Name: Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 14oz Can Sweetened Condensed Milk or vegan substitute; 2 C Heavy Cream or vegan substitute; 1 C Whole Milk (you can also use 1%, 2%, or plant-based); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Mint Extract; ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1-2 tablespoons Matcha Powder (optional, for coloring; can also use 4-5 drops green gel food coloring); 12 Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (e.g., Oreos)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Recipe with you because it’s one of my absolute favorites when it comes to homemade frozen treats. The creamy, refreshing mint paired with crunchy chocolate cookies is like a delightful dance of flavors and textures in every bite. I love how easy it is to make, especially since it doesn’t require cooking, and how versatile it can be depending on what kind of cookies or extracts you have on hand. If you’re craving a cool, minty dessert with that classic cookies and cream twist, this recipe is just the ticket.

Why You’ll Love This Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Recipe

What I find truly special about this Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Recipe is its perfectly balanced flavor profile. The peppermint undertones are fresh and invigorating without being overpowering, and when combined with the rich sweetness of the cookies and cream base, it creates a harmony that’s utterly irresistible. The subtle hint of matcha powder (if you decide to use it) adds a beautiful pale green shade and a slight earthy note that complements the mint splendidly. Every spoonful feels like a little celebration for your taste buds.

Another thing I adore about making this recipe is how straightforward it is. I’m not one to spend hours on complicated dessert projects, so the no-cook method is a big win in my book. Just whisk, churn, and freeze, and you’re done. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile for all sorts of occasions — whether it’s a casual family dinner, a relaxed gathering with friends, or a refreshing treat after a long summer day. Honestly, I always find that this ice cream recipe sparks joy and effortless smiles among everyone who tries it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top center, a white bowl holds several dark chocolate sandwich cookies. To the right of it is a small can with a red and white label, identified as sweetened condensed milk. Below these, there is a small white bowl filled with bright green matcha powder. On the left side, a clear glass measuring cup contains white milk, and below it, a white bowl with a rich amber-colored liquid, likely vanilla extract. At the bottom left, there is a small dark bottle with a red cap, probably vanilla or another extract. At the center-right bottom, a small wooden bowl holds a pinch of white salt, and to the right, a small clear glass cup carries a small amount of white cream or milk. The ingredients are spaced evenly with clear visibility of each on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Preparing this Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream is delightfully simple, thanks to a concise list of ingredients that each do a crucial job. Every element has a specific role, whether it’s lending creaminess, flavor, or that signature speckled chocolate crunch that makes it so memorable.

Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz): This is the secret to creating a luscious, creamy base without cooking, adding rich sweetness effortlessly.
Heavy Cream (2 cups): Provides the luxurious texture and mouthfeel that makes homemade ice cream taste indulgent.
Whole Milk (1 cup): Adds smoothness and slightly lightens the cream for a balanced consistency.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Gives a warm, comforting undertone that enhances all other flavors.
Mint Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings that refreshing, unmistakable minty kick that defines this ice cream.
Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon): Just a pinch to round out sweetness and intensify the overall flavor.
Matcha Powder (1-2 tablespoons, optional): Adds lovely green color and a nuanced flavor layer if you want to get fancy.
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (12 pieces): Packed with sweet chocolate crunch and creamy centers, breaking these into bite-sized pieces is my favorite part!

Directions

Step 1: Begin by combining the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, mint extract, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl or a big measuring cup. Whisk everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If you’re using matcha powder, whisk it first with a few tablespoons of milk in a small bowl to avoid clumps before folding it into the main mixture.

Step 2: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your machine. The ice cream should thicken to a soft-serve consistency.

Step 3: While the ice cream is churning, break the chocolate sandwich cookies into bite-sized chunks. You want pieces big enough to still have texture but small enough to mix seamlessly throughout.

Step 4: When your ice cream is about 5 minutes from finishing, gradually add the cookie chunks into the churner. This helps them get evenly distributed without becoming too mushy.

Step 5: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Press a sheet of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals, then seal it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 4 hours until it’s firm enough to scoop.

Step 6: Once fully frozen, scoop generously into bowls or waffle cones, and enjoy that refreshing, creamy delight you just made!

Servings and Timing

This Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Recipe yields about 8 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dessert or sharing with friends. The prep time is pretty minimal—around 10 minutes to gather and mix your ingredients. Churning time depends on your ice cream maker, but typically it takes 20 to 30 minutes. Don’t forget to add at least 4 hours of freezing time to get the perfect scoopable texture. Overall, you’re looking at about 4 and a half hours total, most of which is hands-off chilling and freezing.

