There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly thick and creamy shake. From the very first sip to the last spoonful, it’s the texture, richness, and flavor that make you stop and say, “Wow, this is the real deal.” At Cookie Dough Monster in Pigeon Forge, creating thick and creamy shakes isn’t just part of what we do—it’s an art form, perfected through a careful balance of high-quality ingredients, time-tested techniques, and a sprinkle of creativity.

If you’ve ever wondered how we manage to craft shakes that are just the right consistency every single time, let’s take you behind the scenes of our delicious process.

1. It Starts With Quality Ingredients

You can’t create a thick and creamy shake without starting with the very best ingredients. We don’t believe in shortcuts—every shake we make begins with premium Hershey’s ice cream, fresh milk, and mix-ins that are full of real flavor.

We use rich, high-butterfat ice cream, which gives each shake that indulgent mouthfeel customers crave. This is one of the main secrets to achieving thickness—ice cream with a higher fat content holds its texture longer, ensuring that your shake doesn’t melt into a watery drink halfway through.

Our add-ins—whether it’s fresh strawberries for our Strawberry Banana Shake, chunks of Oreo cookies for our Cookies & Cream Shake, or peanut butter swirls in the Fluffernutter Shake—are chosen for their quality and taste. We know that if every ingredient tastes great on its own, it will taste phenomenal when blended together.

2. The Perfect Ice Cream-to-Milk Ratio

One of the most common reasons shakes turn out thin is because they have too much milk. At Cookie Dough Monster, we’ve spent years perfecting the ideal ice cream-to-milk ratio to create that luscious thickness without making the shake too hard to sip.

We start with scoops of ice cream that are frozen to just the right temperature—not rock solid, but cold enough to hold their shape. Then, we add a precise amount of milk, just enough to help the blender do its magic without watering down the texture. This ratio varies depending on the shake flavor, because some mix-ins naturally thicken the shake more than others.

3. Blending Techniques That Make the Difference

The blender might seem like the simplest part of the process, but technique matters more than most people realize. We use high-powered commercial blenders that can crush mix-ins completely while still keeping the shake thick and creamy.

The key? We blend just long enough to combine the ingredients evenly but not so long that the ice cream starts to melt from the heat of the blades. Overblending can turn a perfectly thick shake into a runny one in seconds, so our shake makers are trained to hit that sweet spot every time.

4. Layering Flavors and Textures

One of the reasons our shakes stand out on the menu is that we don’t just dump everything into the blender at once. We layer flavors and textures to make every sip exciting.

For example, in our Reese Cup Shake, we blend rich chocolate ice cream with peanut butter cups for a smooth yet slightly chunky consistency, then top it off with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. In the Cookies & Cream Shake, crushed Oreo pieces are blended in at just the right moment so that they retain a slight crunch, adding a satisfying contrast to the creaminess.

5. Keeping It Cold—From Start to Finish

Temperature control is critical to keeping shakes thick. Our ice cream freezers are set to the optimal temperature to ensure every scoop is at its peak texture for blending. We also chill our mixing cups so the ice cream doesn’t melt as it’s being prepared.

And once the shake is made, it’s served immediately to keep that perfect consistency intact. Whether you’re enjoying it in-store or taking it to-go, we make sure you get it at its thickest and creamiest.

6. Toppings That Complete the Experience

A thick and creamy shake isn’t just about what’s inside—it’s also about the presentation and final touches. At Cookie Dough Monster, our toppings aren’t an afterthought. They’re an essential part of the flavor experience.

We pile on whipped cream, drizzle sauces, sprinkle cookie crumbs, and even add full-sized treats on top for certain creations. This not only adds to the thickness but also gives you that “wow” factor as soon as your shake arrives.

Some fan favorites from our shake menu include:

• Fluffernutter Shake – Peanut butter, marshmallow cream, and whipped topping.
• Cookies & Cream Shake – Oreo crumbles and chocolate drizzle.
• Reese Cup Shake – Peanut butter cup pieces and chocolate sauce.
• Strawberry Banana Shake – Fresh fruit chunks and whipped cream.

7. Customization for Your Perfect Shake

We know everyone has their own idea of the perfect shake texture. That’s why we offer customization—want it a little thicker? We’ll reduce the milk and add more ice cream. Want it just a bit thinner so it’s easier to sip through a straw? We can adjust that too.

This is part of what makes Cookie Dough Monster different. We’re not just serving shakes—we’re crafting them to match your preference.

8. The Role of Mix-Ins in Thickness

Mix-ins aren’t just for flavor—they can also change the consistency of a shake. Solid add-ins like cookies, candy bars, or fruit can make the shake thicker as they’re blended. For example:

• Cookies & Cream benefits from the added density of crushed cookies.
• Fluffernutter gets an extra creamy boost from peanut butter.
• Strawberry Banana uses real fruit that naturally thickens the texture.

By understanding how each ingredient interacts with the base, we can fine-tune every shake to ensure it meets our “thick and creamy” standard.

9. Serving Size and Shape of the Cup

Even the cup matters when it comes to keeping shakes thick. We serve ours in wide cups that make it easy to add toppings without crushing the whipped cream. The sturdy shape also helps insulate the shake, keeping it cold longer.

We use dome lids for shakes loaded with toppings, ensuring that everything stays in place until you’re ready to dig in.

10. Why People Keep Coming Back for Our Shakes

Consistency is everything. Customers come back to Cookie Dough Monster because they know that every time they order, their shake will be just as thick, creamy, and flavorful as they remember.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, our process is designed to deliver the same indulgent experience every time. And if you ever fall in love with a specific shake, you can count on us to recreate it perfectly on your next visit.

11. Take the Experience Home

While nothing beats the in-store experience, we also offer catering services so you can enjoy our signature thick shakes at your events. From birthday parties to corporate gatherings, we bring the same quality and flavor right to you.

Final Sip

Creating thick and creamy shakes every time isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about passion, precision, and a love for great flavors. At Cookie Dough Monster, we combine top-quality ingredients, perfected techniques, and a commitment to consistency so every shake you order is just as good as the last.

Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity Strawberry Banana Shake, a decadent Reese Cup Shake, or our fan-favorite Fluffernutter, you can trust that it will be cold, rich, and delicious—every single time.

Explore our full selection of shakes and more on our menu and taste for yourself why thick and creamy is the only way we do shakes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Thick and Creamy Shakes

1. What makes your shakes thicker than others?
We use premium Hershey’s ice cream with high butterfat content, the perfect ice cream-to-milk ratio, and careful blending to preserve thickness.

2. Can I request my shake to be even thicker?
Yes! We can adjust the recipe to your preference by adding more ice cream and reducing milk.

3. Do your fruit shakes still have the same creamy texture?
Absolutely—real fruit like strawberries and bananas actually helps make shakes thicker.

4. Which shake on your menu is the thickest?
Our Cookies & Cream Shake is a top contender thanks to the added cookie pieces.

5. Do toppings make the shake thicker?
Yes, certain toppings like cookie crumbs and candy pieces add texture and density.

6. Are your shakes served cold enough to last on the go?
Yes, we serve them at the ideal temperature to stay thick longer, even if you’re taking them to-go.

7. Can I order your shakes for events?
Yes, through our catering services we can bring shakes to parties, meetings, and other gatherings.

8. Do you ever change your shake recipes?
We keep our core recipes consistent but occasionally offer seasonal specials for variety.

9. What’s the most popular shake flavor?
Our Fluffernutter Shake is one of the most-ordered, loved for its peanut butter and marshmallow blend.

10. Where can I see all your shake options?
Check out our full menu online.