Homemade Peppermint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream: Your Ultimate Holiday Dessert Recipe
As the crisp air signals the arrival of the most wonderful time of the year, my kitchen transforms into a haven of holiday cheer. And what better way to kick off the festive season than with a cherished tradition: crafting a batch of homemade ice cream? This year, however, I’m taking things up a notch, infusing that classic creamy goodness with a delightful twist. Prepare yourself for an irresistible holiday creation: **Peppermint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream**, featuring crushed candy cane sandwich cookies that add both a vibrant color and an exciting crunch. It’s a dessert so utterly delicious, you won’t be able to resist a second scoop.
Thanksgiving has gracefully passed, leaving behind a trail of gratitude and anticipation. For many, its conclusion marks the unofficial, yet undeniable, beginning of Christmas! The transition is instant, a switch flipped from autumnal hues to glittering holiday lights and the joyous jingle of carols.
My family and I embraced this shift wholeheartedly, spending a wonderful long weekend soaking in precious moments with friends and loved ones. We dove headfirst into the holiday spirit by exploring the enchanting lights downtown, marveling at the dazzling displays that painted the city in a magical glow. The next quintessential step was, of course, picking out our Christmas tree. The search for the perfect tree is a ritual in itself, filled with laughter and the fresh scent of pine. Back home, we lovingly decorated our new centerpiece, adorning it with ornaments collected over years, each holding a special memory. And to truly seal the deal, we settled down to watch “Love Actually,” a beloved tradition my husband and I have upheld every single year since we started dating. These moments, steeped in warmth and familiarity, are what truly make the holidays special.
Amidst these cherished traditions, I also found time to whip up a batch of this extraordinary holiday ice cream. This Peppermint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream owes its delightful texture and festive flavor to a serendipitous grocery store impulse buy: a package of seasonal peppermint Oreos. Their vibrant flavor and satisfying crunch were just what this recipe needed to become truly unforgettable.
While peppermint Oreos offer a fantastic and convenient option, they are certainly not the only seasonal sandwich cookies available to bring this recipe to life. Many brands release limited-edition holiday flavors that would work wonderfully. I’m also particularly fond of Trader Joe’s candy cane Jo-Jo’s, which deliver a delightful minty crunch. However, don’t feel limited! If seasonal varieties are hard to come by, regular chocolate or vanilla sandwich cookies will work just as beautifully, providing a classic base for the vibrant peppermint flavor to shine through. The key is the contrasting texture of the crushed cookies against the smooth, creamy ice cream base, creating a truly dynamic dessert experience.
Now, you might be thinking that ice cream seems like an unconventional choice for a cold, wintry holiday season. And to that, I would gently but firmly disagree! There’s a unique magic in defying the conventions and enjoying a cool, refreshing dessert while snuggled indoors. Imagine this: a chilly evening, the warmth of your home enveloping you, festive lights twinkling, and a generous bowl of this delightful peppermint cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream in your hands. The unexpected contrast of the cold, minty ice cream with the cozy ambiance creates an experience that truly encapsulates the spirit of the holidays. It’s a sweet, comforting indulgence that makes those frosty nights feel even more special and memorable.
Achieving the Perfect Crunch: How to Crush Cookies and Candy Canes for This Recipe
The texture of the crushed cookies and candy canes is crucial to the success of this ice cream, providing a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy base. There are several effective ways to achieve this, and while different methods offer slightly varied results, my absolute preferred technique ensures uniform crushing without over-processing. I simply place whatever I want crushed – be it peppermint sandwich cookies or brittle candy canes – into a sturdy, zipped plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing it.
Once sealed, I take a heavy-bottomed drinking glass (or a rolling pin works just as well!) and gently, yet firmly, bang or roll it over the bag until everything is sufficiently crushed to my desired consistency. This method gives you excellent control, allowing you to create a mix of fine crumbs and small, satisfying chunks, which I find ideal for ice cream. Avoid turning them into a fine powder; a bit of textural variation adds to the enjoyment. If you’re crushing candy canes, work quickly, as they can become sticky. For a faster, but less controlled method, a food processor can be used, but be sure to pulse it very briefly to prevent turning the cookies into a paste or over-processing the candy canes into dust.
