Growing up watching Sesame Street, I developed a special fondness for Cookie Monster’s enthusiastic “Me want cookie!” catchphrase. That childhood love inspired me to create this delightfully blue cookie monster ice cream that captures all the whimsy and deliciousness of everyone’s favorite furry blue monster. This homemade frozen treat combines rich vanilla ice cream with chunks of chocolate chip cookies and a stunning natural blue color that makes every scoop feel like a celebration.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it balances nostalgia with incredible flavor. Unlike artificially colored store-bought versions, this ice cream gets its beautiful blue hue from natural sources while maintaining that creamy, dreamy texture that makes homemade ice cream so irresistible. The cookie chunks provide delightful texture contrasts, while the smooth ice cream base melts perfectly on your tongue. Whether you’re making this for a children’s birthday party or indulging your inner child, this cookie monster ice cream brings pure joy to every spoonful.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Natural blue food coloring (spirulina-based or butterfly pea flower extract)
Cookie Mix-ins:
- 2 cups chocolate chip cookies, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cookie crumbs (for extra texture)
Substitution Options:
- Dairy-free: Replace heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use oat milk instead of whole milk
- Egg-free: Use 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup milk instead of egg yolks
- Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free chocolate chip cookies
- Vegan: Combine coconut milk, cashew cream, and aquafaba for the base
Time & Planning
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chilling time: 4 hours (for custard base)
- Churning time: 25 minutes
- Freezing time: 4 hours minimum
- Total time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Make-ahead tips: The custard base can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated. Chop your cookies while the custard chills to save time. For best results, place your ice cream maker bowl in the freezer 24 hours before churning.
How to Make It
1. Prepare the Custard Base
Heat the milk and 1 cup of heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy, about 3 minutes of vigorous whisking.
2. Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Gradually add the remaining hot cream, whisking continuously until smooth.
3. Cook the Custard
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The custard is ready when it coats the back of the spoon and reaches 170°F. This usually takes 8-10 minutes.
4. Add Color and Flavor
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and remaining cold cream. Add natural blue coloring gradually until you achieve that perfect Cookie Monster blue. Start with just a few drops and add more as needed.
5. Chill Completely
Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions, typically 20-25 minutes. The ice cream should be thick and creamy but still soft.
7. Add Cookie Pieces
During the last 5 minutes of churning, gradually add the chopped cookies, mini chocolate chips, and cookie crumbs. Let the machine incorporate them evenly throughout the ice cream.

Nutrition Overview
Each serving (approximately 1/2 cup) contains roughly 280-320 calories, depending on your specific ingredients. This ice cream provides calcium from the dairy base and offers moderate amounts of protein from the eggs and milk. The natural blue coloring adds beneficial antioxidants without artificial additives.
Keep in mind that this is a treat meant for enjoyment rather than nutrition, and values may vary based on your choice of cookies and any substitutions you make.
Healthier Variations
For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with evaporated skim milk and reduce sugar to 1/2 cup. Greek yogurt can replace some of the cream for added protein, though this will create a tangier flavor profile.
Using coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar adds a subtle caramel note while providing trace minerals. Choosing organic, less-processed cookies or making your own allows you to control sugar and ingredient quality.
Serving Ideas
Serve this vibrant ice cream in clear glass bowls to showcase the beautiful blue color. Create an ultimate Cookie Monster sundae by topping with whipped cream, additional cookie crumbs, and a few whole mini cookies arranged playfully around the scoop.
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with chocolate cake, sugar cookies, or fresh berries for color contrast. For parties, serve in mason jars with colorful spoons, or create ice cream sandwiches using soft chocolate chip cookies.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Grainy texture: This happens when eggs scramble during cooking. Keep heat low and whisk constantly. If it happens, strain the mixture immediately and whisk in cold cream to cool it down.
Ice crystals forming: Ensure your custard is completely cold before churning, and don’t over-churn. Also, press plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream surface before freezing.
Uneven color: Add coloring gradually while the base is still warm, and strain the mixture to ensure even distribution.
Hard, difficult-to-scoop ice cream: Let it soften at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving, or add an extra tablespoon of alcohol (like vanilla extract) to keep it softer.
