Imagine a warm summer evening, the sun setting softly on the horizon, and the faint laughter of children playing in the distance. As I sit on my porch, I can’t help but crave something sweet to cool off the heat of the day. What comes to mind? Ice cream, of course! But not just any ice cream—Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream, which brings back fond memories of those carefree childhood summers, when endless bowls of mint chocolate chip were the ultimate treat.
This recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen! Whether you’re an ice cream aficionado or someone who’s just dipping their toe into homemade treats, I promise, this post will guide you through making this delightful dessert with ease. You don’t need to be a master chef or have a degree in culinary arts; this recipe makes it simple, stress-free, and totally doable—even if it’s your first time using a Ninja Creami.
Highlights
Why I Love This Recipe of Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream
This Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream isn’t just a delightful dessert; it’s packed with nostalgia and flavor that pulls at the heartstrings. There’s something special about the way the cool mint dances alongside the rich, creamy texture and the delightful crunch of crushed Oreos. Each bite transports me back to carefree summer days spent with friends, sharing laughs and savoring every spoonful.
But it’s not just for those with a sweet tooth or fond memories to explore; beginner cooks will appreciate how straightforward this recipe is. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a Ninja Creami, you’ll master the art of homemade ice cream in no time. Plus, it holds the cozy, practical appeal of being able to create something delicious in your kitchen, which is perfect to share with loved ones or to treat yourself after a long day. This recipe is not just about indulging; it’s all about making sweet memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream
Creating your homemade Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream is effortless when you have everything you need in one place. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll require:
Essentials:
2 cups Half and Half
Rich and creamy, half and half is the backbone of your ice cream, giving it that smooth texture.½ cup Cottage Cheese
This may seem like an unexpected ingredient, but it adds protein and creaminess without the excess fat.½ cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
This sweet addition brings the dessert’s sweetness and creaminess to another level.2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Extract
For that classic ice cream flavor, the vanilla bean extract is a staple in any ice cream recipe.¼ teaspoon Mint Chocolate Chip Flavor
I used Lorann Oils Mint Chocolate Chip, which gives the ice cream its refreshing flavor. Feel free to add more if you want a mintier punch.Crushed Oreo Cookies
These add a crunchy texture and a rich chocolate flavor, making each spoonful delightful.
Optional Add-ons:
- More crushed Oreos: If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to throw in an extra handful for texture.
- Chocolate chips: For those who want some extra chocolate goodness in every bite.
Substitutions and Shortcuts:
- For a dairy-free version: You can substitute half and half with almond milk or coconut milk and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative.
- For lower sugar options: Consider using unsweetened almond or coconut milk and erythritol or stevia instead of sweetened condensed milk.
- For a minty twist: Use a few drops of peppermint extract for a more intense mint flavor, but adjust carefully as it can be quite potent.
How to Make Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Step-by-Step
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making your Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream. Follow these steps for creamy goodness!
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Begin by adding all your ingredients—2 cups of half and half, ½ cup of cottage cheese, ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean extract, ¼ teaspoon of the mint chocolate chip flavor, and crushed Oreo cookies—into a blender or food processor. Blend on high until everything is smooth and creamy. You’re looking for a consistency that’s well combined with no visible chunks. Take a moment to admire the lovely greenish hue from the mint flavoring as it comes together.
Step 2: Freeze the Mixture
Once blended, carefully pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, ensuring you leave some space at the top for expansion. Cover it with a lid and place it flat in your freezer for 24 hours. This part requires a bit of patience, but think of it as a sweet anticipation, knowing that the treat you are about to enjoy will be worth the wait.
Step 3: Spin It Out
After your mix has frozen solid, it’s time to bring it back to life! Take the pint container out of the freezer, remove the lid, and place it in the Ninja Creami machine. Select the “Ice Cream” mode. This nifty machine will churn and spin your ice cream, transforming that solid block into a creamy delight.
Step 4: Respin If Needed
If the texture feels crumbly once spun, don’t worry! That can happen sometimes. Simply add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to the container and hit the “Respin” button on your Ninja Creami. This will incorporate the milk and restore the smooth texture you desire.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins
If you didn’t add crushed Oreos during the blending stage, now’s the perfect opportunity to fold them in. Gently mix the crushed Oreos into the ice cream for an extra burst of crunch. You’re ready to enjoy your homemade Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade ice cream can be a bit tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Mistake 1: Not Blending Ingredients Thoroughly
Ensure that all your ingredients are blended until smooth. If there are chunks of cottage cheese or unincorporated mint flavor, it can affect how the ice cream sets and the taste.
