Sugar Cookie Protein Ice Cream

Jump to Recipe

Okay let me just get this out of the way.

Do you like Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies? Yes or no?!

The soft ones!! That taste like heaven on earth!!!

Do you like them yes or no?!

Actually, maybe I shouldn’t even ask because I don’t feel like getting mad, but either way this recipe has nothing to do with them. I just love them and they are sugar cookies and this is Sugar Cookie Protein Ice Cream so it’s like why not bring up the fact that I can’t relate to Lofthouse sugar cookie haters and… okay I’m not going to get into it because I really could go on and on.

ANYWAY.

This recipe is more like those delicious Costco sugar cookies… let me look up the name… the Kirkland Signature Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles OMG so delicious. Or maybe it’s inspired by those mall sugar cookies… please hold… the Great American Sugar Cookie… mm mm mm also delicious.

OR MAYBE this is inspired by nothing.

Because it’s sugar cookie DOUGH ice cream, not not plain sugar cook-IE period ice cream.

Um, honestly it doesn’t even matter what the inspo is. The point is that it’s DELICIOUS, and high protein and health-ier than your average ice cream and I love it and you’re gonna love it and together, we’re gonna love it.

And I’m officially done yapping,

sooooooo let’s get into the recipe!

Why This Sugar Cookie Protein Ice Cream Is Amazing

There are a lot of “vanilla” protein ice creams out there.

And to be clear — this is not one of them.

What makes this recipe different is the balance:

• Vanilla extract gives that classic bakery feel
• Almond extract adds depth and that unmistakable sugar-cookie flavor
• White chocolate pudding mix makes it rich and creamy without overpowering anything
• Rainbow sanding sugar adds crunch and visual chaos (in the best way)
• Edible sugar cookie dough takes it from “good” to why am I eating this with a spoon directly out of the pint

It’s nostalgic without being boring, sweet without being overwhelming, and indulgent without feeling heavy.

Basically, it’s what sugar cookies wish they could be year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ice Cream Base

• 1½ cups 2% milk (360 ml)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (31 g)
• 14 g sugar-free white chocolate pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon stevia or sweetener of choice, to taste
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins & Toppings

• 1 teaspoon rainbow sanding sugar (4 g)
• 2 pieces edible sugar cookie dough (38 g total)

How to Make Sugar Cookie Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream

Step 1: Blend the Base

Add all ice cream base ingredients to a blender.

Blend until completely smooth and fully combined.

You want everything dissolved here — especially the pudding mix — so take the extra few seconds and make sure it’s silky.

Step 2: Freeze

Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint.

Place it on a level surface in your freezer and freeze for 24 hours.

Yes, the full 24 hours matters. Trust the process.

Step 3: Spin

Once frozen solid:

Rinse the outside of the pint under hot water for 1–2 minutes. Spin on Light Ice Cream mode. Re-spin 1–2 times, until creamy and smooth.

If it looks crumbly after the first spin, that’s normal. Re-spin fixes everything.

Step 4: Add Mix-Ins

If there isn’t already a well in the center, create one.

Add:

• Edible sugar cookie dough
• Rainbow sanding sugar, reserving some for topping if you want

Spin on Mix-In mode.

Step 5: Finish & Enjoy

Top with any remaining rainbow sanding sugar for extra sparkle and crunch.

Grab a spoon. Eat directly from the pint.

No notes.

What This Sugar Cookie Protein Ice Cream Tastes Like

Imagine:

• The flavor of soft sugar cookies
• Vanilla frosting energy, but not frosting-heavy
• That slightly almondy bakery note you can’t quite place but absolutely love

Now imagine it frozen, creamy, and loaded with little bites of cookie dough.

That’s this.

It’s sweet but not cloying. Rich but not heavy. Comforting without being boring.

It’s the kind of ice cream you make “just to test it” and then suddenly realize half the pint is gone.

Customization Ideas (Because You’ll Make This Again)

Once you make this once, you’ll probably start experimenting. Here are a few easy ways to switch it up:

• Add crushed sugar cookies instead of cookie dough
• Use holiday sanding sugar to make it festive
• Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for snickerdoodle vibes
• Use birthday cake protein powder for a fun twist

This base is incredibly versatile, which makes it perfect for repeating on rotation.

When to Make This Recipe

Honestly? Anytime.

But this Sugar Cookie Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream is especially perfect:

• During the holidays when sugar cookies are everywhere (and not just Christmas)
• When you want dessert but not a baking project
• When vanilla feels too boring but chocolate feels too intense
• When you want something nostalgic and comforting

It’s simple, reliable, and somehow still feels special every time.

More Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes to Try

If this one hits (and it will), here are more Ninja Creami recipes you’ll probably love next:

• Cookie Butter Protein Ice Cream
• Snickerdoodle Protein Ice Cream
• Everything But the Kitchen Sink Protein Ice Cream
• Plain Jane Protein Ice Cream
• Milk and Cookies Protein Ice Cream

Each one has its own personality, but they all deliver on flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I taste the protein powder in this ice cream?

Nope. The vanilla protein powder blends right in and just adds a creamy, slightly sweet base. Between the vanilla extract, almond extract, and white chocolate pudding mix, this ice cream tastes like actual sugar cookie dough — not protein.

Why is almond extract used in sugar cookie recipes?

Almond extract is what gives sugar cookies that classic bakery-style flavor. You don’t taste “almond” specifically — it just makes the vanilla taste warmer, richer, and more like real sugar cookie dough. A little goes a long way, which is why only a small amount is used here.

Can I skip the almond extract?

Yes. The ice cream will still be good, just a bit more plain vanilla-forward. If you want to keep that sugar cookie vibe without almond extract, you can slightly increase the vanilla instead.

What kind of sugar cookie dough did you use?

I used edible sugar cookie dough (Pillsbury), but any safe-to-eat sugar cookie dough works here. Store-bought or homemade is totally fine — just make sure it’s edible since it’s being mixed in after spinning.

Can I use regular sugar cookie dough?

Only if it’s made to be eaten raw. Traditional cookie dough contains raw flour and eggs, which isn’t ideal. Stick with edible cookie dough or dough specifically labeled as safe to eat.

Can I change the mix-ins?

Absolutely. You can:

• Add more sugar cookie dough
• Use festive sprinkles instead of sanding sugar
• Skip the dough and keep it simple with just sprinkles
  This recipe is very forgiving and easy to customize.

Why does my Ninja Creami ice cream look crumbly at first?

Totally normal. High-protein ice creams often spin crumbly on the first spin. Just re-spin 1–2 times and it will turn creamy and smooth. If needed, you can add a splash of milk before re-spinning.

Do I need to run the pint under hot water?

Yes — this step really matters. Running the pint under hot water for 1–2 minutes helps the sides release so the Creami can spin the ice cream properly and evenly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using a dairy-free milk, but the texture may change. Dairy-free versions often need extra re-spins or a small splash of liquid to reach the same creaminess.

Is this actually high protein?

Yes. Between the milk and protein powder, this recipe is significantly higher in protein than traditional ice cream while still tasting like a dessert.

Final Thoughts

This Sugar Cookie Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or over-the-top add-ins to make something incredible.

It’s cozy and genuinely satisfying — the kind of recipe you keep coming back to when you don’t want to think too hard but still want something really good.

If you make it, I already know you’re going to love it.

And if you don’t eat the whole pint in one sitting…

You’re stronger than me 🤍🍪