Scoop by Scoop: How Cookies and Cream Became My Daily Gratitude Ritual
Catching that first cool lick of cookies and cream ice cream felt like stumbling onto a hidden treasure in the simplest of places. I’d always been a vanilla purist—its creamy, uncomplicated sweetness was my constant comfort. But one summer afternoon, standing in line at a local scoop shop, I watched as the server heaped a generous portion of cookies and cream into a cone. The swirls of dark chocolate cookie pieces against the pale, velvety backdrop called to something inside me.
From that moment on, I found myself reaching for cookies and cream whenever I could—its playful crunch and mellow sweetness became a ritualistic reminder that life’s greatest pleasures are often simple and unpretentious. I still adore vanilla on its own—its pure flavor teaches me that clarity and minimalism have their own magic—but cookies and cream taught me to celebrate contrast, to appreciate how two elements can come together and enhance each other.
In the spirit of holistic living, I began weaving little gratitude practices into every cookies-and-cream moment. Before each scoop, I’d pause and name three things I was grateful for: a reliable friend, the warmth of the sun on my skin, the way that first bite always brings a genuine smile. That simple act of acknowledgment transformed ordinary ice-cream runs into soulful pit stops—mini ceremonies that grounded me in the here and now.
Whenever I felt scattered or overwhelmed, I’d find a quiet corner, unwrap my cone, and focus fully on the texture: the way the coldness swirled through my mouth, the gentle snap of cookie bits, the way a single drip down my wrist could spark a laugh. Those mindful moments reminded me that joy often hides in the little details—like a crumb tucked into my ice cream, hinting at unexpected delight.
Five simple ways we can practice gratitude and savor life’s small wonders alongside our cookies and cream obsession:
Pause and Reflect: Before you take a bite, close your eyes and think of something that warmed your heart that day.
Savor Slowly: Commit to at least five deliberate, slow licks—notice the textures, temperatures, and tiny surprises.
Celebrate Contrast: Pair your scoop with a short walk, a favorite song, or a few deep breaths outdoors—let movement and flavor mingle.
Share the Joy: Offer a friend a taste or snap a picture with a quick note of thanks for having them in your life.
Keep a “Scoop Journal”: Jot down the date, the flavor, and one small thing you appreciated—over time, you’ll build a sweet record of gratitude.
Cookies and cream ice cream, with its crunchy surprises and smooth comfort, has become more than just a dessert for me—it’s a daily invitation to notice, to appreciate, and to find joy in simplicity. So here’s to breaking scoops of ice cream, counting cookie bits as blessings, and living each moment with an open heart (and a cone in hand).
xoxo,
Mitchell Royel