Easy Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream Recipe

Indulge in the best of both worlds with our Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream—a rich, creamy frozen treat that’s both nutritious and irresistibly delicious. Made with high-protein ingredients and packed with homemade cookie dough chunks, this ice cream is a game-changer for those looking to satisfy their sweet cravings while sticking to their health-conscious goals. Whether you’re following a fitness regimen or simply want a healthier dessert, this recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition.

With the help of the Ninja Creami, you can whip up this creamy, protein-packed dessert in no time. The versatility of this machine makes it an essential kitchen tool for creating decadent yet healthy frozen treats. Read on to learn how to make this delightful dessert and why it’s the perfect addition to your daily diet.

Why You’ll Love This Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream

Protein-Packed Goodness:
This cookie dough ice cream offers the perfect balance of indulgence and protein, making it a satisfying treat for those looking to up their protein intake. With each scoop, you’ll enjoy a delicious dessert that not only tastes amazing but also helps fuel your body with essential nutrients.

Creamy and Indulgent:
The smooth, creamy texture of this ice cream rivals traditional ice cream, providing a rich and luxurious dessert experience. Plus, it’s made without any artificial preservatives or added sugars, making it a healthier option.

Homemade Cookie Dough Chunks:
No need for store-bought cookie dough! This ice cream is loaded with homemade cookie dough bites that add the perfect nostalgic touch to every scoop. These dough chunks make the dessert feel like a cookie dough protein blizzard—without all the sugar!

Healthier Dessert Option:
With healthier alternatives like protein powder, almond milk, and sugar substitutes, this cookie dough ice cream offers all the sweetness and creaminess you crave, without the guilt. It’s the ideal choice for anyone watching their nutrition.

Customizable Flavors:
The best part about this recipe is its versatility. You can experiment with different protein powder flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, or even cookies and cream, to create a flavor profile that suits your preferences.

Simple Preparation:
Making this ice cream is easy and requires minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and your Ninja Creami, you can have a homemade dessert ready to enjoy in less than an hour.

Satisfies Sweet Cravings:
This treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while still keeping things healthy. It’s an excellent way to curb your cravings without compromising on your nutrition goals.

Wholesome Ingredients for Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream

To make this creamy and nutritious cookie dough ice cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Fairlife skim milk (or any milk of choice; Fairlife contains 14g of protein per serving)
• Unsweetened almond milk (or another nut milk like oat milk or cashew milk)
• Vanilla protein powder (we recommend PEScience whey protein powder for its smooth texture and flavor)
• Instant vanilla pudding mix (helps thicken the base and reduce ice crystals)
• Brown sugar (or a brown sugar substitute like monk fruit extract)
• Powdered peanut butter (PB Fit or PB2 work well)
• Vanilla extract
• Butter extract (or butter emulsion for a richer flavor)
• Pinch of salt
• Edible cookie dough bites (you can also use raw cookie dough, a cookie dough protein bar, or brownie dough)
• Unsweetened chocolate chips (dark, milk, or your favorite variety)
• Optional: Vanilla bean paste, heavy cream, cottage cheese, frozen bananas, cocoa butter, or vegan cream cheese

How to Make Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream

1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
   Add all ingredients (except the cookie dough bites and chocolate chips) into the Ninja Creami pint container. Mix well using a handheld frother or whisk to ensure everything is combined.
2. Freeze the Mixture:
   Place the filled container in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 24 hours until it’s solid.
3. Process in the Ninja Creami:
   After the mixture is frozen, remove the pint from the freezer and run it under hot water for about 60 seconds. Then, place it in the Ninja Creami machine. Ensure that the pint sits flat to avoid damaging the blade.
4. Spin the Ice Cream:
   For the first spin, press the “Lite Ice Cream” button. If the ice cream is still powdery, return it to the machine and use the “Respin” button to get a smoother consistency.
5. Check the Consistency:
   Once the texture is creamy and smooth, you can add your cookie dough bites and chocolate chips to the ice cream. Use the “Mix-In” button to fold the ingredients into the ice cream.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Scoop the finished ice cream into bowls and enjoy your homemade, protein-packed dessert!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ice Cream

• Choose the Right Protein Powder:
  The protein powder you use can greatly influence the flavor and texture of the ice cream. Opt for a high-quality, flavorful powder that suits your dietary needs, whether it’s whey, plant-based, or collagen protein. Make sure the flavor complements the ice cream base for the best results.
• Customize Sweetness:
  Adjust the sweetness of the ice cream according to your taste. You can use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or stevia for a lower sugar option or increase the amount of sugar for a sweeter taste.
• Get Creative with Mix-Ins:
  Feel free to add other fun mix-ins to your ice cream, such as crushed nuts, mini marshmallows, or additional chocolate chips for more texture and flavor variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ultrafiltered skim milk instead of Fairlife milk?
Yes, ultrafiltered skim milk works well in this recipe and provides a creamy texture with a higher protein content than regular skim milk.

Can I eat this ice cream every day?
While moderation is key, you can definitely enjoy this protein cookie dough ice cream daily as part of a balanced diet, especially if you’re mindful of your overall nutritional goals.

How is the Ninja Creami different from traditional ice cream makers?
The Ninja Creami is a versatile machine that goes beyond traditional ice cream makers. It allows you to make a variety of frozen treats, from sorbet to gelato, making it a great tool for anyone who loves homemade desserts.

Can dairy-free ice cream be creamy?
Absolutely! Using ingredients like coconut milk, almond milk, and cashew milk creates a rich and smooth texture without dairy.

Any tips for enhancing the flavor of homemade ice cream?
To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, chill the mixture thoroughly before freezing, or experiment with flavor combinations like adding a touch of cinnamon or caramel extract.

Conclusion

This Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream is a dream come true for anyone looking for a healthy, satisfying, and creamy dessert. With its protein-packed base, homemade cookie dough chunks, and rich chocolate chips, it’s a treat you’ll crave without the guilt. Thanks to the Ninja Creami, making this ice cream is quick and easy, and you can customize it to suit your tastes. Indulge in the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition with this delightful frozen dessert!