The Oreo Snowdrift Blizzard quickly became one of my personal favorites. Its creamy vanilla base, crushed Oreo cookies, and that irresistible marshmallow swirl—it’s a dreamy dessert that tastes like winter in a cup.

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How to make an Oreo Snowdrift Blizzard

The OREO Snowdrift Blizzard is a limited-time dessert treat from Dairy Queen, part of their seasonal Blizzard® Treat lineup. It’s essentially a special flavor of their signature thick, blended ice cream dessert that’s themed around winter.

Ingredients:

Vanilla Ice Cream: 2 cups (softened slightly for easier blending)
Oreos: 6 cookies (crushed into smaller chunks, or more if desired)
Marshmallow Creme: 2 tablespoons
Milk: 1/4 cup (to achieve your desired thickness)
Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon (for extra flavor)
Whipped Cream: Optional (for topping)
Extra Crushed Oreos: Optional (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Oreos: Place the Oreos in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor until crumbled but not too fine. Aim for some larger chunks for texture.
Blend the Base: In a blender, combine the softened vanilla ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity if needed to reach your preferred consistency.
Add the Oreo and Marshmallow: Add the crushed Oreo pieces to the blender and pulse briefly to combine. You want the Oreos to be mixed in but still retain some of their crunch.
Add the marshmallow creme to the mix and gently swirl it in with a spoon or spatula. This step is crucial to achieving that signature marshmallow swirl.
Serve: Pour the mixture into serving glasses. Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch and sprinkle additional crushed Oreos on top if desired.

Tips:

Softening Ice Cream: Leave the ice cream out at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes to soften, making it easier to blend. Be careful not to let it melt completely.
Adjusting Consistency: If your Blizzard turns out too thick, add a little more milk and blend again. If it’s too runny, add more ice cream.
Flavor Enhancements: For a twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract for a minty, winter-like flavor.
Serving: This recipe makes about two servings, but feel free to scale up the ingredients if you’re planning to share with friends or family.

What to serve with

The Oreo Snowdrift Blizzard is a rich, indulgent dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of complementary treats and snacks, elevating your dining experience.

1. Warm Desserts

Since the Blizzard is cold and creamy, pairing it with a warm dessert creates a delightful contrast. Here are some options to consider:

2. Light and Crispy Snacks

To balance the richness of the Oreo Snowdrift Blizzard, serve it with something light and crispy:

Sugar Cookies: These buttery cookies complement the marshmallow swirl and vanilla ice cream base seamlessly. Decorate them with snowflake designs for a winter vibe!
Butter Wafers: Thin, crispy wafers provide a delicate texture contrast that enhances the Blizzard’s creamy texture.
Pizzelle Cookies: These traditional Italian waffle cookies are crispy and sweet, making them an elegant addition.

3. Savory Counterpart

If you enjoy a mix of sweet and savory flavors, pair the Blizzard with snacks that have a hint of saltiness to offset its sweetness:

Pretzel Sticks or Soft Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels pairs wonderfully with the sweet ice cream for a balanced bite.
Salted Popcorn: A bowl of lightly buttered or caramel-tossed popcorn is surprisingly great to munch on between bites of Blizzard.
Cheese Board: A mild cheese like Brie or Havarti paired with crackers can act as a contrasting savory snack that balances your dessert.

4. Beverages

Complement your Oreo Snowdrift Blizzard with a cozy or refreshing drink:

Hot Chocolate: A classic choice! The warm, chocolaty drink complements the Oreo flavor, making the meal feel like winter luxury.
Peppermint Latte: If you’re serving Blizzard during the holiday season, a minty latte provides a festive pairing.
Chai Tea Latte: The spiced tea offers warmth and depth, balancing the sweetness of the Blizzard.
Iced Coffee: For coffee lovers, a lightly sweetened cold brew or iced coffee provides a refreshing bitterness.

