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- 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup cookies-and-cream ice cream, slightly softened - 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips - 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip) for layering - Whole cookies for garnish - Extra crushed cookies for a crunchy top - Chocolate sauce for drizzling - Fresh mint leaves for a pop of color - Large mixing bowl - Electric mixer - Spatula - Serving cups or bowls - Measuring cups and spoons - Refrigerator for chilling Gather these ingredients and tools before you start. It makes the process smooth and fun! You can customize the garnishes to suit your mood or occasion. Enjoy the journey of making these delightful dessert cups! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on high speed. Whip the mixture for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want soft peaks to form. This creates a light and fluffy base for your dessert. Next, take another bowl. Add 1 cup of slightly softened cookies-and-cream ice cream. Gently fold this ice cream into your whipped cream mix. Use a spatula and fold carefully. This helps keep the whipped cream airy and light. Now, it’s time to layer your dessert. Start by spooning a generous layer of the cookies-and-cream mixture into the bottom of your serving cups. Spread it evenly for a nice base. Next, sprinkle 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips over this layer. Follow that with a dollop of whipped topping. Smooth it out with a spatula. Continue layering in the same order until you fill the cups to the top. Make sure to finish with a layer of whipped topping for a pretty look. Finally, take the reserved crushed cookies and sprinkle them on top. This gives a nice crunch and makes it look great. For the finishing touch, place a whole cookie on top of each cup. After you finish this, chill the dessert cups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step helps the flavors meld and the dessert set. Enjoy your delicious creation! To make perfect whipped cream, start with cold ingredients. Chilled heavy whipping cream whips better and faster. Use an electric mixer on high speed for about 3-5 minutes. Watch for soft peaks to form. This means your cream is ready. Avoid overmixing, as it can become grainy. Creating layers adds visual appeal. Start with a generous spoonful of the cookies-and-cream mixture. Spread it evenly in your serving cups. Next, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the first layer. Follow this with a smooth dollop of whipped topping. Repeat these steps until you reach the top. Finish with a layer of whipped topping for a polished look. For the best presentation, chill your dessert cups for at least one hour. This helps the layers set and flavors blend. Before serving, sprinkle the reserved crushed cookies on top. Adding a whole cookie as a garnish gives a fun touch. You can also drizzle chocolate sauce inside the cups for extra flair. These steps make your dessert cups not only tasty but also beautiful. Pro Tips Whip it Right: Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are chilled before whipping the cream. This helps achieve stiffer peaks faster. Cookie Crunch: For added texture, consider mixing in different types of crushed cookies or even adding some chopped nuts. Layering Technique: Use a pastry bag to layer the whipped topping for a more professional look and to prevent mixing of the layers. Chill Out: Allow sufficient chilling time before serving; this enhances the flavors and helps the layers to set properly. {{image_4}} You can make these dessert cups gluten-free. Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies. Brands like Glutino or Kinnikinnick work well. They taste similar to regular cookies. Your dessert will still be creamy and delicious. Just check labels to avoid cross-contamination. While cookies and cream is a classic, feel free to mix it up. Use chocolate or vanilla ice cream for new flavors. Add crushed peanut butter cookies for a tasty twist. You can also try mint chocolate chip ice cream for a fresh taste. The key is to keep the base creamy and rich. Seasonal flavors can add fun to your dessert cups. In fall, mix in pumpkin spice ice cream. For winter, try peppermint-flavored ice cream. You can add seasonal fruits as well. Fresh strawberries or raspberries can brighten the dessert. They add a nice touch and layer of flavor. To store leftovers, place your dessert cups in an airtight container. Cover them tightly to keep out air. This will help maintain their flavor and texture. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat them later, layering will help keep them fresh. You can freeze these dessert cups if you want to save them for a later date. First, ensure they are in a freezer-safe container. Cover each cup with plastic wrap or a lid. They will store well in the freezer for about one month. When you are ready to enjoy them, move them to the fridge for a few hours to thaw. To keep the texture of your dessert cups, avoid refreezing them. Freezing can change the creamy layers and make them icy. Always store them in the fridge until you are ready to serve. If they have been frozen, let them thaw slowly in the fridge. This helps restore their creamy goodness and makes them taste fresh again. Yes, you can use regular whipped cream. However, it may not be as thick or rich. Heavy whipping cream whips up better, giving your dessert a fluffy texture. If you choose regular whipped cream, you might want to add more to get the same creaminess. You can keep these dessert cups in the fridge for up to 3 days. They will stay fresh and tasty. Be sure to cover them well to keep them from drying out. Enjoy them cold for the best taste! You can use any chocolate sandwich cookies for this recipe, but Oreos are a classic choice. Other brands work too, as long as they have a similar texture and flavor. Feel free to try your favorite cookies for a fun twist! We covered the key ingredients and tools for making delicious dessert cups. You learned step-by-step how to create whipped cream, mix in ice cream, and layer your dessert. I shared tips for perfect texture and beautiful presentation. You also explored variations for dietary needs and seasonal flavors. Finally, we reviewed storage tips to keep your dessert fresh. Enjoy creating your dessert and impressing your friends!

Cookies and Cream Dessert Cups

A delightful layered dessert featuring cookies-and-cream ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sandwich cookies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cookies-and-cream ice cream, slightly softened
  • 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip) for layering
  • whole cookies for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer set to high speed, whip the mixture for about 3-5 minutes, or until soft peaks begin to form.
  • Incorporate Ice Cream: In another bowl, take the softened cookies-and-cream ice cream and gently fold it into the whipped cream mixture.
  • Add Cookie Crumbs: Next, fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into the ice cream mixture, ensuring they're evenly distributed. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the crushed cookies for later use as garnish.
  • Layer the Dessert: Begin assembling your dessert by spooning a generous layer of the cookies-and-cream mixture into the bottom of serving cups or bowls.
  • Add Chocolate Chips and Topping: Sprinkle a layer of mini chocolate chips over the cookies-and-cream mixture. Follow this with a dollop of whipped topping, smoothing it over with a spatula.
  • Repeat Layers: Continue layering the ingredients in the same order until the cups are filled to the top, making sure to finish with a layer of whipped topping.
  • Garnish: Take the reserved crushed cookies and sprinkle them generously over the whipped topping on each dessert cup.
  • Final Touch: For a delightful finishing touch, place a whole cookie on top of each dessert cup.
  • Chill: Place the dessert cups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Notes

For an extra touch of elegance, you can drizzle some chocolate sauce around the inside of the serving cups before adding the dessert layers.
Keyword chocolate, cookies, dessert, ice cream