There’s nothing quite like a thick, creamy cookies and cream milkshake to satisfy your sweet cravings. Made with just a few simple ingredients like Oreo cookies, vanilla ice cream, and milk, this homemade milkshake is rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make—no need to run to a fast-food joint.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a summer treat, or a nostalgic classic, this recipe will show you how to make the best cookies and cream milkshake at home in just five minutes. Plus, I’ll share pro tips, fun variations, and even a dairy-free option so everyone can enjoy this delicious shake. Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Cookies and Cream Milkshake
A cookies and cream milkshake is more than just a delicious treat—it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that make every sip satisfying. Here’s why this homemade version will quickly become your go-to milkshake recipe.
Thick, Creamy, and Better Than Store-Bought
This milkshake has the perfect consistency—smooth, rich, and creamy with just the right amount of cookie crunch. Unlike store-bought versions, you can control the thickness by adjusting the ratio of ice cream to milk. If you love an ultra-thick shake, simply add more ice cream and less milk.
Made With Simple Ingredients in Just Five Minutes
You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment to make this cookies and cream milkshake. With just a handful of basic ingredients—Oreo cookies, vanilla ice cream, and milk—you can whip up a satisfying treat in minutes. All you need is a blender, and you’re ready to go.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best things about making your own milkshake is that you can easily customize it. Want it extra chocolatey? Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or blend in some chocolate ice cream. Prefer a dairy-free option? Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk with dairy-free ice cream. You can even make it healthier by using protein powder or Greek yogurt for added nutrition.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This milkshake is a great treat for any time of the day. It’s a refreshing drink for hot summer afternoons, a quick dessert to satisfy a sweet craving, or even a fun treat for movie nights and parties. Plus, kids and adults alike love the classic cookies and cream flavor.
Ingredients You Need for a Perfect Cookies and Cream Milkshake
Making a delicious cookies and cream milkshake at home is easy with just a few basic ingredients. The right combination of flavors and textures will give you a thick, creamy, and well-balanced milkshake that tastes just like the ones from your favorite diner or ice cream shop.
Main Ingredients
- Oreo cookies – These chocolate sandwich cookies are the key ingredient, giving the milkshake its signature cookies and cream flavor. You can use classic Oreos or experiment with different flavors like double-stuffed or golden Oreos for a twist.
- Vanilla ice cream – A rich and creamy vanilla ice cream forms the base of the milkshake. It provides the smooth texture and enhances the cookies’ chocolatey crunch. For an extra indulgent shake, opt for a high-quality or premium brand of ice cream.
- Milk – The liquid component helps blend everything together. Whole milk works best for a rich and creamy texture, but you can also use two percent or skim milk for a lighter option.
Optional Add-Ins
- Chocolate syrup – A drizzle of chocolate syrup adds extra sweetness and a deeper chocolate flavor to the milkshake. It also makes a great topping when served.
- Whipped cream – A fluffy swirl of whipped cream on top of the milkshake makes it even more indulgent and gives it that classic dessert look.
- Vanilla extract – A small splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and adds depth to the milkshake.
- Crushed cookies for garnish – Sprinkling crushed Oreo cookies on top of the whipped cream or around the rim of the glass adds extra crunch and visual appeal.
Best Milk Options for Different Dietary Needs
Coconut milk – If you enjoy a slight tropical twist, coconut milk can add a unique flavor to the milkshake while keeping it dairy-free.
Whole milk – The best choice for a thick and creamy texture, giving the milkshake a rich consistency.
Almond milk – A great dairy-free alternative that adds a light nutty flavor without overpowering the cookies and cream taste.
Oat milk – A creamy plant-based option that blends well with the other ingredients while keeping the shake smooth.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Cookies and Cream Milkshake
Making a cookies and cream milkshake at home is quick and easy, requiring just a few ingredients and a blender. Follow these simple steps to create a thick and creamy milkshake that tastes just like the ones from your favorite ice cream shop.
Step 1: Crush the Cookies for the Best Texture
Start by crushing the Oreo cookies before blending them. This helps create an even texture and prevents large cookie chunks from getting stuck in the straw. You can crush them using a food processor, place them in a plastic bag and roll over them with a rolling pin, or simply break them apart with your hands. If you prefer a chunkier milkshake, leave some larger pieces intact for added texture.
Step 2: Blend Ice Cream, Milk, and Cookies to Perfection
In a blender, add the vanilla ice cream and milk. The ice cream should be slightly softened to ensure smooth blending. Whole milk creates a rich and creamy consistency, but you can use alternatives like almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Add the crushed cookies to the blender and blend on medium speed until everything is well combined. If you like a thicker milkshake, start with less milk and gradually add more as needed.
