There’s something truly magical about Cookies and Cream Mousse: it’s decadent, delightfully fluffy, and incredibly easy to whip up with just a handful of everyday ingredients. If you’ve ever craved the nostalgic combo of chocolate sandwich cookies and creamy filling, but in a seriously grown-up, no-bake dessert form, you’re in for a treat. This recipe brings together rich whipped cream, tangy cream cheese, and plenty of crushed chocolate cookies in every dreamy spoonful. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just want a sweet treat for yourself, Cookies and Cream Mousse has that irresistible charm to win over everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to fall in love with the simplicity here! Each ingredient in this Cookies and Cream Mousse brings its own special magic, from luscious texture to bold chocolate crunch and a whisper of vanilla. The list is short, but every item counts in creating the ultimate fluffy, dessert-night masterpiece.
- 12 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed: The highlight of the show, their deep chocolate flavor and crispness add both character and satisfying texture to each bite.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream: Helps create that classic, cloud-like mousse base; make sure it’s cold for the best volume when whipping!
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Dissolves smoothly into the cream, adding gentle sweetness without grittiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, making each bite aromatic and irresistibly inviting.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a hint of tang and helps stabilize the mousse so it stays perfectly creamy—room temperature makes mixing a breeze!
- Additional crushed cookies for topping: A finishing flourish for crunch and that signature, show-stopping cookies and cream look.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Mousse
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by pouring your cold heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture until stiff peaks form. The key is to stop just when the cream holds its shape—this is what makes the mousse so airy and light!
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and free of any lumps. This step is crucial for achieving a silky-smooth mousse that blends beautifully without clumps.
Step 3: Fold It Together
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Take your time here—use a spatula and a light hand to keep the mixture fluffy and avoid deflating all that lovely air you just whipped in.
Step 4: Add the Cookie Crunch
Sprinkle in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and lightly fold them in until they’re evenly scattered throughout the mousse. Every spoonful should have the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy elements!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or jars for a picture-perfect presentation. Pop them in the fridge to chill for at least an hour—this helps the Cookies and Cream Mousse set up to its perfect, spoonable consistency.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Mousse
Garnishes
A final flourish makes all the difference! Sprinkle extra crushed cookies over the top for irresistible crunch and that classic cookies and cream look. For a special touch, top each glass with a whole mini cookie, a swirl of whipped cream, or even chocolate curls.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple and let the Cookies and Cream Mousse shine as the star of dessert. Pair it with fresh berries—strawberries or raspberries deliver a tart balance—or serve alongside a cup of hot espresso, which nicely cuts through the richness and heightens those chocolate notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the mousse in small mason jars for a portable treat, or build dramatic parfaits with alternating mousse and whole or halved cookies. For parties, pipe the mousse into chocolate cups or mini tart shells, or even spoon it between soft brownies for a next-level twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store your Cookies and Cream Mousse covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture actually improves as the cookies soften slightly, melding perfectly with the creamy mousse base.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to two months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator. It doubles as a frozen mousse treat when served right from the freezer—the texture is firmer but oh-so-delicious!
Reheating
Luckily, this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, so reheating isn’t necessary! Just remember to allow frozen mousse to thaw in the fridge to regain its fluffy, creamy texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat?
You can, but full-fat cream cheese adds the richest, creamiest texture. Light or Neufchâtel works in a pinch, but the mousse may be a bit less velvety.
What’s the best way to crush the cookies?
Seal the cookies in a zip-top bag and gently smash them with a rolling pin. You’re looking for a mix of small crumbs and larger cookie chunks for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this Cookies and Cream Mousse ahead of time?
Absolutely—Cookies and Cream Mousse is the perfect make-ahead dessert! Just keep it chilled until ready to serve and add extra garnish right before enjoying.
Can I substitute the chocolate sandwich cookies with other flavors?
Yes! Try golden sandwich cookies, peanut butter-filled versions, or even mint for a fresh twist. Just make sure they are crunchy enough to hold up in the mousse.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic cookies contain wheat, but you can easily swap in gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for an allergy-friendly treat without sacrificing taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and downright dreamy, give Cookies and Cream Mousse a spot on your table. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat—and guaranteed to inspire happy smiles with every creamy, crunchy bite. Enjoy, and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to treat!
PrintCookies and Cream Mousse Recipe
Indulge in this luscious Cookies and Cream Mousse, a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a fluffy blend of whipped cream, cream cheese, and crushed cookies. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Mousse:
- 12 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Additional Topping:
- Additional crushed cookies for topping
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until smooth. Fold in crushed cookies.
- Chill: Spoon mousse into serving glasses, refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Top with additional crushed cookies before serving.
Notes
- For added richness, layer the mousse with whole or halved cookies.
- Experiment with different flavored sandwich cookies for a unique twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg