If you love ice cream and cookie dough, you’re in for a treat! My Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Delight Recipe combines creamy goodness with sweet, chewy bites of cookie dough. It’s easy to make and a perfect summer dessert. In this post, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to create this delicious ice cream at home. Grab your scoops and let’s get started on this delightful treat!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: This ice cream combines the rich taste of chocolate chip cookie dough with the creaminess of homemade ice cream, creating a dessert that’s truly indulgent.
- Homemade Goodness: Making this ice cream from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and healthier treat compared to store-bought options.
- Fun to Make: The process of preparing cookie dough and churning ice cream is not only enjoyable but also a great activity to do with friends or family.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding different mix-ins or flavors, making it versatile to suit your personal preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Ice Cream Base
To make the perfect ice cream base, gather these simple items:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
These ingredients create a rich and creamy texture. The heavy cream gives it a smooth feel. The whole milk adds a lightness that balances the cream.
Ingredients for Cookie Dough
For the sweet cookie dough, you will need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Softened butter mixes well with sugars. The heat-treated flour keeps it safe to eat. The mini chocolate chips are what make it fun!
Optional Toppings and Add-ins
You can make your ice cream even better with these extras:
- Whipped cream
- Additional mini chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts
- Sprinkles
These toppings add crunch or color. Feel free to get creative with your choices!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Dough
First, gather your cookie dough ingredients. You need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until it becomes light and fluffy. Next, add the vanilla extract and stir until combined. Gradually add the heat-treated flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Now, roll the cookie dough into small bite-sized balls, about 1 inch. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes while you make the ice cream base.
Making the Ice Cream Base
For the ice cream base, you will need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves and the mix is smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, let it chill overnight.
Churning and Freezing the Mixture
After chilling your ice cream base, it's time to churn. Pour the base into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and churn until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
During the last few minutes of churning, gently fold in the frozen cookie dough pieces and mini chocolate chips. Once mixed, transfer the ice cream to a lidded container. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Now you're ready to scoop and enjoy your homemade chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Smooth Ice Cream Texture
To get smooth ice cream, start with cold ingredients. Use cold heavy cream and milk. After making the base, chill it well. I suggest at least 2 hours. This step makes a big difference. When churning, don’t rush it. Churn until it’s soft-serve texture. This helps it freeze better later.
Customizing Cookie Dough Bites
You can make cookie dough bites your own. Try adding nuts or different chips. For a fun twist, mix in peanut butter chips. You can also change the dough flavor. Use brown sugar for a richer taste. Make sure the dough is small. Bite-sized pieces mix well into the ice cream.
Best Practices for Storing Ice Cream
Store ice cream in a lidded container. This keeps air out and prevents ice crystals. For best flavor, eat it within two weeks. If you plan to keep it longer, use an airtight container. Before serving, let it sit for a few minutes. This makes scooping easier. Enjoy your creamy treat!
Pro Tips
- Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially the heavy cream and milk, are well-chilled before mixing. This helps achieve a creamier texture in your ice cream.
- Heat-Treat Your Flour: To make your cookie dough safe to eat, heat-treat the flour by baking it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This kills any potential bacteria.
- Don’t Over-Churn: Keep an eye on your ice cream while churning. Churn just until it reaches a soft-serve consistency to avoid a grainy texture.
- Storage Tips: Store your ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming. For best results, consume within 2 weeks.
Variations
Alternative Mix-Ins and Flavors
You can have fun with mix-ins! Try using crushed cookies or nuts. You can add caramel swirls for a sweet twist. Consider using peanut butter chips instead of chocolate. Dried fruits like cherries or cranberries add a nice touch, too. The key is to balance flavors.
Vegan or Dairy-Free Options
Want a vegan version? Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. Almond milk works great in place of whole milk. Use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. For the cookie dough, use vegan butter and a flaxseed egg. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat!
Different Types of Chocolate Used
The chocolate you choose can change everything. Dark chocolate brings a rich flavor. Milk chocolate is sweet and creamy. Try white chocolate for a different taste. You can even mix chocolates for a layered effect. Each type adds a unique vibe to your ice cream.
Storage Info
Recommended Freezing Techniques
To keep your chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream fresh, use a lidded container. Make sure the lid fits tightly to prevent ice crystals. You can also layer plastic wrap over the ice cream before sealing. This will help keep it creamy and avoid freezer burn. If you have extra cookie dough, freeze it in small balls. Place them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a container. This way, you can add more cookie dough bites later.
How Long to Store Ice Cream
Store your ice cream for up to two weeks. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. If you see ice crystals forming, it’s still safe to eat, but the taste may not be great. For the best experience, enjoy it within the first week. This will keep the flavors fresh and the texture soft.
Signs of Spoilage
Watch for changes in color or texture. If your ice cream looks icy or has a grainy feel, it’s time to toss it. A strong, off smell is another sign it’s spoiled. If you see any signs of freezer burn, discard it. Always trust your senses when deciding if your ice cream is still good.
FAQs
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both choices work well in ice cream. They add a rich taste without dairy. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option. Just keep in mind it may change the texture slightly.
Can I make cookie dough without eggs?
Yes, you can make cookie dough without eggs. Simply leave them out and use more butter. You can also use applesauce or yogurt as a substitute. This keeps the dough moist and tasty.
How to fix ice cream that is too hard?
If your ice cream is too hard, let it sit out for 5 to 10 minutes. This softens it enough to scoop easily. You can also stir in a little milk to make it creamier. If you want to avoid this, try not to freeze it too long.
This post covered how to make delicious ice cream mixed with cookie dough. We explored the main ingredients, helpful steps, and tips to get the best texture. You can customize flavors and toppings to fit your taste. Remember to store it right to keep your treat fresh. Making your own ice cream is fun and simple. Enjoy your tasty creation, and feel free to share it with friends!
