your ice cream ultra-smooth.
Freezing
This ice cream keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to two weeks. Just be sure the container is tightly sealed after each use. If you notice any ice crystals forming, give it a good stir before serving to restore some creaminess.
Reheating
Since it’s ice cream, there’s no need to reheat, but if it’s a bit too hard straight from the freezer, let the container sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. That quick rest makes scooping a breeze and brings out the best creamy texture.
FAQs
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
While an ice cream maker creates the smoothest results, you can try a no-churn adaptation by whipping the cream first, folding in the other ingredients, and freezing—just know the texture may be slightly less airy than with a machine.
Can I use gluten-free cookies instead of regular sandwich cookies?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies and the Mint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream will be just as delicious and satisfying—no one will know the difference.
How strong is the mint flavor?
The peppermint is cool and refreshing, but not overpowering. If you prefer a subtle mint, start with 3/4 teaspoon of extract and add more to taste before churning. The beauty of homemade is making it just how you like it!
Is green food coloring necessary?
Not at all—the coloring is just for fun and makes the ice cream instantly recognizable as minty. If you’re avoiding dyes or want a more natural look, simply leave it out; the flavor will be the same.
Can I add other mix-ins to the ice cream?
Of course! Mini chocolate chips, chopped Andes mints, or even a ribbon of fudge sauce can all be folded in alongside or instead of the cookies. Get creative and make this Mint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream your own!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers playfulness, crave-worthy texture, and refreshing flavor all at once, this Mint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is calling your name. Homemade ice cream really is something special—give it a try, and you just might start a new summer tradition!
Print
Mint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing and creamy delight of Mint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream. This homemade frozen treat combines the cool essence of mint with crunchy bits of chocolate cookies for a perfect summer dessert.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops green food coloring (optional)
Additional:
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos)
Instructions
- Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring until sugar dissolves.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour mixture into ice cream maker and churn for 20-25 minutes or until soft-serve consistency.
- Add Cookies: Gently fold in crushed cookies with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Freeze: Transfer ice cream to a container, cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.
- Serve: Scoop and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra texture, reserve some cookie pieces to sprinkle on top when serving.
- You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