Step 3: Adjust Thickness and Consistency
If the milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add an extra scoop of ice cream to thicken it up. Some people also like adding a few ice cubes to make the milkshake extra cold and frothy without making it too watery.
Step 4: Serve and Top with Whipped Cream and More Cookies
Once the milkshake is smooth and creamy, pour it into a tall glass. For an extra indulgent touch, top it with whipped cream and sprinkle some crushed cookies on top. You can also drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring in the milkshake for a decorative effect. Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy a delicious homemade cookies and cream milkshake.
Tips for Making the Best Cookies and Cream Milkshake
Making a cookies and cream milkshake is simple, but a few small tricks can take it from good to amazing. Whether you want a thicker consistency, a richer flavor, or a dairy-free option, these tips will help you create the perfect milkshake every time.
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor
The key to a great milkshake starts with the ingredients. Using premium vanilla ice cream will give your shake a creamier texture and a rich, authentic taste. Whole milk adds the perfect balance of creaminess, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can use two percent milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Fresh Oreo cookies provide the best flavor and crunch, so avoid stale or off-brand alternatives.
How to make it extra thick and creamy
If you prefer a thick milkshake, start with slightly softened ice cream and use less milk than usual. Blend the ingredients until just combined, and avoid overmixing, which can make the shake too thin. For an even thicker consistency, you can add an extra scoop of ice cream or blend in a few ice cubes. Another trick is to freeze the serving glasses beforehand to help maintain the milkshake’s thick texture for longer.
Blender tips for the perfect consistency
Using a high-powered blender makes it easier to achieve a smooth and creamy milkshake. Start by adding the milk first, followed by the ice cream and crushed cookies. This helps the blender process the ingredients more evenly without getting stuck. If you want a chunkier texture, pulse the cookies in at the end instead of blending them fully. For an ultra-smooth shake, blend everything on high speed for about thirty seconds.
How to make a dairy-free or healthier version
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, swap regular ice cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut, almond, or cashew-based ice cream. Use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk for a creamy consistency. To make a healthier version, try using Greek yogurt in place of some of the ice cream, or opt for a sugar-free vanilla ice cream. You can also use reduced-fat or protein-packed alternatives for a more nutritious shake without sacrificing flavor.
Fun Variations of Cookies and Cream Milkshake
One of the best things about a cookies and cream milkshake is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add extra flavor, make it healthier, or give it a unique twist, there are plenty of ways to switch things up. Here are some fun variations to try.
Oreo chocolate milkshake
For an extra chocolatey twist, swap the vanilla ice cream for chocolate ice cream and blend it with crushed Oreo cookies and milk. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a richer taste. This version is perfect for chocolate lovers who want a more intense flavor.
Cookies and cream protein shake
If you want a protein-packed version of this milkshake, add a scoop of vanilla or cookies and cream protein powder. Swap the ice cream for Greek yogurt or a frozen banana to keep it creamy while making it a bit healthier. This is a great option for a post-workout treat or a satisfying breakfast shake.
Mint cookies and cream milkshake
For a refreshing twist, add a few drops of mint extract to your milkshake before blending. The cool mint flavor pairs perfectly with the chocolate cookies, creating a shake that tastes like a thin mint cookie. If you want to enhance the minty effect, use mint chocolate chip ice cream instead of vanilla.
Coffee cookies and cream milkshake
For a caffeinated boost, blend in a shot of espresso or half a cup of cold brew coffee. The combination of coffee and cookies creates a rich and bold flavor that is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. You can also top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed coffee beans for extra texture and flavor.
These variations allow you to enjoy a cookies and cream milkshake in different ways, whether you want it extra chocolatey, refreshing, energizing, or protein-packed. Try experimenting with different ingredients to create your own unique version.
Try out this Cookies and Cream Milkshake and let your creativity shine! We’d love to see your sweet creations. Tag us on Instagram at @SweetEatsRecipes and use the hashtag #CookiesandCreamMilkshake to get featured.
Cookies and Cream Milkshake
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring cups
- Tall glasses
- Straws
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- 6 Oreo cookies
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Crush the cookies – Break Oreo cookies into small pieces for easier blending.
- Blend the ingredients – In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, milk, crushed cookies, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency – If the milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, add more ice cream.
- Serve and garnish – Pour into tall glasses, top with whipped cream, and drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired.
- Enjoy immediately – Serve with a straw and enjoy your homemade cookies and cream milkshake.
Notes
- Use chocolate ice cream for an extra rich flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and dairy-free ice cream.
- Add a shot of espresso for a cookies and cream coffee milkshake.
- Blend in a frozen banana for a thicker texture with natural sweetness