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Easy Creamy Cookies and Cream Parfait Recipe for Perfect Dessert Layering

easy creamy cookies and cream parfait - featured image

A quick and easy dessert combining layers of vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for a creamy, crunchy treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups (480 ml) milk (whole, 2%, or plant-based like almond or oat)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whipped cream (store-bought or homemade, lightly sweetened)
  • 1520 chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos), crushed into chunks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 12 tablespoons sugar (optional, for homemade whipped cream)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups (480 ml) of cold milk. Beat for about 2 minutes until thickened. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Set aside for 5 minutes to fully set.
  2. Whip the cream: If using heavy cream, pour 1 cup (240 ml) into a chilled bowl. Whip with an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. Add 1-2 tablespoons sugar if you want it sweeter. Be careful not to overwhip—stop when it holds shape but is still smooth.
  3. Crush the cookies: Place 15-20 chocolate sandwich cookies in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. Keep some chunks larger for texture in the parfait layers.
  4. Mix cookies into pudding: Fold about 1/3 of the crushed cookies into the set pudding for that iconic cookies & cream flavor throughout the base.
  5. Layer the parfait: Start with a spoonful of pudding at the bottom of your glass, then a layer of whipped cream, followed by a sprinkle of cookie chunks. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full, finishing with a few cookie pieces on top for garnish.
  6. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the dessert set nicely.

Notes

Use gluten-free sandwich cookies for gluten sensitivities or dairy-free pudding and whipped cream for a vegan version. Chill the parfait for at least 30 minutes for best texture and flavor. Folding whipped cream gently into pudding keeps the parfait light and airy. Fresh cookie pieces added just before serving maintain crunchiness. Can be frozen for a few hours for a frozen treat.

Nutrition

Keywords: cookies and cream parfait, easy dessert, layered dessert, no bake dessert, quick dessert, creamy parfait, chocolate sandwich cookies, vanilla pudding