Ultimate Cookies and Cream Milkshake Recipe – Thick, Dreamy & Oreo-Loaded!

Get ready for pure cookies and cream bliss with this cookies and cream milkshake that’s thick, creamy, and absolutely loaded with Oreo goodness! This homemade cookies and cream shake combines crushed Oreo cookies, rich vanilla ice cream, and milk to create the ultimate indulgent treat that tastes like your favorite ice cream flavor in drinkable form. With chunks of Oreo throughout, that signature cookies and cream flavor, and a texture that’s perfectly thick and satisfying, this shake is everything a milkshake should be!

This easy Oreo milkshake is exactly what you need when you’re craving something sweet, nostalgic, and completely indulgent. The combination of chocolate cookie pieces and sweet vanilla cream creates that iconic flavor everyone loves – it’s the taste of childhood, ice cream parlors, and pure happiness all rolled into one. Each sip delivers cookie crunch, creamy sweetness, and that unmistakable Oreo flavor that never gets old. It’s like drinking a liquid version of the world’s most popular cookie!

Whether you’re treating the kids to something special, satisfying your own Oreo addiction, serving dessert at a party, cooling down on a hot summer day, or just craving that classic cookies and cream flavor, this Oreo shake recipe delivers perfection every time. It’s naturally vegetarian, ready in just 5 minutes, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it as a decadent dessert, special treat, birthday party hit, or anytime indulgence. Once you make this at home, you’ll never order a cookies and cream shake out again!

History / Background

The story of cookies and cream begins with the Oreo cookie itself, which was introduced by Nabisco in 1912 in New York City. Originally called “Oreo Biscuit,” this sandwich cookie with chocolate wafers and white cream filling was inspired by similar cookies but quickly became uniquely American. The name “Oreo” may come from the French word “or” meaning gold (early packages were gold), though its true origin remains a delicious mystery.

Oreos started as a premium cookie but became increasingly popular through the decades. By the 1950s and 1960s, Oreos had become a household staple and American icon. The famous “Twist, Lick, and Dunk” became a cultural ritual, and Oreos were featured in countless recipes beyond just eating them straight from the package.

The cookies and cream flavor combination as we know it today has an interesting origin story. While people had been crushing cookies into ice cream for decades, the official “Cookies and Cream” ice cream flavor was created in 1979. There are competing claims about who invented it first, with South Dakota State University’s dairy plant and several ice cream shops all claiming to be the originators. Regardless of who was first, the flavor exploded in popularity throughout the 1980s.

By the mid-1980s, cookies and cream had become one of America’s favorite ice cream flavors, and it naturally evolved into other formats – including milkshakes. Fast food chains and ice cream parlors began featuring cookies and cream milkshakes on their menus, and they became instant bestsellers. The appeal was universal: the nostalgic taste of Oreos combined with creamy ice cream in a convenient, drinkable form.

What makes the Oreo milkshake special is how it captures the essence of both the cookie and the ice cream flavor. The chocolate wafer provides texture and rich cocoa flavor, while the sweet vanilla cream filling enhances the ice cream’s sweetness. Together, they create something greater than the sum of their parts – that iconic black-and-white flavor combination that’s been beloved for over a century.

Today’s homemade cookies and cream shake continues this delicious legacy, making it easy to enjoy restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen with just a few simple ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy Oreo milkshake is about to become your new favorite indulgence! What makes this recipe absolutely irresistible is how it delivers authentic cookies and cream flavor with real Oreo cookies – not artificial flavoring or cheap substitutes. The crushed Oreos create pockets of chocolate cookie crunch throughout the shake, while the cream filling sweetens and flavors the whole thing. It’s texture, flavor, and pure nostalgia in every sip!

The beauty of this cookies and cream milkshake is its simplicity and crowd appeal. Kids absolutely love it (it’s made with their favorite cookie!), adults love it (hello, childhood nostalgia!), and it’s so easy that anyone can make it perfectly. You only need three main ingredients, it takes 5 minutes, and the results taste better than anything you’d buy at a restaurant. Plus, you can control the cookie-to-cream ratio to make it exactly how you like it!

