Introduction

There’s something about the combination of creamy ice cream and crunchy cookies that just hits all the right notes, isn’t there? That delightful contrast between smooth and crispy, rich and sweet, makes for one unforgettable dessert. And when you turn it into a milkshake? Well, you’ve just created a treat that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.

This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Shake is the ultimate sweet fix. It’s thick, creamy, and packed with the irresistible flavor of cookies and cream ice cream, all topped off with even more crushed cookies. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—you’ll have this delicious concoction in no time. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or serving it up at a fun weekend gathering, this milkshake is bound to become your new favorite.

I first made this shake one lazy Sunday afternoon when I was craving something cold and sweet but didn’t want to leave the house. A quick peek into the freezer revealed a pint of cookies and cream ice cream, and from there, it was all about making this shake happen. My family went crazy for it—and honestly, it’s hard not to! It’s the perfect blend of ice cream and nostalgia, reminding me of fun trips to the ice cream shop as a kid. I’ve been making this shake for years now, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just a few basic ingredients, including your favorite cookies and cream ice cream. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can still whip this up with no problem.
Quick and Easy: From the moment you start pulling ingredients together to the first sip of that cold, creamy shake, this recipe will only take you about 10 minutes. Perfect for busy days or spontaneous cravings.
Family Favorite: Kids, adults, and everyone in between love this milkshake. The balance of creamy, sweet ice cream with crunchy cookie pieces makes it a universal hit.
Customizable: You can tweak this recipe to your liking—add extra cookies for a more cookie-packed shake, or drizzle some chocolate syrup for a little extra decadence. Plus, it’s easy to make it dairy-free with the right substitutions if that’s your thing.

The real beauty of this Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Shake, though, is its comforting simplicity. There’s no need for complicated ingredients or time-consuming steps. Just pure, unadulterated joy in a glass.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings (perfect for sharing, or keeping it all to yourself!)
Calories per serving: 350–400 calories (depends on the ice cream brand and any additions like whipped cream or extra cookies)

Ingredients

Making this shake is incredibly straightforward—you probably already have most of these ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups of Cookies and Cream Ice Cream (or your favorite brand): The ice cream is the star of the show, so make sure to use a good quality one. The creamy base and cookie crumbles make this shake rich and indulgent.
1 cup of Milk (whole milk is the best, but feel free to use any type you prefer, including almond milk for a dairy-free version).
1/2 cup of Crushed Cookies (Oreos work wonderfully here! But feel free to experiment with your favorite cookies to give it a personal twist).
1/4 cup of Whipped Cream (optional, but highly recommended for a rich topping).
1 tablespoon of Chocolate Syrup (optional, but adds a fun twist and extra flavor).
A few extra cookies for garnish (optional, but who doesn’t love a little extra cookie crunch on top?).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process step-by-step. You’ll be sipping on this amazing milkshake in no time!

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by getting everything you need in one spot: ice cream, milk, cookies, and any extra toppings you might want, like whipped cream or chocolate syrup.
Prepare the Cookies: Take your cookies (Oreos are the classic choice here, but any chocolate cookie works) and break them up into smaller chunks. I usually give them a rough crush with my hands, but you can also use a food processor if you want a finer texture. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of crushed cookies to mix into the milkshake, but you can always add more if you like a cookie-packed shake!
Blend the Milkshake: In a blender, add 2 cups of cookies and cream ice cream, 1 cup of milk, and the 1/2 cup of crushed cookies. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. This should only take about 20-30 seconds, depending on how powerful your blender is.Pro Tip: If the shake is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the consistency you like. If it’s too thin, just throw in a little more ice cream.
Serve It Up: Pour the shake into two glasses (or one giant glass, no judgment here). You can drizzle chocolate syrup around the inside of the glass for a fun touch if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Top It Off: For the perfect finishing touch, top your shake with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed cookies, and maybe a few whole cookies for that “wow” factor. Add a straw, and you’re all set!

How to Serve

Serve it as a dessert: Pair it with a slice of cake, a piece of pie, or even just enjoy it on its own as the perfect end to any meal.
Turn it into a float: Add a splash of soda to your milkshake for an extra fizzy twist. Root beer or cola would pair beautifully with the rich ice cream and cookies.
Share it with a friend: This recipe makes two shakes, but if you’re feeling generous (or if you just want to share your love of milkshakes), it’s easy to double or triple the recipe for a crowd.

Additional Tips

To make sure your shake turns out perfectly, here are some tips and tricks:

Choose the Right Ice Cream: If you’re really in the mood for a gourmet milkshake, consider making your own cookies and cream ice cream! But if you’re going for convenience, choose a high-quality ice cream that has plenty of cookie chunks mixed in. This will give your shake that perfect balance of creamy texture and cookie crunch.
Chill Your Glass: If you want to take your shake to the next level, chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. This will keep your shake colder for longer.
Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on how sweet your ice cream is, you may or may not want to add extra sugar or syrup. Taste your shake as you go, and adjust the sweetness if needed!
Make It Dairy-Free: Swap out the milk for almond milk and use a dairy-free ice cream to make this shake vegan-friendly.
Don’t Overfill the Blender: Leave a little room in your blender for the ingredients to mix together properly. If your blender is packed too full, it may struggle to blend the ingredients smoothly.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Shake is perfect as is, here are a few fun variations you can try:

Minty Cookies and Cream Shake: Add a few drops of mint extract to the shake for a mint-chocolate twist that pairs perfectly with the cookies.
Peanut Butter Lovers: Blend in a couple of spoonfuls of peanut butter with the ice cream for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the cookies beautifully.
Make It Boozy: Add a splash of your favorite liqueur—Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlúa can turn this shake into a decadent adult treat.
Chocolate Lovers: Add a scoop of chocolate ice cream along with the cookies and cream ice cream for a double-chocolate version of this milkshake.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair this milkshake with a slice of chocolate cake or a big bowl of warm brownies for a truly decadent dessert experience.
For Kids: Serve the shake alongside a fun fruit salad or some crispy French fries for a sweet-and-salty snack.

Freezing and Storage

If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can store your milkshake in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let it thaw for a few minutes and give it a good stir to bring it back to the right consistency.

Special Equipment

Blender: A good blender will make sure your shake comes out perfectly creamy and smooth.
Straws: Get some thick straws that can handle the ice cream chunks—no one likes a straw that can’t keep up!
Whipped Cream Dispenser (Optional): If you want to take the whipped cream to the next level, you can use a whipped cream dispenser for a homemade touch.

FAQ Section

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and blend them just before serving. For the best texture, make sure to serve the shake immediately after blending.
Can I use any type of cookies? Absolutely! While Oreos are the classic choice, you can experiment with other cookies—chocolate chip, graham crackers, or even homemade cookies for a personalized twist.
How do I make this shake thicker? Add more ice cream! If you want a really thick shake, increase the amount of ice cream and reduce the milk slightly. You can also add a few extra crushed cookies.
Can I make it without milk? If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or even fruit juice for a more tropical flavor.