If you are craving a dessert that is fluffy, creamy, and packed with delightful chocolate cookie crunch, this Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe is your perfect go-to treat. It combines the smooth richness of whipped cream and cream cheese with the nostalgic crunch of chocolate sandwich cookies to create a luscious dessert experience that feels both indulgent and light. Whether you’re serving it at a party or just treating yourself, this recipe offers a fantastic balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe comes together with just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the cold heavy whipping cream that creates that airy, light texture to the creamy smoothness of cream cheese that adds body and tang. The chocolate sandwich cookies bring in that unmistakable crispy chocolate crunch, making for an irresistible combination.
- Chocolate sandwich cookies (12): Use your favorite brand like Oreos; they provide the signature cookies and cream flavor and crunch.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 1/2 cups, cold): Whipping the cream to stiff peaks is key for that mousse’s fluffy, cloud-like texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a smooth sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of warmth that enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering it.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Creates a tangy creaminess that balances the sweet cookies perfectly.
- Extra crushed cookies (optional): Perfect for adding a decorative and delicious topping before serving.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Crush the Cookies
Start by finely crushing the chocolate sandwich cookies. You can use a food processor for convenience or place them in a zip-top bag and smash them with a rolling pin. The goal is to get lovely fine crumbs with a few small chunks for texture, but not large cookie pieces, so that every spoonful of mousse has that perfect balance of cream and crunch.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you see stiff peaks form. This means the cream will hold firm shapes when the beaters are lifted, which is essential for the mousse to keep its light and airy structure.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Using a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This fluffy mixture will add richness to the mousse and complement the whipped cream perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Whipped Cream and Cream Cheese
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Folding is important here—you want to combine the two without deflating the airy whipped cream, so use a spatula and a gentle, sweeping motion until everything is beautifully blended and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Cookie Crumbs
Fold in the crushed cookies, reserving a tablespoon or two for garnish if you like. The cookies dispersed throughout bring delightful bursts of texture and chocolatey flavor, making this mousse a true cookies and cream experience.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving cups or bowls, then place them in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps the mousse set nicely for that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. Just before serving, sprinkle with extra crushed cookies for a pretty, crunchy finish.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little extra flair by garnishing your Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe with some crushed cookies, a few mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. These touches intensify the flavors and make your presentation feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This mousse pairs wonderfully with fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries, which add a bright contrast to the rich creaminess. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream to double down on the dessert decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the mousse with cookie crumbs in clear glasses or mason jars for an elegant parfait-style dessert. You can also pipe the mousse into chocolate cups or use edible cookie cups to make each serving a delightful bite-sized treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mousse covered tightly with plastic wrap or in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days while maintaining its creamy texture and fresh cookie flavor.
Freezing
Because of the whipped cream and cream cheese base, freezing is not ideal for this Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe as the texture can become grainy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh within a couple of days.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary for this dessert—serve chilled and fresh from the fridge to enjoy the perfect light, fluffy texture and delightful cookies and cream flavor without compromise.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie?
Absolutely! While classic chocolate sandwich cookies work best for that iconic cookies and cream flavor, you can experiment with other chocolate cookies or even flavored sandwich cookies to mix things up.
Is there a lighter version of this mousse?
Yes, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that still delivers creamy texture with fewer calories.
How long does the mousse need to chill?
At least one hour in the refrigerator is needed for the mousse to set properly and develop its signature fluffy texture and chilled creaminess.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Definitely! This Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe can be made up to a day in advance, just be sure to cover it well and chill until you are ready to serve.
What is the best way to crush the cookies?
The easiest method is using a food processor, but if you don’t have one, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin, aiming for fine crumbs with some small chunks for texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe a try because it has a way of turning any ordinary day into a special occasion. Its creamy, fluffy texture combined with crunchy cookie bits is a comforting yet exciting treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. So, go ahead and whip up this dessert—you won’t regret sharing this irresistibly delicious delight with your loved ones!
Print
Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and indulgent Cookies and Cream Mousse featuring crushed chocolate sandwich cookies folded into a fluffy mixture of whipped cream and cream cheese, perfect for a no-bake, easy-to-make dessert that can be prepared ahead of time and chilled before serving.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 12 chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos)
Mousse
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- Extra crushed cookies for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Crush Cookies: Crush the cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and smashing with a rolling pin.
- Whip Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare Cream Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until combined and fluffy.
- Add Cookies: Fold in the crushed cookies, reserving a tablespoon or two for garnish if desired.
- Serve and Chill: Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving cups or bowls and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish: Top with additional crushed cookies just before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- This mousse is best served chilled and can be made up to a day in advance.