5. Fresh Fruit

Balance the sweetness and richness of the Blizzard with refreshing, juicy fruits:

Sliced Strawberries: Their tangy sweetness is a refreshing contrast to the Oreo creaminess.
Banana Slices: Creamy bananas pair naturally with vanilla ice cream and Oreo cookies.
Mixed Berry Salad: Serve a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a tart, fresh flavor alongside your dessert.

Ingredients Substitutes

While the classic Oreo Snowdrift Blizzard recipe is indulgent and delicious, you may need or want to substitute certain ingredients for dietary preferences, allergies, or lifestyle choices.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream Substitutes

The vanilla ice cream is the base of the Blizzard, but you can swap it with various options that fit your dietary needs:

Dairy-Free or Vegan Ice Cream: Use plant-based options made from almond, coconut, oat, or cashew milk (e.g., So Delicious, Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy range). These maintain a similar creamy texture and sweet flavor.
Low-Sugar or Keto Ice Cream: Brands like Halo Top, Rebel, or Nick’s light ice cream are great for those watching their sugar or carb intake.
Frozen Yogurt: A low-fat or Greek yogurt-based frozen dessert can work as a lighter option. This will create a tangier flavor but pairs nicely with the sweetness of Oreos and marshmallows.
Banana “Ice Cream”: For a completely homemade substitute, blend frozen banana chunks until smooth for a creamy, fruity base. This naturally sweet substitute works wonderfully, but will have a more prominent banana flavor.

2. Oreo Cookie Substitutes

The signature crunch and chocolate sweetness of Oreos can be recreated or swapped for a variety of alternatives:

Gluten-Free Oreos or Similar Cookies: Gluten-free Oreos (from Nabisco) or other gluten-free sandwich cookies are perfect for those with gluten allergies or preferences.
Homemade Chocolate Cookies: Crush any homemade or store-bought chocolate cookies, with or without cream filling. If needed, add a hint of salt to balance the flavors.
Chocolate Graham Crackers: These can mimic the texture and chocolate flavor of Oreos but are slightly less sweet, which can be great for those watching sugar intake.
Vegan or Organic Sandwich Cookies: Brands such as Newman-O’s or allergen-free cookies like Enjoy Life’s chocolate sandwich cookies work for those seeking organic or vegan equivalents.
Non-Oreo Flavors: Substitute with a different cookie, like Nutter Butter (for a peanut butter twist), gingersnaps (for a seasonal variation), or mint chocolate cookies for a refreshing spin.

3. Marshmallow Creme Substitutes

Marshmallow creme is what gives the “Snowdrift” its sweet, fluffy swirl. If you don’t have it or need a substitute, here’s what you can use:

Marshmallow Fluff: This is the easiest direct swap. It has a similar texture and flavor and is widely available.
Homemade Marshmallow Creme: Whip up your own using egg whites, sugar, vanilla extract, and corn syrup. (There are many easy recipes online—you’ll need a mixer and a few basic ingredients.) This is an excellent option for those who prefer homemade options without unnecessary additives.
Whipped Cream: For a lighter alternative, swirl in some sweetened whipped cream or a non-dairy whipped topping. While it doesn’t have the same marshmallow flavor, it still provides a soft, fluffy texture.
Coconut Cream Swirl: Whipped coconut cream (the thick layer skimmed from a can of coconut milk) can give a unique tropical twist while still keeping things fluffy. Sweeten it lightly if needed.

4. Milk Substitutes

A small amount of milk is blended into the Blizzard to achieve the right consistency. If you don’t have regular milk or prefer plant-based options, here are some swaps:

Plant-Based Milks: Almond, oat, soy, coconut, or cashew milk all work well. Opt for unsweetened versions to control the sweetness of your dessert.
Cream or Half-and-Half: For an ultra-rich version, use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of regular milk. Keep in mind, this will make the Blizzard thicker and more luxurious.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your homemade Oreo Snowdrift Blizzard anytime you like. It’s perfect for dessert lovers and anyone longing for that Dairy Queen magic without leaving home!

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