Cookies and cream ice cream remains one of the most beloved flavors in dessert menus worldwide, yet its invention is surrounded by a swirl of competing claims and uncertainties. From local ice cream shops to major supermarkets, this flavor’s popularity is undeniable—but who actually invented it?
The most compelling origin story traces back to South Dakota State University (SDSU). In 1979, Shirley Seas, the dairy plant manager at SDSU, experimented with incorporating cookie crumbles directly into vanilla ice cream. After instructing two students to procure Oreo cookies from a local store, they crushed and mixed them into the ice cream base. Seas originally intended to name the flavor “Oreo ice cream,” but legal advice steered him toward the now-iconic “Cookies ‘N Cream” to avoid copyright issues. Despite the pioneering creation, SDSU never patented the flavor, leaving room for others to claim credit.
Several other individuals and companies have laid claim to the invention. Steve Herrell, founder of Steve’s Ice Cream in Massachusetts, popularized customizable mix-ins like Oreos in the 1970s but did not assert inventing the flavor. Malcolm Stogo, known as the “Godfather of Ice Cream” and founder of Ice Cream University, claims to have created cookies and cream around 1978, though no official documentation supports this. Similarly, John Harrison, an ice cream flavor developer for Edy’s and Dryer’s, is credited by the brand for inventing the flavor in 1982, but solid evidence is lacking.
Blue Bell Creameries, a major ice cream producer, was the first to mass-produce “Cookies ‘N Cream” in 1980 and even applied for a patent in 1981, though it was later invalidated. The company has vacillated in public statements about whether it invented or merely popularized the flavor.
As cookies and cream continues to captivate ice cream lovers, it also represents a lucrative segment of the frozen dessert market. Entrepreneurs eyeing the latest ice cream franchise opportunities may find that incorporating such classic, crowd-pleasing flavors can be a key to success. However, understanding ice cream franchise costs and navigating trademark complexities around popular flavors remain crucial for prospective franchisees.
While the true inventor of cookies and cream may remain a mystery, the flavor’s enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless charm—and a reminder of the fascinating stories behind even the simplest culinary creations.
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