Peppermint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
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Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (237 ml)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- Pinch salt
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whipping cream (475 ml heavy)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup candy cane or holiday sandwich cookies , crushed (85 grams)
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture gently, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture appears smooth and well combined. Do not boil.
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In a separate large, heatproof bowl, vigorously whisk together the large egg yolks until they are light yellow and slightly thickened. Gradually temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks in a steady, thin stream, while continuously whisking the yolks. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth custard base.
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Return the tempered egg yolk and milk mixture to the saucepan. Place the saucepan back over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which typically takes about 3 minutes. Be careful not to boil the custard.
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Immediately pour the thickened mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean, large bowl. This step removes any small bits of cooked egg and ensures an exceptionally smooth ice cream base. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and the peppermint extract until well combined. Cover the bowl and chill the mixture completely in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure it’s thoroughly cold. This is crucial for optimal ice cream texture.
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Once the base is thoroughly chilled, transfer it to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions. During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the crushed candy cane cookies and the crushed candy cane pieces. This ensures they are evenly distributed without being over-processed. Once churning is complete, the ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency. Scoop the churned ice cream into a large, freezer-safe bowl or plastic container. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up to a scoopable consistency before serving.
Notes
Tips for Homemade Ice Cream Success
Making homemade ice cream, especially a rich custard-based one like this, is a rewarding experience that yields an unparalleled depth of flavor and creamy texture. To ensure your Peppermint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Chill the Base Thoroughly: This is arguably the most crucial step for a smooth, firm ice cream. An adequately chilled custard base (at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight) will churn more efficiently, resulting in smaller ice crystals and a creamier final product. Don’t rush this part!
- Pre-chill Your Ice Cream Maker Bowl: If you’re using a freezer-bowl style ice cream maker, make sure its bowl has been in the freezer for the recommended time (usually 12-24 hours) to be completely frozen. A very cold bowl is essential for proper churning.
- Don’t Overfill the Machine: Ice cream expands as it churns and air is incorporated. Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions regarding maximum fill levels to prevent overflow and ensure efficient processing.
- Add Inclusions at the Right Time: As noted in the recipe, adding the crushed cookies and candy canes during the last 5 minutes of churning prevents them from becoming too soft or pulverized. This ensures you get those delightful textural contrasts.
- Proper Storage: For the best texture and flavor, store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer. It’s best enjoyed within a week or two, as homemade ice cream doesn’t contain the stabilizers found in commercial varieties and can develop ice crystals over time.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Holiday Dessert
While this Peppermint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is utterly delicious on its own, it also serves as a fantastic base for a variety of festive presentations. Here are some ideas to make it an even more impressive holiday treat:
- Classic Toppings: A drizzle of warm hot fudge or chocolate syrup, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and a sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings will always be a hit.
- Holiday Sundae Bar: Set up a mini sundae bar with various festive toppings like mini marshmallows, colorful holiday sprinkles, chocolate chips, and different sauces to let guests customize their own creations.
- Pair with Warm Desserts: Serve a scoop alongside a warm slice of gingerbread cake, a festive apple pie, or a gooey chocolate brownie. The warm-cold contrast is simply divine.
- Milkshake Magic: Blend a few scoops with a splash of milk and an extra dash of peppermint extract for an indulgent, thick holiday milkshake.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of this ice cream between two soft chocolate chip cookies or, for an extra peppermint kick, two thin peppermint bark cookies.
There’s something truly magical about the holidays, and often, it’s the little traditions and homemade touches that create the most lasting memories. This Peppermint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is more than just a dessert; it’s a labor of love, a festive centerpiece, and a joyful indulgence that embodies the spirit of the season. Its creamy texture, refreshing mint, and delightful crunch are sure to bring smiles to every face and warm hearts even on the chilliest winter nights.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up your ice cream maker, and embark on this delicious holiday adventure. Share it with family, surprise your friends, or simply savor a bowl all to yourself by the glow of the Christmas tree. However you choose to enjoy it, this homemade peppermint ice cream is destined to become a new favorite holiday tradition. Happy churning, and happy holidays!