Mistake 2: Skipping the Freezing Step
Don’t rush the freezing process. Your ice cream needs a solid 24 hours in the freezer to achieve that perfect creamy texture. Resist the temptation to sneak a taste before it’s ready!
Mistake 3: Overfilling the Pint Container
Leave some space at the top of the pint container before freezing. This allows the mixture to expand without spilling over, which could make a mess in your freezer.
Mistake 4: Overly Crushed Oreo Cookies
While crushed Oreos add a delightful texture, avoid pulverizing them into dust. You want to maintain some chunkiness for that satisfying crunch in your ice cream.
Print
Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream
- Total Time: 1455 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful homemade ice cream that combines mint flavor with crushed Oreos, creating a nostalgic and refreshing treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Half and Half
- ½ cup Cottage Cheese
- ½ cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Extract
- ¼ teaspoon Mint Chocolate Chip Flavor
- Crushed Oreo Cookies
- Optional: More crushed Oreos, Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Freeze the mixture in a Ninja Creami pint container for 24 hours.
- Use the Ninja Creami to churn the frozen mixture on ‘Ice Cream’ mode.
- If the texture is crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and resubmit for ‘Respin’.
- Fold in additional crushed Oreos if desired before serving.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with almond or coconut milk. Consider sweetener alternatives for lower sugar options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1440 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: ice cream, mint, cookies and cream, dessert, homemade ice cream
Serving Suggestions for Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream
Now that you have your Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream ready, here are some serving suggestions to elevate the experience.
Serve in a Bowl
The simplest way to enjoy your ice cream is in a bowl, garnished with a few extra crushed Oreos and a sprig of fresh mint. This classic presentation is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Sundae Style
Transform your treat into a sundae! Top your ice cream with whipped cream, hot fudge, and additional sprinkles of crushed Oreos for a deliciously decadent experience.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Take it a step further by creating ice cream sandwiches. Scoop some of your mint cookies & cream ice cream between two soft chocolate chip cookies for an indulgent twist that your family will adore.
Pair with Fresh Fruit
For a refreshing contrast, serve your ice cream alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas. The fruity addition balances the richness of the mint and Oreo flavor beautifully.
Nutritional Values of Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream
While this delightful ice cream is certainly a treat, it’s also essential to be mindful of portion sizes and nutritional content. Here’s an approximate nutrient breakdown per serving (based on a 1/2 cup serving size):
Calories
Each serving of Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream contains around 250-300 calories. This makes it a reasonable dessert choice when enjoyed in moderation.
Carbohydrates
With roughly 30-35 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this dessert does have a sweet kick. However, it’s balanced with filling ingredients like cottage cheese.
Fats
Depending on ingredient choices, expect around 10-15 grams of fat. The healthy fats from half and half and cottage cheese will keep you feeling satisfied without going overboard.
Protein
One of the unique advantages of this recipe is the inclusion of cottage cheese, which provides about 5-7 grams of protein per serving. It’s a treat that can still fit into a balanced diet!
Conclusion
There you have it—your guide to making delightful Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream! As you dive into this creamy, minty treat, remember that it’s easier than it looks. You have the power to customize it to your heart’s desire, making it cozy and classic while being beginner-approved.
So, grab your ingredients, gather your family, and whip up a batch of this ice cream to share. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to take a moment to savor the experience of creating something not just for enjoyment but for sweet memories along the way.
Feel free to drop a comment below to share your experiences or any creative twists you’ve added to the recipe! Your feedback can inspire others to jump into their own ice cream adventure.
FAQs About Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream
1. What is Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream?
Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream is a homemade dessert that combines mint chocolate chip flavor with Oreos, made easily using the Ninja Creami ice cream maker.
2. Can I substitute dairy ingredients in the Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, you can replace half and half with almond milk or coconut milk and choose a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative.
3. How can I make my Ninja Creami Mint Cookies & Cream Ice Cream healthier?
You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with a lower sugar or natural sweetener alternative and decrease the amount of added sweeteners. Using lower-fat ingredients can also help reduce calories.
4. How long do I need to freeze the ice cream before it’s ready?
Your mixture needs to freeze for a full 24 hours in a level, flat surface. This helps it achieve that perfect, creamy consistency.
5. What if I don’t have a Ninja Creami machine?
While the Ninja Creami is ideal, you can also use a traditional ice cream maker. Follow the machine’s specific instructions for churning the mixture and freezing it.
Enjoy this scrumptious journey into homemade ice cream, and may every spoonful bring a smile to your face!
