Cookie Monster Ice Cream Bars (No-Churn, Naturally Colored)
These Cookie Monster ice cream bars are fun, festive, and loaded with cookie goodness! With a crunchy Oreo crust, naturally blue spirulina-colored ice cream, and chocolate chip cookies on top, every bite is pure nostalgia. Easy enough for kids to help make and completely dye-free—this is your new favorite homemade frozen treat.
These Cookie Monster ice cream bars are fun, festive, and loaded with cookie goodness! With a crunchy Oreo crust, naturally blue spirulina-colored ice cream, and chocolate chip cookies on top, every bite is pure nostalgia. Easy enough for kids to help make and completely dye-free—this is your new favorite homemade frozen treat.
Ingredients:
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon blue spirulina powder
For the Mix-ins:
- 1 cup mini chocolate chip cookies, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup candy eyeballs
- Optional: 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows
For the Bottom Crust (Oreos):
- 12-15 Oreo cookies, crushed into chunks
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Top Layer (Chocolate Chip Cookies):
- 8-10 chocolate chip cookies (like Chips Ahoy), roughly chopped
- Optional: 1/4 to 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
Prepare the Oreo Crust:
- Line your pan: Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Make the crust: Crush 12-15 Oreo cookies into chunky pieces (keep the cream filling in). Mix with 3 tablespoons melted butter until evenly coated.
- Press and freeze: Press the Oreo mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Place in the freezer while you make the ice cream.
Make the No-Churn Ice Cream:
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl using an electric mixer, whip 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream on high speed for 3-4 minutes until stiff peaks form. Don't over-whip or it may become grainy.
- Fold in the base: Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Be gentle to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Add the color: Gradually add blue spirulina powder, starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adding more until you reach that perfect Cookie Monster blue. The color will deepen slightly as it freezes.
- Mix in the goodies: Fold in chopped mini chocolate chip cookies and candy eyeballs. Add mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips if using.
Assemble the Bars:
- Layer the ice cream: Remove the pan from the freezer. Pour half of the ice cream mixture over the Oreo crust and spread evenly.
- Add a middle layer: Sprinkle a few extra mini cookies and candy eyeballs over the ice cream.
- Top it off: Pour the remaining ice cream on top and smooth it out.
- Finish with cookies: Roughly chop 8-10 chocolate chip cookies, mix with 2 tablespoons melted butter, and sprinkle them over the top. Add white chocolate chips if desired.
Freeze and Serve:
- Freeze: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for at least 6-8 hours or overnight until completely firm.
- Slice: Remove from freezer and let sit 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block out. Cut into bars with a sharp knife, dipping it in warm water between cuts for clean slices.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Let's Talk Ingredients: Why They Matter
1. Heavy Whipping Cream Heavy whipping cream is the secret to no-churn ice cream magic. When whipped to stiff peaks, it creates air pockets that give you that creamy, scoopable texture without needing an ice cream maker. Make sure it's cold before whipping for best results.
2. Blue Spirulina Powder Blue spirulina gives these bars that vibrant Cookie Monster blue naturally—no artificial dyes needed. It's made from algae, packed with antioxidants, and has such a mild taste you won't even notice it. Start with less and add more until you love the color.
3. Sweetened Condensed Milk This is what sweetens the ice cream and keeps it creamy even when frozen. It also helps prevent ice crystals from forming, so you get smooth, soft ice cream bars every time.
4. Oreo Cookies Oreos make the perfect crunchy bottom crust. Keep the cream filling in—it adds flavor and helps bind everything together with the melted butter. Crush them into chunks, not powder, for the best texture.
5. Candy Eyeballs These fun little candy eyes are what make this recipe truly Cookie Monster-approved! They're playful, colorful, and kids absolutely love folding them into the ice cream. You'll find them in the baking aisle near sprinkles and decorating supplies.
6. Chocolate Chip Cookies Mini chocolate chip cookies throughout and regular-sized ones on top give you those delicious cookie chunks in every bite. They soften slightly when frozen, adding that nostalgic cookies-and-cream texture we all grew up loving.
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