How to Serve This Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Recipe

A waffle bowl filled with three scoops of light green mint chip ice cream sprinkled with dark chocolate cookie crumbs, with one whole dark chocolate sandwich cookie stuck on the side of the scoops; a silver spoon is holding a scoop in the background, and a fresh green mint leaf sits beside the bowl on a white marbled surface with scattered cookie pieces around it, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Recipe, I love to keep it simple yet elegant. One of my favorite ways is scooping it into classic waffle cones, where the crispy cone and crunchy cookie bits make for a perfect textural contrast. If you want to make it extra fancy, topping the scoop with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a sprinkling of crushed peppermint candy adds a festive flair.

For a more decadent dessert, you could serve the ice cream alongside a warm brownie or a slice of chocolate cake—the cold minty creaminess paired with rich, fudgy chocolate is an absolute match made in heaven. Garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a few cookie crumbs on top also elevates the presentation beautifully, making this an ideal dessert for holiday dinners or special occasions.

As for drinks, I find a mint-infused iced green tea or a smooth coffee works wonderfully alongside the vibrant flavors of the ice cream. If you prefer cocktails, a chocolate martini or a refreshing peppermint mojito can be a delightful accompaniment. Serve this ice cream chilled straight from the freezer for the best texture, and consider portioning about half a cup per person to satisfy those sweet cravings without overwhelming.

Variations

I love playing around with this Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Recipe because it’s so flexible. For example, if you want to keep it vegan, swapping in your favorite plant-based sweetened condensed milk, non-dairy milk, and vegan whipping cream works like a charm. Surprisingly, regular Oreos are vegan, so no changes needed there. For those who need gluten-free treats, simply pick gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies, and you’re good to go.

If you’re craving a twist on the classic mint base, why not experiment with the flavors? I’ve tried adding a teaspoon of instant coffee powder for a mocha-mint vibe or swapping the matcha powder for cocoa powder to deepen the chocolate notes. Some days I even like using flavored sandwich cookies, such as mint-flavored Oreos to double down on the refreshing mint character or vanilla ones for a milder, sweeter contrast.

For those who prefer an ultra-rich ice cream, you could take a cooking approach by using Jeni’s base ice cream method. This involves a warm custard base rather than the no-cook method, which creates an incredibly silky texture. Add the mint extract during cooking and mix in matcha with cornstarch, then churn and fold in your cookie pieces as usual. The choice is yours to make the recipe your own.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover ice cream, I recommend storing it in an airtight, freezer-safe container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent freezer burn. Press a piece of parchment or wax paper directly onto the surface before sealing to minimize ice crystal formation. Stored properly, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, though personally, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

This Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Recipe freezes very well. Just be sure to freeze it in a shallow, sealed container for faster and more even freezing. If you plan to store it longer than a week, occasional gentle stirring when the ice cream is partially frozen can help maintain a smooth texture. Keep it frozen for up to one month for optimal taste and quality.

Reheating

Luckily, ice cream doesn’t require reheating, but sometimes it can become too hard straight out of the freezer. I find letting it sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes softens it just enough for easy scooping without melting the flavors. Avoid microwaving, as that quickly ruins the texture and makes it watery. Patience is key here to enjoy your ice cream at its best.

FAQs

Can I make this Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Recipe without an ice cream maker?

Yes! While an ice cream maker gives you the best texture, you can still make this recipe by whisking the mix and freezing it in a shallow container, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals. It won’t be quite as smooth but still delicious.

What type of cookies work best for this recipe?

I usually use classic chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos because their cream centers add extra richness, and their chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with mint. However, you can substitute with any chocolate sandwich cookies or even gluten-free ones depending on your preference.

Is the matcha powder necessary?

Not at all! The matcha powder is optional and mainly for color and a slight earthy flavor that complements mint. If you prefer a pure mint flavor or don’t like matcha, feel free to omit it or use green gel food coloring instead for that refreshing hue.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Just swap the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and whole milk with your favorite plant-based alternatives. Regular Oreos are vegan, so you don’t need to change those. The texture and flavor come out wonderfully with these substitutions.

How long can I store the ice cream in the freezer?

If stored properly in an airtight container with parchment on top, your ice cream will keep its best quality for up to one month. Beyond that, it may dry out or develop ice crystals, but it’s still safe to eat.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a refreshing, fun, and easy homemade ice cream to wow your friends and family, this Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Recipe is a winner every time in my kitchen. Its inviting mint flavor combined with chunky cookie bits makes every spoonful a joy. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do — it’s truly one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.