Oreo Milkshake

Delicious homemade Oreo Milkshake topped with whipped cream and cookies

Introduction

Imagine a tall glass gleaming with a cold, velvety swirl of vanilla ice cream flecked with dark cookie crumbs — the first sip greets you with creamy sweetness, a chocolatey whisper from crushed Oreos, and a silky texture that slides across the tongue. The aroma is pure nostalgia: sugar, cocoa, and that unmistakable cookie scent that takes you back to childhood milk-and-cookie afternoons. This Oreo milkshake is both playful and indulgent, the kind of recipe that softens busy days and turns ordinary moments into tiny celebrations.

It’s perfect for hot summer afternoons, impromptu dessert cravings, family movie nights, or as a quick party treat that disappears faster than you can say “extra whipped cream.” If you love transforming pantry staples into show-stopping treats, you might also enjoy making a simple three-ingredient Oreo cake for dessert nights — but for now, let’s build the ultimate Oreo milkshake.

Dish Snapshot

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Servings: 2 milkshake servings
  • Difficulty Level: Easy — blender required

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (recipe makes 2 servings). Values are approximate and calculated using standard product averages and USDA FoodData Central/product labels for vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and Oreo cookies. Individual brands will vary.

Per serving (without whipped cream/chocolate syrup):

  • Calories: ~560 kcal
  • Protein: ~11 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~70 g (Sugars ~53 g)
  • Fat: ~27 g (Saturated fat ~11 g)
  • Cholesterol: ~50 mg
  • Sodium: ~150 mg
    Note: These values are estimates for guidance only. For precise tracking, use your specific ingredient labels or a nutrition calculator. Source references: USDA FoodData Central and manufacturer nutrition labels (e.g., Oreo packaging).

Perfect For…

This milkshake shines when you want comfort and speed. It’s a nostalgic pick-me-up that’s both playful and satisfying — ideal for:

  • Family movie nights or sleepovers (kids and adults both adore it).
  • Quick party desserts when you need something that feels indulgent with minimal effort.
  • A sweet weekend treat that evokes memories of dunking cookies in milk.
  • Turning pantry staples into a crowd-pleaser in under five minutes.

Method & Process

Ingredients

  • 8 Oreo cookies (regular sandwich cookies)
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream (high-quality, slightly softened for easier blending)
  • 1 cup whole milk (use more or less to adjust thickness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Whipped cream and chocolate syrup, for topping (optional)
  • Extra Oreo cookies for garnish (optional)

Optional ingredients and substitutions

  • For a lighter shake: use low-fat or skim milk and lighter ice cream (note: thinner texture).
  • For a vegan version: use plant-based vanilla ice cream and almond/oat milk; verify that the sandwich cookies are vegan or use a vegan chocolate sandwich cookie.
  • For gluten-free: use certified gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.

Directions

  1. Place the Oreo cookies into a thick freezer bag and seal it. Gently pound with a rolling pin until the cookies are crushed into small crumbs (or pulse a few times in the blender and reserve some larger crumbs for texture).
  2. Add the milk to a blender, followed by the vanilla ice cream and Oreo crumbs.
  3. Pulse a few times to combine, then blend on medium-high until smooth. Add the vanilla extract if using and pulse once more.
  4. Check texture: if too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and pulse again; if too thin, add a small scoop of ice cream and blend briefly.
  5. Pour the milkshake into two chilled glasses.
  6. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and add a whole Oreo cookie for garnish.
  7. Serve immediately with a straw and a spoon. Enjoy!

Practical tips

  • Don’t overblend: blending too long can melt the ice cream and water down the shake. Short pulses keep it thick and creamy.
  • Chill your glasses beforehand to help the shake stay cold longer.
  • Reserve a few cookie chunks to fold in at the end for extra texture.
  • If your blender struggles, break ingredients into smaller batches or use an immersion blender in a tall cup.

Best Pairings

  • Classic pairing: serve with a handful of extra Oreos on the side for dunking.
  • Dessert duo: enjoy the milkshake alongside a warm brownie or cookie — the contrast of hot-and-cold is irresistible (try a brownie milkshake for a double-cookie experience).
  • Coffee complement: serve with a small espresso for guests who want a bit of bitterness to balance the sweetness.
  • Party presentation: use sugar-rimmed glasses or a chocolate-drizzled glass for an extra festive look.

Storage Instructions

  • Room temperature: Do not leave milkshakes at room temperature for more than 2 hours (per USDA food safety guidance); milk-based drinks can enter the danger zone quickly.
  • Refrigeration: If you must store leftovers, transfer the shake to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Expect separation; stir or briefly reblend before serving.
  • Freezer: You can freeze the shake mixture in a sealed container or ice cube trays for up to 1 month. Thaw slightly and reblend for a smoothie-like texture. Note that texture will change after freezing — small ice crystals may form.

Chef’s Advice

  • Use full-fat, high-quality vanilla ice cream for the creamiest mouthfeel; lower-fat choices will thin the shake.
  • Don’t skip the pulse step — it helps break up cookies without over-heating the mixture.
  • If you want pronounced cookie bits, crush half the Oreos finely and leave the rest coarsely chopped, folding them in by hand after blending.
  • For the best frosty exterior, chill your glasses or briefly run them under cold water and invert on a towel before pouring.
  • Taste and adjust: if your cookies are especially sweet, consider skipping the chocolate syrup on top to avoid cloying sweetness.

Fun Flavor Ideas

  • Mint Oreo Shake: Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and use mint cookies or crush Andes mints into the mix.
  • Boozy Twist: For an adult version, add 1–2 tablespoons of Kahlúa or Irish cream per serving (do not serve to children).
  • Double Chocolate: Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla and add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the blender for a rich chocolate explosion.
  • Vegan & Gluten-Free: Use coconut- or oat-based ice cream, dairy-free milk, and certified gluten-free sandwich cookies.
  • Coffee Oreo: Add 1/4 cup cooled cold brew coffee to the blender for a mocha-like shake.

Recipe Q&A

Q: Can I substitute milk for water or almond milk?
A: You can use almond/soy/oat milk; the shake will be slightly less creamy. Water is not recommended because it will dilute the texture and flavor.

Q: How do I make the milkshake thicker?
A: Reduce the milk amount, add an extra scoop of ice cream, or toss in a few frozen banana slices for body.

Q: Why did my shake get grainy?
A: Overblending can melt ice crystals and cause separation; also, using partially thawed ice cream that has refrozen into ice crystals can create a grainy texture — try fresh or properly stored ice cream.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Make the cookie-ice cream mixture, freeze it in a container, then reblend briefly before serving. Best results when made fresh.

Q: Any lower-calorie swaps?
A: Use light ice cream or frozen yogurt and skim milk, reduce cookie count (try 4 Oreos), and skip whipped cream.

Conclusion

Ready to blend up a nostalgic, cream-forward treat? This Oreo milkshake is a fast, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to adapt and impossible to resist. If you want more inspiration or alternative takes on the classic Oreo milkshake, check out this flavorful Oreo Milkshake Recipe – The Salty Marshmallow and another delicious version at Oreo Milkshake – The Weeknd Whisk. Share your photos and tips — I’d love to hear how you customize yours!

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