If you have a craving for a dessert that feels both indulgent and delightfully light, this Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the creamy richness of whipped cream and cream cheese with the satisfying crunch of chocolate sandwich cookies, creating a no-bake treat that is irresistibly smooth and bursting with familiar cookie flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family get-together or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the fluffy whipped cream to the luscious cream cheese and the iconic cookies, every element elevates the dish in a unique, mouthwatering way.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 ¾ cups): This adds the fluffy, airy base that makes the mousse light and creamy.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the mousse smoothly without any graininess, ensuring a silky finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the cream, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened (6 ounces): Gives the mousse a tangy creaminess and luscious texture that contrasts beautifully with the cookies.
- Chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed (12 cookies): The star ingredient that delivers that classic cookies and cream taste with a delightful crunch.
- Additional crushed cookies for topping (optional): Adds an irresistible finishing touch and a bit of extra texture on top.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by pouring the heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form—this means when you lift the beaters, the cream will hold a gentle peak but still have some movement. This fluffy base is essential for that light mousse texture everyone loves.
Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor the Whipped Cream
Next, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Keep mixing until the peaks become stiff and hold their shape firmly. This step ensures your mousse has the perfect hint of sweetness and that the vanilla rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This is key to avoiding lumps and ensures the mousse melds together perfectly, giving it that luscious, velvety texture.
Step 4: Combine Cream Cheese and Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese using a spatula. Folding rather than stirring helps keep the mixture light and airy while combining the rich cream cheese flavor with the fluffy whipped cream.
Step 5: Add the Crushed Cookies
Finally, fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies until they are evenly distributed throughout the mousse. This gives you those delightful cookie bits in every spoonful. Once combined, spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Pop your mousse-filled dishes into the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours. This chilling time allows the mousse to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and intensifying the flavors.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe presentation, sprinkle extra crushed cookies on top just before serving. For an added touch of elegance, you might also consider topping with a dollop of whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. These simple garnishes add texture and an inviting look that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This mousse pairs beautifully with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries, which add a burst of color and a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness. Serve alongside a delicate shortbread cookie or a small espresso for a complete and satisfying dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer the mousse with whole or halved cookies in clear glasses to create a striking visual effect. You can also pipe the mousse into fancy swirls using a piping bag for a more refined look. Another great idea is to serve it in mini mason jars for easy grab-and-go party treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover mousse should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or transferred to airtight containers and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and rich flavors.
Freezing
While this mousse can be frozen, the texture may slightly change upon thawing due to the whipped cream. If you choose to freeze it, place it in a well-sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Stir gently to restore some creaminess.
Reheating
Since this dessert is best enjoyed chilled and is not cooked, reheating is not recommended. Instead, serve directly from the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used to lighten the mousse, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly less creamy texture compared to regular cream cheese.
Is it possible to make this mousse without an electric mixer?
While an electric mixer makes whipping the cream easier and faster, you can whisk by hand using a balloon whisk—it will just take more time and effort to reach the right peak consistency.
Can I substitute the chocolate sandwich cookies with a different type of cookie?
Absolutely! While traditional chocolate sandwich cookies provide that classic flavor, you can experiment with other chocolate or vanilla sandwich cookies for a unique twist on this mousse.
How long does it take to set in the refrigerator?
The mousse needs at least 2 hours to chill and set properly. For best results, chill it longer if you have time, as it makes serving easier and enhances the flavor melding.
Is this Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this mousse is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or gelatin. All the ingredients are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a dessert that brings together simplicity, luscious texture, and nostalgic flavor, this Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe is undoubtedly a winner. It’s easy to prepare, requires no baking, and delivers a delightful blend of creamy smoothness with just the right crunch. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorites to whip up whenever your sweet tooth calls.
Print
Cookies and Cream Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cookies and Cream Mousse is a luscious no-bake dessert combining creamy whipped cream, rich cream cheese, and crunchy chocolate sandwich cookies. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion, featuring a smooth, fluffy texture and irresistible cookies and cream flavor.
Ingredients
For the Mousse
- 1 ¾ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 12 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
For Topping (Optional)
- Additional crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, which means the cream holds its shape but still softly bends when the beaters are lifted.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavor: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream and continue beating until stiff peaks form, indicating a firm yet fluffy texture perfect for mousse.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Base: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for a silky mousse.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Folding carefully keeps the mousse airy and light while fully incorporating both components.
- Add Cookies: Fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies evenly into the combined mousse mixture, distributing them throughout for crunchy, flavorful bites.
- Chill the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with additional crushed cookies on top for extra texture and decorative appeal.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese or use whipped topping instead of fresh whipped cream.
- Chilling time is crucial to help the mousse set properly; do not skip or shorten it significantly.