Here’s why you’ll absolutely love this cookies and cream milkshake:

• Ready in 5 minutes – Instant gratification at its finest!
• Uses real Oreo cookies – Authentic cookies and cream flavor
• Thick and chunky texture – Cookie pieces in every sip
• Kid and adult approved – Universally loved flavor
• Only 3 main ingredients – Simple and straightforward
• Better than restaurant versions – More Oreos, better quality
• Completely customizable – Control your cookie intensity
• Budget-friendly – Uses affordable pantry items
• Perfect for parties – Always a crowd favorite
• Naturally vegetarian – Suitable for most diets
• Nostalgic and fun – Tastes like childhood
• Great for special occasions – Birthday party perfection
• Easy to double or triple – Make for a crowd!

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about the simple ingredients that create this perfect cookies and cream milkshake:

Oreo Cookies – The star ingredient! You’ll need 6-8 Oreo cookies (regular size, not Double Stuf – though you can use those if you prefer!). Use regular Oreo cookies for that classic cookies and cream flavor. The chocolate wafers provide cocoa richness and dark color, while the cream filling adds sweetness. Crush most cookies into chunks but save a few for topping! You can use generic sandwich cookies, but Oreos really do taste better. Want more intense flavor? Add 2-3 extra cookies. For variety, try Golden Oreos for vanilla cookies and cream, Birthday Cake Oreos for funfetti vibes, or Mint Oreos for mint cookies and cream!

Premium Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy base! Use high-quality vanilla ice cream with cream as the first ingredient. You’ll need about 2½-3 cups (5-6 scoops). Premium ice cream creates the best texture and lets the Oreo flavor shine. Cookies and cream ice cream can also be used for MAXIMUM cookies and cream intensity, but regular vanilla is perfect and more versatile. The vanilla flavor complements the Oreos without competing. Can’t do dairy? Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream made from oat milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk.

Whole Milk – The liquid for perfect consistency. Whole milk creates the creamiest shake with the best mouthfeel. You’ll need about ½-¾ cup – start with less and add more only if needed. For extra richness, use half milk and half heavy cream. Can’t do dairy? Unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or regular dairy-free milk work well. Oat milk is especially good for maintaining creaminess.

Pure Vanilla Extract (Optional) – Enhances the vanilla flavor! Just ½ teaspoon adds aromatic depth, though it’s not essential since the Oreos provide so much flavor.

Optional Enhancements:

• Chocolate syrup (2 tablespoons) – For more chocolate flavor
• Oreo cream filling (scraped from extra cookies) – For intense sweetness
• Espresso powder (½ teaspoon) – Makes chocolate taste richer
• Marshmallow fluff – For extra sweetness and creaminess
• Sweetened condensed milk (2 tablespoons) – For ultra-rich texture

Equipment Needed

Making this cookies and cream milkshake requires just basic kitchen equipment:

• Blender – Any standard countertop blender works perfectly for milkshakes
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions
• Ice cream scoop – For portioning ice cream easily
• Tall glasses – For serving (16 oz glasses are ideal)
• Thick straws or spoons – Regular straws may be too narrow for cookie chunks!
• Spatula – For scraping down blender sides
• Cutting board and knife – For roughly chopping some Oreos if desired
• Ziplock bag and rolling pin (optional) – For crushing cookies before blending

Print

Tips & Variations

This cookies and cream milkshake is amazing as-is, but here’s how to customize it:

Cookie Variations:

• Golden Oreos: Use Golden Oreos for vanilla cookies and cream
• Double Stuf: Extra creamy with more filling
• Mint Oreos: For mint cookies and cream shake
• Birthday Cake Oreos: Funfetti cookies and cream!
• Peanut Butter Oreos: For peanut butter cookies and cream
• Red Velvet Oreos: For a unique twist

Flavor Add-Ins:

