Every year when March finally arrives, besides celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and stuffing my face with corned beef and cabbage, I would always look forward to splurging on a certain fast-food chains minty-green shake.

More specifically, A Shamrock Shake.

Well, I’m happy to say there’s no need to wait in the drive-thru line to get a shamrock shake because I found a recipe that even better and can be made and sipped on in the comfort of our own home. In this method, chocolate cream-filled cookie crumbs are blended with vanilla ice cream, milk, mint and vanilla extract (and green food coloring if you so choose) into a thick and flavor-packed shake. Who could resist that?

For all of those who didn’t give up any cookies, sweets or ice cream for Lent, these shakes are for you! For those who did give-up these goodies, hang on! You’re almost there!

To make These Cookies and Cream Shamrock Shakes Set out:

chocolate sandwich cookies – Like Oreos or similar brand of choice.
spearmint extract – Gives these shakes that distinct minty flavor. I like Simply Organic mint extract.
vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors in the shake.
green food coloring – This is optional but does give the shake it’s signature green color.
milk – Use a milk of your choice. I prefer whole milk or 2%.
vanilla ice cream – Use real cream, full-fat ice cream. (more on this below)

Set the ice cream out on the counter 15 to 20 minutes prior to making the shakes. Meanwhile add 12 chocolate cookies into a food processor.

Secure the lid and blend until they are a fine crumb.

Into your blender add 1 teaspoon mint extract, a splash of vanilla extract and 3/4 teaspoon green food coloring. You don’t need to add the food coloring if you don’t want to. Typically I don’t like to use food coloring when I bake (unless it’s red or black velvet). But like those were, these also are a special occasion, therefore an exception to my rule.

Pour in 1/2 cup milk.

Add in 4 cups (or 32 ounces or 2 pints) vanilla ice cream.

What Type Of Ice Cream Is Go-to To Use In Shakes?

It’s dependable to use real, full cream and full-fat ice cream. It holds up when being blended with other ingredients because thicker, richer and has more air whipped into it, yielding a more well-seasoned, rich and decadent shake.