Name: Santa’s Milk and Cookies Ice Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk (cold); 2 cups heavy fresh dairy cream (cold); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 1 1/2 cup crushed chocolate chip cookies

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Santa’s Milk and Cookies Ice Cream is the ultimate holiday treat, blending creamy indulgence with nostalgic cookie crunch. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this luscious dessert that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. The velvety milk base pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery cookie pieces, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Each spoonful is a delightful mix of smooth and crispy, with a hint of vanilla warmth that feels like a cozy holiday hug. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or treating yourself, this ice cream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, effortless, and tastes like pure holiday magic in every bite.

What You’ll Need

1 can (14 oz/400 ml) sweetened condensed milk (cold)
2 cups (16 oz/450 ml) heavy fresh dairy cream (cold)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
1 1/2 cups (3 1/2 oz/135 g) crushed chocolate chip cookies (store-bought or homemade)

How to Make It

Whip the cream: In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the cold heavy cream on medium speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add condensed milk: Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly pour in the cold sweetened condensed milk. If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.
Whip until thick: Increase the speed to medium-high and continue whipping until the mixture is thick and returns to stiff peaks. This will take about 1-2 minutes.
Fold in cookies: Gently fold in the crushed chocolate chip cookies until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Freeze: Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
Serve: Scoop and enjoy your creamy, cookie-filled ice cream!

Perfect Pairings: Toppings and Serving Ideas

Elevate your Santa’s Milk and Cookies Ice Cream with fun toppings! Try drizzling warm chocolate sauce or caramel over each scoop for a decadent touch. For a festive twist, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or mini marshmallows on top. Serve in waffle cones or alongside fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies for a double dose of cookie goodness.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh and Creamy

Store your ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent ice crystals from forming. If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. For best flavor and texture, enjoy within 1-2 weeks—though it’s so delicious, it probably won’t last that long!

Recipe Variations: Mix It Up!

Customize this recipe to suit your taste! Swap chocolate chip cookies for Oreo crumbs or ginger snaps for a different flavor profile. Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra crunch. For a boozy twist, stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the condensed milk before mixing.

Time-Saving Tips: Quick and Easy Prep

Use store-bought chocolate chip cookies to save time—just crush them into small pieces. If you’re short on time, freeze the ice cream for at least 2 hours instead of 4, though it’ll be softer. Pre-measure your ingredients the night before to make the process even faster.

Equipment Guidance: Tools for Success

A stand mixer with a whisk attachment is ideal for whipping the cream to stiff peaks, but a hand mixer works just as well. Use a spatula to gently fold in the cookie crumbs for even distribution. A sturdy airtight container is essential for freezing the ice cream without compromising its texture.