Go Back
Thick cookies and cream milkshake topped with whipped cream and crushed Oreo cookies in a clear glass on a marble surface
Print Pin

Cookies and Cream Milkshake Recipe (Thick & Creamy Oreo Milkshake)

This thick and creamy cookies and cream milkshake is made with vanilla ice cream, milk, and chocolate sandwich cookies for a classic dessert that blends smoothly and tastes just like a diner-style shake. Easy, quick, and perfectly balanced every time.
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword cookies and cream milkshake, easy milkshake recipe, homemade milkshake, ice cream milkshake, oreo milkshake, thick milkshake recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 milkshake
Calories 460kcal
Cost $4 for entire recipe

Equipment

  • Blender
  • measuring cups
  • Serving glasses

Ingredients

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • ⅓–½ cup cold whole milk ⅓ cup for thick, ½ cup for easier blending
  • 5–6 chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreo
  • Small pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream for topping
  • Crushed cookies for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Soften Ice Cream

  • Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 3–5 minutes until slightly softened but not melted.

Step 2: Blend the Base

  • Add the milk, vanilla ice cream, and salt to a blender. Blend for 20–25 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Cookies

  • Add the chocolate sandwich cookies and pulse 2–4 times for a chunky texture, or blend briefly for a smoother milkshake. Do not over-blend.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency (Optional)

  • If the milkshake is too thick, add a small splash of milk. If it is too thin, add a scoop of ice cream and blend briefly.

Step 5: Serve

  • Pour into chilled glasses, top with whipped cream and crushed cookies, and serve immediately.

Notes

Choosing the Best Ice Cream

For the best cookies and cream milkshake, use a high-quality vanilla ice cream with a higher fat content. Premium ice cream creates a thicker, creamier texture and prevents the milkshake from becoming icy or watery. Lower-quality or overly airy ice creams can lead to a thinner consistency and less rich flavor.

Milk and Thickness Control

Whole milk provides the ideal balance between creaminess and smooth blending. Start with a smaller amount of milk to control the thickness more easily. For a thick milkshake, use closer to ⅓ cup milk, and for a slightly lighter, easier-to-blend consistency, use up to ½ cup.

Cookie Ratio for Best Flavor

The number of chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreo) should be balanced to avoid overpowering the milkshake. Using 5 to 6 cookies creates a strong cookies and cream flavor without making the texture gritty or overly sweet. Adding the cookies after blending the base helps maintain a smooth consistency with small cookie pieces throughout.

Why Salt Matters

A small pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness from the ice cream and cookies. Even though it is a small addition, it helps the milkshake taste more balanced and less sugary.

Blending Tips for Perfect Texture

To avoid a thin or foamy milkshake, blend only until smooth and avoid over-blending after adding the cookies. Over-blending can break down the cookies too much, resulting in a dull color and thinner texture instead of a creamy consistency with cookie bits.

Serving for Best Results

This cookies and cream milkshake is best served immediately after blending for the thickest and creamiest texture. If it sits too long, it will naturally melt and lose structure. Chilling the serving glass beforehand can help keep the milkshake cold and thick for longer.

Easy Variations

For a thicker milkshake, reduce the milk slightly or add more ice cream. For a richer version, a small amount of heavy cream can be added to enhance the mouthfeel. You can also substitute part of the vanilla ice cream with cookies and cream ice cream to intensify the flavor while keeping the same smooth texture.