• Chocolate Extreme: Add 2-3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• Peanut Butter: Add 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• Coffee: Add 1 shot espresso or 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• Brownie: Blend in 1 small brownie with cookies
• Caramel: Swirl in caramel sauce

Texture Adjustments:

• Extra Thick: Use only ½ cup milk, add extra ice cream
• Standard Thick: ¾ cup milk to 2½ cups ice cream (recipe as written)
• Extra Chunky: Add more cookies, pulse less
• Smooth: Blend longer for fewer chunks
• Creamier: Add 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

Dietary Modifications:

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and plant-based milk
• Lower Sugar: Use sugar-free ice cream and sugar-free cookies
• Protein-Packed: Add 1 scoop vanilla or cookies and cream protein powder
• Vegan: Use vegan Oreos (regular Oreos are vegan!) with dairy-free ice cream

Adult Version:

• Add 1-2 oz vanilla vodka
• Add 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• Add 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
• Add ½ oz amaretto

Topping Ideas:

• Fresh whipped cream
• Crushed Oreo crumbs
• Whole Oreo cookies
• Chocolate syrup drizzle
• Chocolate shavings
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chocolate cookie crumbles

Pro Chef Tips

Want to make an absolutely perfect cookies and cream milkshake? Here are professional secrets:

Don’t Over-Blend the Oreos – This is crucial! The magic of cookies and cream is the texture – those cookie chunks throughout the shake. If you blend too long or on too high a speed, you’ll pulverize the cookies into fine crumbs and lose that satisfying texture. Blend just until combined with visible cookie pieces remaining. Aim for 30-40 seconds total blending time max!

Add Oreos in Two Stages – Here’s a pro technique: blend half the cookies completely with the ice cream and milk (this flavors the entire shake), then pulse in the remaining cookies briefly at the end (this creates chunky texture). This gives you both flavor integration AND satisfying cookie pieces!

Freeze Some Oreos First – For extra-cold shakes with even better texture, freeze 3-4 of your Oreos for 1-2 hours before making the shake. Frozen cookie pieces stay chunky longer and don’t dissolve as quickly into the liquid. This creates better texture that lasts!

Scrape Out Extra Cream Filling – Want an even sweeter, more indulgent shake? Carefully twist apart 2-3 extra Oreos, scrape out the cream filling with a knife, and add just the filling to your shake. This intensifies the sweet vanilla cream flavor without adding more chocolate cookie (which can sometimes overpower if you add too many whole cookies).

Use Cookies and Cream Ice Cream – For the ULTIMATE cookies and cream experience, use cookies and cream ice cream instead of vanilla and add fewer Oreos (just 3-4). This creates incredibly intense cookies and cream flavor with perfect cookie distribution. It’s next-level delicious!

Chill Your Glasses Thoroughly – Put serving glasses in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before making your shake. This keeps the shake colder longer and prevents rapid melting. With all those cookie chunks, you want time to enjoy every bite!

Don’t Skip the Salt – A tiny pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor in the Oreos and makes the vanilla taste sweeter. It’s a subtle addition that makes a noticeable difference in overall flavor depth.

Create a Cookies and Cream Rim – For impressive presentation, spread some cream cheese or frosting on the rim of your glass, then roll in crushed Oreo crumbs. This creates a gorgeous cookie-crusted rim that looks and tastes amazing!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let these errors ruin your perfect cookies and cream milkshake!

Over-Blending the Cookies – This is mistake #1! If you blend too long, you’ll turn your cookies into dark gray dust and lose all that wonderful chunky texture. Cookies and cream should have cookie PIECES throughout, not be uniformly smooth. Blend just until combined (30-40 seconds max) and pulse briefly to incorporate cookies at the end. You want visible chunks!

Using Too Much Milk – Adding too much liquid creates a thin, disappointing shake where the cookies sink to the bottom instead of staying suspended throughout. Start with just ½ cup of milk and add more only if your blender absolutely can’t process the mixture. Thick is always better than thin for cookies and cream!

