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Ninja Creami Cookies & Cream Protein Ice Cream

Ninja Creami Cookies & Cream Protein Ice Cream

This protein-packed ice cream delivers the classic cookies and cream flavor with a creamy, smooth texture. Made with Greek yogurt and protein powder, it’s a guilt-free dessert that satisfies sweet cravings while providing 13g of protein per serving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 scoop (30g) vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ice cream base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until smooth and fully incorporated; this prevents lumps from the protein powder and ensures a homogeneous mixture for a creamy texture.
  2. Taste and adjust sweetness: Sample the mixture and add more honey or a sugar-free sweetener if desired. Remember that freezing dulls sweetness, so the base should taste slightly sweeter than your preferred final ice cream.
  3. Transfer to pint container: Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Securely attach the lid to prevent leaks.
  4. Freeze solid: Place the pint container upright in the freezer for at least 24 hours, or until completely solid. This is critical for proper processing in the Creami; insufficient freezing will result in a soft, slushy texture rather than firm ice cream.
  5. Slightly thaw before processing: Remove the pint from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. This allows the outer layer to soften slightly, helping the Creami blade engage with the frozen base without straining the machine.
  6. Process on Ice Cream setting: Place the pint into the Ninja Creami outer bowl and lock it into the base. Select the ‘Ice Cream’ function and press start; the machine will process the frozen base into a smooth ice cream over several minutes.
  7. Check texture after first cycle: Once the cycle completes, open the lid and inspect the texture. It may be creamy but slightly crumbly; use a spoon to break up any large chunks and stir gently to even out the consistency.
  8. Run a Re-spin for creaminess: For a smoother, lighter texture, select the ‘Re-spin’ function and process again. This additional cycle incorporates more air and refines the ice cream, enhancing its creaminess.
  9. Fold in crushed cookies: Sprinkle the crushed cookie pieces over the processed ice cream. Use a spoon to fold them in gently, taking care not to overmix to prevent the cookies from breaking down too much and losing their texture.
  10. Serve or firm up: Serve immediately for a soft-serve consistency. For scoopable ice cream, return the pint to the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly before serving.
  11. Store properly: If storing, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to minimize ice crystal formation. Reattach the lid and place the pint back in the freezer.
  12. Re-spin for leftovers: When serving later, let the ice cream thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften. If it becomes too hard or icy, process on the ‘Re-spin’ function for 30 seconds to restore a creamy texture.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months; for optimal texture, consume within 2 weeks. If the ice cream becomes icy, process on the ‘Re-spin’ function of the Ninja Creami for 30 seconds to restore creaminess. For a higher protein version, add an additional scoop of protein powder or substitute regular cookies with protein cookie crumbs.

Nutrition

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