This is the thick, diner-style cookies-and-cream milkshake — so thick the straw stands up — with just four ingredients and five minutes. The trick is more ice cream than milk, plus blending the cookies in two stages so you get a smooth base AND big crunchy bits. Chocolate-drizzled glass, a mountain of whipped cream, a whole Oreo on the rim. The treat my kids beg for every weekend.
Fun fact: Oreos have been the best-selling cookie in the United States since their debut in 1912, and over 500 billion have been sold. The name's origin is still a mystery — theories range from the French "or" (gold, the original packaging color) to the Greek "oreo" meaning beautiful.
Why this recipe works
- MORE ice cream, less milk. A 4:1 ratio of ice cream to milk gives that spoon-thick, slow-pour texture. Too much milk = a sad thin shake.
- BLEND cookies in two stages. Blend half smooth for flavor, pulse the rest in at the end for crunch.
- CHILL the glass. A cold glass keeps the shake thick longer. Pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes first.
Nutrition information
- Calories: 620 kcal per shake
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 78 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Sugar: 58 g
Pro tips for the best oreo milkshake
- Add malt powder. 1 tbsp malted milk powder turns this into a malt shake — incredible.
- Make it boozy (adults). A shot of Baileys or coffee liqueur makes a grown-up version.
- No blender? Mash softened ice cream and crushed Oreos with milk by hand — chunkier but works.
- Dairy-free. Use oat-milk ice cream and oat milk; most Oreos are accidentally vegan.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a milkshake thick?
Use more ice cream than milk (about 4:1), keep the ice cream cold but slightly softened, and chill your glass. Add milk a splash at a time.
Can I use milk instead of ice cream?
Not for a true shake — you'd get a thin cookie milk. For thickness you need ice cream (or frozen banana for a lighter version).
Are Oreos vegan?
The classic cookies contain no dairy, but Oreo states they're made on shared lines, so they aren't certified vegan. Pair with non-dairy ice cream for a plant-based shake.
Can I make it ahead?
Milkshakes are best fresh. You can blend, freeze 20 minutes, then re-blend briefly — but it's never as good as immediate.
What ice cream is best?
A good vanilla lets the Oreo shine. Cookies-and-cream ice cream doubles down for extra cookie flavor.