Not Breaking Up Cookies First – Throwing whole Oreos into the blender seems easier, but it creates problems. Whole cookies don’t blend evenly – you’ll get some powdery parts and some huge chunks. Take 30 seconds to break or chop cookies into quarters first for the most even distribution and best texture.

Using Stale or Soft Cookies – Oreos should be fresh and crispy! Stale cookies that have absorbed moisture create a weird, soggy texture in your shake instead of those satisfying crunchy bits. Always use fresh cookies from a newly opened package, and re-seal tightly after each use.

Adding Too Many Cookies – While it’s tempting to load up on Oreos, too many cookies (more than 10) can actually make the shake taste bitter from too much cocoa and create an unpleasant, gritty texture. Start with 6-8 cookies, taste, and add 1-2 more only if needed. Balance is key!

Letting the Shake Sit Too Long Before Serving – Cookies and cream shakes are best enjoyed immediately! The cookie pieces absorb liquid over time, making them soggy and causing the shake to separate. Make it, pour it, top it, and drink it right away for the best experience.

Storage & Meal Prep

While cookies and cream milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to handle storage:

Immediate Consumption: Cookies and cream milkshakes are at their absolute best within the first 10-15 minutes of making them. The texture is perfect, the cookies are still crispy, and everything is ice-cold. The cookie pieces begin absorbing liquid after about 15 minutes, becoming soggy. Always serve and drink immediately whenever possible!

Short-Term Refrigeration: If you must store it, pour into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 hours maximum. Be aware that the cookie pieces will become very soft and the shake will separate significantly. Before drinking, stir vigorously or give a quick 10-second re-blend (adding a few fresh cookie pieces if possible).

Freezer Storage: Pour leftover shake into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, let thaw in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until slushy. Re-blend briefly and add 2-3 fresh crushed Oreos for renewed texture, as the original cookies will be very soft after freezing and thawing.

Pre-Crush Cookies: You can crush Oreos ahead of time and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This makes shake-making even faster!

Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

Cookies and cream milkshakes are best made fresh, but here are prep strategies:

Pre-Crush Oreos: Break or chop Oreos into pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them sealed tightly so they stay crispy! When ready to make shakes, just add to blender.

Pre-Portion Ice Cream: Scoop ice cream portions onto a parchment-lined tray and refreeze until solid. Store frozen scoops in a container for up to 1 week. Grab pre-portioned scoops when making shakes – no struggling with hard ice cream!

Freeze Extra Oreos: If you want super-cold cookies with great texture, freeze extra Oreos in advance. They’ll stay crispy and cold in your shake longer!

Chill Glasses Ahead: Keep serving glasses in the freezer so they’re always shake-ready. Cold glasses keep your shake colder longer.

Make Cookie Crumb Topping: Crush extra Oreos and store in an airtight container. Use as topping anytime you make shakes!

Best “Reheating” Method: If your shake has been refrigerated or frozen, pour into blender, add 1-2 fresh scoops of ice cream and 3-4 fresh crushed Oreos, and blend for 10-15 seconds. This restores the perfect thick texture and adds fresh cookie crunch!

Serving Suggestions

This cookies and cream milkshake pairs perfectly with:

Classic American Fare:

• Cheeseburgers and fries (ultimate diner combo!)
• Hot dogs and onion rings
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Chicken tenders and fries
• Pizza (cookies and cream makes great dessert!)
• Mac and cheese

Dessert Pairing:

• Chocolate cake or brownies
• Chocolate chip cookies (cookie overload!)
• Vanilla cake
• Ice cream sandwiches
• Banana split components
• S’mores

Party & Celebration:

• Birthday parties (kids and adults love it!)
• Movie nights
• Game day treats
• Sleepover snacks
• Ice cream social events
• Summer BBQs

Create a Shake Bar:

• Set up DIY milkshake station
• Offer various cookies (Oreos, Chips Ahoy, etc.)
• Multiple topping options
• Different ice cream flavors
• Let guests build their own!

