If you are craving a dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a dreamy, fluffy treat packed with the nostalgic crunch and sweetness of Oreo cookies folded into a smooth, creamy base that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making it for a casual family gathering or a special occasion, this mousse offers a perfect balance of indulgence and lightness that makes everyone ask for seconds. The beautiful contrast of the black-and-white cookie crumbs against the soft cream makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe only requires a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that luscious texture and irresistible flavor. From the rich cream cheese giving it body and tang, to the sweet yet slightly crunchy Oreo cookies adding character, every component works together beautifully.
- Oreos (12 cookies, crushed, divided): Choose your favorite classic Oreos for that iconic cookies and cream flavor and crunch.
- Heavy whipping cream (1½ cups): This is the heart of the mousse, whipped to stiff peaks for lightness and volume.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, essential for balancing sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (¼ cup): A fine sugar that sweetens the mousse without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the depth of flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
- Extra crushed cookies or cookie halves (for garnish): Adds a decorative and textural finish to your mousse servings.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream
Start by pouring the heavy whipping cream into a chilled large mixing bowl. Beat it using a mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form—this means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape firmly without drooping. This fluffy whipped cream is the cornerstone of that airy mousse texture everyone loves.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat them together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no lumps. This smooth base complements the whipped cream and balances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. The key here is to combine them carefully to maintain the volume and fluffiness. Use a spatula and fold with a light hand until fully incorporated, creating that delicate mousse texture.
Step 4: Add the Crushed Oreos
Mix in about 8 of the crushed Oreo cookies, saving the rest for topping. Stir gently so the cookie pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mousse, adding delightful texture and that signature cookies and cream appeal.
Step 5: Portion and Chill
Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses or bowls for a neat presentation. Finish each serving with a sprinkle of the remaining crushed cookies or place a half Oreo on top as a garnish. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the mousse set properly, enhancing both flavor and mouthfeel.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch is what makes this dessert visually inviting. A sprinkle of crushed Oreos adds texture and a hint of crunch, while placing an Oreo half on the rim of each glass is charming and reinforces the cookie theme beautifully. You can even dust a little cocoa powder or add a dollop of whipped cream if feeling extra festive.
Side Dishes
This mousse pairs wonderfully with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, which provide a juicy and tangy contrast to the rich creaminess. For a more indulgent experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a warm brownie for combining textures and temperatures.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get playful and layer this Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe with alternating layers of cookie crumbs and mousse in tall parfait glasses? Or serve it in chocolate-dipped cookie cups for an all-in-one treat. Even small mason jars make for a trendy, shareable presentation that can impress guests effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any mousse left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its luscious texture and flavor for up to 2 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir to refresh its lightness.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the mousse in a freezer-safe container, but be aware that freezing might affect the texture slightly, making it less airy upon thawing. If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. Warming it will cause the mousse to lose its delicate structure and creaminess, so keep it cool for the ultimate indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie instead of Oreos?
Absolutely! While Oreos are classic for a cookies and cream mousse, you can experiment with other chocolate sandwich cookies or even chocolate chip cookies for a slightly different but still delicious twist.
Is it possible to make this mousse dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The texture will be similar, though the flavor will have a coconut undertone.
How long does the mousse need to chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 1 hour is recommended to help the mousse set and develop its smooth, airy texture. You can chill it longer for convenience or prep ahead of time.
Can I make this mousse without a mixer?
While having a mixer makes whipping heavy cream much easier, you can whip it by hand with a whisk. It will just take more time and some muscle power to reach stiff peaks.
What is the best way to crush the Oreos for this recipe?
You can place the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse briefly in a food processor, depending on whether you want fine crumbs or some chunkier cookie pieces.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe that brings a light, creamy joy to any occasion. Its simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that feels special yet is so easy to make. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch it become one of your go-to treats for sweet cravings or delightful celebrations. Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, you’ll know exactly why it’s a favorite.
Print
Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cookies and Cream Mousse is a decadent, no-bake dessert featuring crushed Oreo cookies folded into a light and fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream mixture. Perfectly chilled and garnished with extra Oreos, this mousse delivers creamy texture and rich cookie flavor in every bite, making it an easy yet elegant treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 12 Oreo cookies (crushed, divided)
Mousse
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Extra crushed cookies or cookie halves for garnish
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside to keep the whipped cream light and airy.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for a silky mousse base.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy, careful not to deflate the whipped cream, creating a light texture.
- Add Cookies: Stir in 8 of the crushed Oreos into the combined mixture to distribute the cookie pieces throughout the mousse evenly.
- Assemble: Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses or bowls for a polished presentation.
- Garnish: Top each serving with the remaining crushed cookies or decorate with half an Oreo cookie for an attractive finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mousse for at least 1 hour before serving to allow it to set and develop the best texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute part of the heavy whipping cream with whipped topping to reduce richness.
- This mousse can be layered with additional cookie crumbs between layers to create a parfait-style dessert presentation.
