Author: This Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Recipe is thick, creamy, and rich, but it's also a high-protein vegan treat you can feel good about eating! Scoop it into a cone, spoon it into a bowl, or enjoy it straight from the tub. No Ninja Creami? No problem, I've included a blender option too.
I've shared a few Ninja Creami ice cream ideas here, from Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream to Ninja Creami Chocolate Ice Cream, but if you like your ice cream with mix-ins, you'll appreciate this Cookies and Cream recipe. It starts with my tried-and-true base, which is thick, creamy, and indulgent, but lower in calories and packed with protein. Think: a protein smoothie turned into ice cream. Then come the Oreos. Some pieces stay crunchy for a bit of bite, while others melt into the mix like fudgy cake crumbs. Oooh, this might just be the best Ninja Creami flavor ever.
Why This Ice Cream Is a Must-Make for Ninja Creami Fans
- Easily vegan: This is not a recipe that requires a lot of specialty ingredients to make it vegan. You probably have most of what you need on hand in your kitchen already!
- Healthy indulgence: My Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream tastes decadent and has a fantastic thick, creamy texture, but it's only lightly sweetened and it packs in a protein boost.
- Blender option: If you don't have a Ninja Creami, you can still make this cookies and cream ice cream recipe! Follow the instructions here: How to Make Ice Cream in a Blender!
Ingredients for Cookies and Cream Ninja Creami Ice Cream
- Oreo cookies: Oreos are one of those surprising foods that's naturally vegan!
- Vegan protein powder: You can use vanilla or cookies and cream. I use Good Protein, but Orgain and Vega Sport are also great options.
- Cashew or almond butter: You won't taste this in the ice cream; instead, it's there to add richness and help achieve an ultra-creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract and salt: These two ingredients enhance the overall flavor of the ice cream.
- Xanthan gum: An optional addition for a silkier texture.
- Agave or another sweetener: This is optional, but you may need it if your protein powder isn't very sweet and/or you use unsweetened plant milk.
- Plain or vanilla plant-based milk: I use soy milk for highest protein and creaminess.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami
- Mix the base: Combine the protein powder, cashew butter, vanilla extract, xanthan gum (if using), salt, and sweetener (if using) in the Ninja Creami pint container. Pour in plant-based milk to just below the fill line and mix. As you can see here, I like to use a milk frother.
- Freeze: Freeze the ice cream mixture for 24 hours; you'll keep the lid off at first, which ensures that it freezes flat. Once the mixture is frozen through, screw on the lid.
- Spin it: Remove the pint container from the freezer and run the outside under hot water for a minute or two to prevent icy edges. Insert into the Ninja Creami and select the "Lite Ice Cream" setting.
- Add the cookies: Form a hole in the center of the ice cream. Add the crumbled Oreos, then return the container to the machine and press the "Mix-in" button.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the best texture. Don't forget to add your favorite toppings! (I love adding more crumbled Oreos to mine.)
Tips and Variations
- Re-spin if needed: If, after the first spin, you notice that the texture seems dry or powdery, you can add the ice cream back into the Ninja Creami with another tablespoon or two of the plant milk and press Re-spin. The second time around, it should turn out creamier.
- Make it with extra protein: Add an extra ½ scoop of additional protein powder for another 10 grams of protein.
- Trim the calories: You have a few options here. You can omit the nut butter, use a calorie-free sweetener, use a lower calorie plant-milk (such as oat milk), or use Oreo Thins Cookies or chocolate wafer cookies. If you do all of these, the calorie count will be reduced by 150 to 250 calories.
- Use it to make mini ice cream sandwiches: Instead of a cone or a bowl, open up some Oreos, scrape out the cream (obviously, you will eat the cream because it's delicious) and replace it with your cookies and cream ice cream.
- Flavor twist: Swap Oreos for crushed Biscoff cookies or peanut butter sandwich cookies for a fun new spin.
If you try this Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream recipe, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram. You can also pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later! Let me know in the comments what Ninja Creami recipes you want to see next!
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
More Vegan Ice Cream Recipes
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Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Recipe
This Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream ice cream recipe is thick, creamy and rich, but it's also high-protein and vegan. So easy to make!
Servings: (makes 1 pint)
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Ingredients
- 1 scoop vegan vanilla or cookies and cream protein powder
- 1 tablespoon cashew or almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum, (optional, makes it extra silky)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 - 3 teapsoons agave or sweetener of choice, (optional, if needed)
- 2 cups plain or vanilla plant-based milk, (I like soy milk for highest protein and creaminess)
- 2 - 3 Oreo cookies
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a Ninja Creami pint container, add the protein powder, cashew butter, vanilla extract, xanthan gum (if using), salt, and sweetener (if using). Pour in plant-based milk to just below the fill line (this will be approximately 2 cups). Mix thoroughly using a whisk, fork, strong milk frother, or immersion blender until fully combined and smooth.Sweetness tip: If your protein powder is already sweet, you might not need any extra (I usually skip it). But feel free to sweeten to taste. The base should be a bit sweeter than you want the final ice cream to be, since freezing dulls sweetness. Any sweetener will work here, such as agave, maple syrup, sugar, or a calorie-free option. Lately, I’ve been loving 1 - 2 teaspoon of sugar-free white chocolate syrup for extra flavor. Yum!
- Freeze flat: Freeze with the lid off for 24 hours, or until completely solid. This helps the mixture freeze flat and evenly (no hump!). Once frozen, pop the lid on for longer storage.
- Spin it: Remove from the freezer and run the outside of the container under hot water for 1-2 minutes to help prevent icy edges. Insert into the Ninja Creami and select the "Lite Ice Cream" setting.Re-spin if crumbly: If the texture is dry or powdery, add a splash (1-2 tablespoons) of plant-based milk and press "Re-spin." Repeat if needed until creamy.
- Add the cookies: Dig a hole in the center of the ice cream and break 2 Oreo cookies in half and shove them in the ice cream. Return the container to the machine and press the "Mix-in" button.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for best texture. I like to crumble an extra Oreo cookie and sprinkle it on top for even more cookie goodness.
Notes
Maco Cheat Sheet:
For 1 entire pint using Good Protein (21g protein per scoop), soy milk, and 2 Oreo cookies, the macros are:598 calories · 39g protein · 51g carbs Want to tweak it?
- Higher protein: Add an extra ½ scoop protein powder (+10g protein)
- Lower calorie: Omit the nut butter, use a calorie-free sweetener, use a lower calorie plant-milk (such as oat milk), and use Oreo Thins Cookies or chocolate wafer cookies (saves 150 - 250 calories)
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving (recipe makes 4 servings) | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 564IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 2mg
Marcel says
I am sorry to be the messenger, but in two of the brands of protein powder that you recommend, there was found an unhealthy concentration of lead. It seems that vega sport and orgain are not safe to consume. Mind that there is no safe amount of lead that people can consume. Lead is highly toxic. Especially in kids brains it can lower the IQ. (I say this, because kids are enthousiast icecream consumers.)
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Marcel! Thank you for sharing that! You’re right that plant-based protein powders can sometimes contain trace heavy metals since plants naturally absorb minerals from the soil. I always encourage readers to choose a brand they feel comfortable with, there are lots of great options out there. I’ll take another look at my recommended list 😊
Julie says
Is there a replacement for the xanthan gum?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Julie, no there isn't but it is optional. So if you don't have it on hand, skip it. It just helps make it extra creamy/silky, but it will still be great without it. Enjoy!
Lea says
Would the recipe still turn out tasty ice cream if the protein powder is omitted? Is it just added to increase the protein count or for some other ice cream function? I don't normally buy or have on hand so I am curious. Thank you. 🙂
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Great question, Lea! The protein powder adds creaminess, structure, flavor, and body, so it's pretty key for the texture. If you skip it, the ice cream may turn out thinner and more icy. I’d suggest replacing some or all of the plant milk with something richer like vegan heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk to help make up for it. You could also try making my vanilla ice cream recipe that is made with cashews which might get you better results, then just mix in the Oreos. Let me know how it goes!
Linda says
I am interested in Creami recipes without the protein powder too...
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Linda, you can try any of my regular ice cream recipes and just follow the instructions for Ninja Creami in the notes. 🙂
Vic says
Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Recipe
we tried the cookies and cream recipe
it was amazing
highly recommend
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Vic 😊 Yay, so glad you loved it, thanks for the sweet review!