Ben and Jerry Milk and Cookies Ice Cream Recipe

Few things in life are as universally comforting as the classic pairing of milk and cookies. It’s simple, nostalgic, and downright delicious. Now, imagine taking that beloved combo to the next level by turning it into a homemade ice cream masterpiece inspired by none other than Ben and Jerry Milk and Cookies Ice Cream.

How to make Ben and Jerry Milk and Cookies Ice Cream

Ben and Jerry Milk and Cookies is a decadent twist on classic cookies‑and‑cream, featuring a creamy vanilla ice cream base (made with Fair‑Trade vanilla and non-GMO ingredients, including cage‑free eggs).

Ingredients:

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Cookie Swirl and Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup crushed chocolate chip cookies
• 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
• ½ cup chocolate cookie crumbs (for the swirl)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours. For best results, chill it overnight to ensure a well-set, creamy texture.
3. Crush the Cookies: While the base is chilling, roughly crush the chocolate chip cookies and chocolate sandwich cookies. You can use a food processor or place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. You want a mix of small pieces and crumbs for varied texture.
4. Churn the Ice Cream: Once the base is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes.
5. Add Cookies and Swirl: About 5 minutes before the churning is complete, add the crushed chocolate chip and sandwich cookies to the ice cream maker.
6. For the chocolate cookie swirl, gently fold in the chocolate cookie crumbs using a spatula once you transfer the ice cream from the maker to your storage container.
7. Freeze the Ice Cream: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming and seal with a lid.
8. Freeze the ice cream for at least 2 hours or until it is firm enough to scoop.

Tips for Perfect Ice Cream:

• Balance the Cookies: Adjust the quantity of cookies based on your preference for a chunkier or smoother texture. Crushing the cookies with varying sizes will add interesting textures to your ice cream.
• Swirl Perfection: To achieve a perfect swirl, layer in the cookie crumbs rather than mixing them completely. This creates pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout the ice cream.
• Enhance With Extras: Consider drizzling melted chocolate or caramel on top when serving. A sprinkle of sea salt can also elevate the flavor profile, giving it a gourmet touch.

What to serve with

Ben and Jerry Milk and Cookies Ice Cream is a delectably rich and creamy treat, featuring vanilla ice cream with chocolate cookie swirls and pieces of chocolate chip and chocolate sandwich cookies.

1. Cookie Platters

• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Enhance the cookie theme by serving freshly baked chocolate chip cookies alongside. The chewy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy Ben and Jerry Milk and Cookies Ice Cream.
• Oreo Cookies: Since the Ben and Jerry Milk and Cookies Ice Cream contains chocolate sandwich cookies, offering whole Oreo cookies ties the flavors together nicely.

2. Brownie Bites

• Classic Chocolate Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies are a perfect match with the creamy, cookie-filled ice cream. Consider cutting them into bite-sized pieces for easy pairing.
• Blondies: The sweet vanilla notes in blondies can beautifully complement the flavors of the Ben and Jerry Milk and Cookies Ice Cream.

3. Sauces and Toppings

• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the ice cream to enhance the decadence.
• Caramel Sauce: A lightly salted caramel sauce can add a contrasting sweetness and richness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add a light, fluffy texture to each serving.

4. Fruit Compotes

• Strawberry or Raspberry Compote: Providing a tart contrast to the ice cream, berry compotes can balance out the sweetness, adding a refreshing element to the dessert.
• Banana Slices: Fresh banana slices introduce a soft texture and mild sweetness that harmonizes with the Ben and Jerry Milk and Cookies Ice Cream.

5. Nuts and Extras

• Chopped Almonds or Pecans: These can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, creating a more complex overall taste.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for additional crunchy chocolate goodness.

6. Beverages

• Coffee: A strong espresso or a mild latte pairs well with the richness of the ice cream and enhances the flavors of the cookies.
• Milkshakes: Blend the Milk & Cookies ice cream with milk for a thick, creamy milkshake. Garnish with whipped cream and extra cookie crumbs for an extravagant presentation.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a homemade version of Ben & Jerry’s Milk & Cookies Ice Cream can be a fun and creative process. If you’re looking to substitute certain ingredients due to dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preference, here are some detailed alternatives:

Base Ingredients

Vanilla Ice Cream Base

Dairy Alternatives:

• Coconut Milk or Almond Milk: These can be used to create a non-dairy version. Full-fat coconut milk provides a creamy texture similar to traditional ice cream.
• Cashew Milk Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a creamy base.

Sugar Alternatives:

• Honey, Agave Nectar, or Maple Syrup: These can be used to sweeten the ice cream naturally.
• Stevia or Erythritol: For a low-calorie option, consider using these sugar substitutes.

Egg-Free Version:

• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: Use these as a thickening agent to replace eggs in an eggless ice cream recipe.

Cookie Ingredients

Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blends or almond flour instead of regular wheat flour to make gluten-free cookies.
• Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon seeds with 3 tablespoons water per egg).

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (Oreo Style)

• Gluten-Free Oreos: These are available commercially or can be homemade using gluten-free flour.
• Vegan Options: Many chocolate sandwich cookies are already vegan; double-check labels to ensure they have no animal products.

Final Thoughts

Ben & Jerry’s Milk and Cookies Ice Cream is one of those desserts that can elevate any sweet treat or stand-alone snack.

More Ben and Jerry Recipes:

• Copycat Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked Ice Cream Recipe
• Copycat Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter Recipe