High-Protein Cookies and Cream Ice Cream You Can Make at Home
There’s something irresistibly satisfying about indulging in a scoop of ice cream, especially when it doesn’t just taste amazing but also supports your fitness goals. That’s the magic of high-protein ice cream! Loved by fitness enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike, this trendy treat strikes the perfect balance between delicious indulgence and health-conscious eating. Whether you’re hitting the gym regularly or simply trying to add more protein to your diet, a protein-packed ice cream is a game-changer—no guilt, just creamy goodness.
Now, let’s talk about cookies and cream. It’s a classic flavor with universal appeal—smooth vanilla ice cream swirled with crunchy chocolate cookie pieces. There’s a reason it’s a favorite: it’s nostalgic, comforting, and feels like a reward. By combining this beloved flavor with a high-protein recipe, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with nutrients to fuel your day—or your workout recovery.
Ready to make this healthier take on cookies and cream right in your own kitchen? This recipe is quick, simple, and requires no fancy equipment. Let’s dive in and turn your craving into a high-protein masterpiece!
Serving Size and Preparation Time
- Serving Size: This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, with each serving being about 1/2 cup of ice cream.
- Preparation Time: The active preparation time is around 10 minutes. However, allow 24 hours for freezing the base and an additional 5-10 minutes for processing the ice cream in the Ninja Creami.
Total time from start to finish (excluding active prep) is about 24 hours and 20 minutes.
Macros and Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/2 cup):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 10g
This high-protein cookies and cream ice cream offers a balanced nutritional profile, making it a great post-workout snack or healthy treat. With 20g of protein per serving, it helps support muscle recovery, while the moderate fat content comes from healthy sources like almond milk. The carbs are kept relatively low, making it a good option for those watching their sugar intake. It’s a delicious, guilt-free indulgence that fuels your body without compromising flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 cup skim milk (240ml)
- 1 cup almond milk (240ml)
- 1 scoop vanilla whey protein (30g)
- 1 tbsp cookies & cream pudding mix (10g)
- 1 tbsp zero-calorie sweetener
- 2 sandwich cookie thins (15g)
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base
Add skim milk, almond milk, vanilla whey protein, cookies & cream pudding mix, and zero-calorie sweetener to the base of your Ninja Creami. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. - Freeze the Base
Place the Creami base in the freezer and let it freeze for 24 hours, allowing it to set properly. - Process the Ice Cream
After 24 hours, remove the base from the freezer and place it into your Ninja Creami machine. Select the lite ice cream setting to process the mixture into a smooth, creamy consistency. - Hollow the Center
Once the ice cream is blended, use a butter knife to carefully hollow out the center of the ice cream. - Add the Cookie Thins
Break the sandwich cookie thins into smaller pieces and add them to the hollowed center of the ice cream. - Mix the Cookies In
Place the ice cream back into the Ninja Creami and use the mix-in setting to incorporate the cookie pieces evenly throughout the ice cream. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the cookies are fully mixed in, your high-protein cookies and cream ice cream is ready! Scoop it into bowls or cones, and enjoy this delicious, guilt-free treat!
Serving Suggestions
This high-protein cookies and cream ice cream is delicious on its own, but here are a few fun ways to elevate the experience!
- Top with Whipped Cream – Add a dollop of low-fat whipped cream for extra indulgence, and maybe a sprinkle of crushed cookie pieces for added crunch.
- Create a Sundae – Layer your ice cream with a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate or caramel syrup, and top it off with a few fresh berries or chopped nuts for a burst of flavor.
- Serve in a Cone – For a classic touch, serve your ice cream in a sugar-free or gluten-free cone for the perfect on-the-go treat.
- Pair with a Protein Shake – For an extra protein boost, pair your ice cream with a chocolate or vanilla protein shake for a complete, post-workout snack.
Whether you keep it simple or get creative, this ice cream is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings in a healthier way!
Tips for Success
1. Avoid Over-Freezing
When freezing the base for 24 hours, make sure it’s not left in the freezer too long before blending. If it freezes too hard, it can be difficult for your Ninja Creami to process the ice cream properly. Stick to the recommended freezing time for the best texture.
2. Mix the Ingredients Thoroughly
Ensure that the whey protein and pudding mix are well combined with the liquids before freezing. Any clumps can affect the smoothness of the final product. A whisk or blender can help create a more even mix.
3. Don’t Skip the Mix-in Setting
When adding your cookie thins, be sure to use the mix-in setting on the Creami. This ensures the cookies are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream without compromising its creamy texture.
4. Storing the Ice Cream
Store your protein ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. For the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping, as protein ice cream can get a bit firmer than traditional ice cream.
5. Serving Tips
If you plan on serving immediately after making it, ensure it has been processed fully with the lite ice cream setting. This ensures a creamy, smooth scoop. For long-term storage, consider using a container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and texture.
Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? With this high-protein cookies and cream ice cream, you can indulge in a creamy, delicious treat while fueling your body with the nutrition it needs. Whether you’re satisfying a sweet craving after a workout or simply enjoying a healthier dessert, this recipe proves that indulgence and nutrition can absolutely coexist.
We’d love to see your own creations! Share your high-protein ice cream photos and tag us—you deserve to enjoy these guilt-free treats, and we can’t wait to see how you make them your own!