FAQs Section

Q: Can I use other cookies instead of Oreos?
A: Yes! While Oreos are the classic choice for cookies and cream, you can use any chocolate sandwich cookies. Try Newman-O’s, Hydrox, or store-brand equivalents. You can also experiment with completely different cookies: Chips Ahoy for chocolate chip milkshake, Nutter Butters for peanut butter shake, or even Girl Scout Thin Mints for mint chocolate shake!

Q: My shake is too thick/too thin – how do I fix it?
A: Too thick: Add milk 1-2 tablespoons at a time and pulse briefly until desired consistency. Too thin: Add another scoop of ice cream or 2-3 more crushed Oreos and blend briefly. Remember: it’s easier to thin a shake than thicken it, so always start with less liquid!

Q: Should I use regular Oreos or Double Stuf?
A: Regular Oreos are perfect for this recipe! They provide the ideal cookie-to-cream ratio. Double Stuf cookies have more filling, which makes the shake sweeter and creamier but with less chocolate cookie flavor and texture. Both work – it’s personal preference! Some people like to use a mix: mostly regular Oreos with 1-2 Double Stuf for extra creaminess.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Great news: regular Oreos are actually vegan (no dairy)! Simply use dairy-free vanilla ice cream (oat milk or coconut milk based) and plant-based milk. The shake will taste slightly different but can be just as delicious. Oat milk ice cream creates the creamiest dairy-free results!

Q: Why does my shake turn completely gray instead of having cookie chunks?
A: You’re over-blending! The key to great cookies and cream texture is brief blending that leaves cookie pieces intact. Blend on medium (not high) speed for just 30-40 seconds total, and add some cookies at the very end with just 2-3 quick pulses. You want visible cookie chunks, not a uniformly smooth gray shake!

Q: How many Oreos should I use?
A: Start with 6-8 Oreos for 2 servings (3-4 cookies per shake). This creates good cookies and cream flavor with nice texture. If you want MORE cookie intensity, add up to 10 cookies total. More than that can make the shake bitter from too much cocoa and creates grainy texture. Taste after blending and add 1-2 more cookies if desired!

Q: Can kids help make this?
A: Yes! This is a great recipe for kids to help with. They can: break Oreos into pieces (fun!), help measure milk, press blender buttons with supervision, and choose toppings. Just supervise the blender operation carefully. Kids love making shakes with their favorite cookies!

Q: How do I make it look like restaurant quality?
A: Pro presentation tricks: (1) Chill glasses in freezer first, (2) Drizzle chocolate syrup on the inside of glass before pouring shake, (3) Top with perfect whipped cream swirl, (4) Sprinkle generously with crushed Oreos, (5) Place a whole Oreo cookie on the rim, (6) Add a thick straw or two straws. The drizzled chocolate on glass sides makes it look especially professional!

Conclusion

And there you have it – the ultimate cookies and cream milkshake recipe that’s thick, chunky, and loaded with Oreo goodness! This homemade cookies and cream shake proves that some of the best desserts are the simplest ones, especially when they feature everyone’s favorite cookie. With real Oreos creating that iconic flavor and those satisfying cookie chunks in every sip, this shake delivers pure happiness in a glass!

This easy Oreo milkshake is perfect for Oreo lovers of all ages who want restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you’re treating the kids, satisfying your own cookie cravings, impressing party guests, or just enjoying a special dessert, this shake delivers that beloved cookies and cream flavor with perfect texture every time. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and absolutely delicious!

I absolutely can’t wait to hear how your cookies and cream milkshake turns out! Drop a comment below and tell me about your experience. Did you use regular Oreos or try a fun variation? Go extra chunky? Create an epic topping situation? Share all the delicious details! And please pin this recipe to your Pinterest boards – save it to your “Easy Desserts,” “Kid-Friendly Treats,” and “Milkshake Recipes” collections so you can find it whenever those Oreo cravings hit. Share a photo of your gorgeous creation on Instagram and tag me so I can see your cookies and cream masterpiece!

Now grab that package of Oreos and fire up your blender – the most delicious cookies and cream milkshake you’ve ever tasted is just 5 minutes away! 🍪🥤