Storage & Reheating
Store your cookie monster ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals.
For best texture, transfer the container to the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid refreezing melted ice cream, as this creates an unpleasant icy texture.
Conclusion
This cookie monster ice cream recipe brings together the best of childhood memories and adult ice cream-making skills. The natural blue color makes it visually stunning, while the cookie chunks provide that satisfying crunch Cookie Monster would definitely approve of. Don’t be intimidated by making custard-based ice cream – the steps are straightforward, and the results are infinitely better than store-bought versions.
I’d love to hear about your Cookie Monster ice cream adventures! Try different cookie varieties or share photos of your beautiful blue creations in the comments below.
For more Recipes follow me in Pinterest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes! Pour the custard into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes for the first 3 hours to break up ice crystals. Add cookies during the final stir.
What’s the best natural blue coloring to use?
Butterfly pea flower extract creates the most vibrant blue without affecting flavor. Spirulina works too but may add a slight earthy taste.
How do I prevent cookies from getting soggy?
Freeze your cookie pieces for 30 minutes before adding them to the churning ice cream. This helps them maintain their crunch.
Can I use store-bought ice cream base?
Absolutely! Buy high-quality vanilla ice cream, let it soften slightly, fold in blue coloring and cookie pieces, then refreeze for 2 hours.
Why is my ice cream too hard to scoop?
Homemade ice cream freezes harder than commercial versions due to less air incorporation. Let it soften for 10-15 minutes before serving, or add 2 tablespoons of corn syrup to the base for a softer texture.
How long do I need to chill the custard?
At least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. The colder the base, the better your ice cream will churn and the smoother the final texture will be.

Best Cookie Monster Ice Cream Recipe: 7 Blue Scoops!
- Total Time: PT8H45M
Description
Vibrantly blue, creamy ice cream loaded with cookie chunks and chocolate chips. Made from a custard base with natural blue coloring, this whimsical treat is perfect for kids, parties, or anyone who loves playful desserts.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Natural blue food coloring (spirulina-based or butterfly pea flower extract)
Cookie Mix-ins:
- 2 cups chocolate chip cookies, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cookie crumbs (for extra texture)
Substitution Options:
- Dairy-free: Replace heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use oat milk instead of whole milk
- Egg-free: Use 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup milk instead of egg yolks
- Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free chocolate chip cookies
- Vegan: Combine coconut milk, cashew cream, and aquafaba for the base
Instructions
Prepare the Custard Base
Heat milk + 1 cup cream in a saucepan until bubbles form. Whisk egg yolks + sugar until pale and creamy.Temper the Eggs
Slowly add 1/2 cup hot cream to yolks while whisking. Gradually whisk in remaining hot cream.Cook the Custard
Return mixture to pan, stir constantly over low heat until it coats the back of a spoon (~170°F).Add Flavor & Color
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, salt, remaining cream, and natural blue coloring gradually.Chill the Base
Strain custard, cover with plastic wrap directly on surface, and refrigerate 4+ hours or overnight.Churn the Ice Cream
Pour chilled custard into ice cream maker; churn 20–25 minutes until soft and creamy.Add Cookies
During last 5 minutes of churning, add chopped cookies, mini chocolate chips, and crumbs.Freeze & Store
Transfer ice cream to an airtight container, cover surface with parchment, freeze at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
Tips & Variations
Lighter Version: Substitute half cream with evaporated skim milk, reduce sugar to 1/2 cup
Flavor Twist: Use coconut sugar for a caramel note or organic cookies for less-processed ingredients
Serving Ideas: Scooped in glass bowls, topped with cookie crumbs, whipped cream, or used in ice cream sandwiches
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Grainy texture: Don’t scramble eggs; cook on low and whisk constantly
Ice crystals: Chill custard completely before churning; press plastic wrap on surface
Uneven color: Add color gradually and strain
Hard ice cream: Let soften 5–10 min at room temp or add a splash of alcohol
Storage
Store in airtight container in freezer up to 1 month
Place parchment on surface to prevent ice crystals
Let sit 10–15 min at room temp before serving
- Prep Time: PT20M
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 280-320