How to Make Creamy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream: A Simple Guide
Who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies or ice cream – and when you combine the two, it’s pure magic! Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream has a special place in many hearts. If you’ve ever wanted to make it at home, you’re in luck. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create creamy, irresistible cookie dough ice cream in your own kitchen. Best of all, this recipe is easy to follow, even if you’re new to making ice cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the ice cream base:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the edible cookie dough:
– ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
– ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons milk
– ½ cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips chopped into smaller pieces)
Step 1: Make Edible Cookie Dough
Before adding cookie dough to your ice cream, it’s important to make a safe version that’s edible. Since raw dough ingredients like raw eggs and uncooked flour can cause trouble, we’ll skip the eggs and treat the flour for safety.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the all-purpose flour on a baking tray and bake it for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely. Treating the flour this way removes any harmful bacteria.
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In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a spoon or hand mixer. Beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
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Add the vanilla extract and milk, then stir well.
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Gradually add the cooled flour to the dough mixture and mix until combined. If the dough feels too dry, add another teaspoon of milk.
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Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips.
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Roll the dough into small balls—around the size of a marble—and place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze these cookie dough balls while you prepare the ice cream base.
Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base
Homemade ice cream starts with a creamy base that’s simple and delicious.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will take just a few minutes.
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If you have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the machine and let it churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most ice cream makers will take about 20-30 minutes to get the ice cream to a soft-serve consistency.
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If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry! Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. Place it in the freezer and stir it every 30 minutes for the first 3 hours. This helps break up ice crystals and keeps your ice cream smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Cookie Dough with the Ice Cream
Once your ice cream has thickened to a soft-serve consistency, it’s time to fold in the cookie dough pieces.
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Take the frozen cookie dough balls out of the freezer.
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Gently stir the cookie dough into the ice cream, distributing the pieces evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the cookie dough to stay intact.
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Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for another 2-4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
Step 4: Scoop and Enjoy!
Congratulations—you’ve made homemade chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream! Scoop it into bowls or onto cones, and enjoy your creamy, sweet treat.
Extra Tips for Success
- Storage: Store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will last for about 1-2 weeks, but chances are it’ll disappear quickly!
- Optional Add-Ins: Want to mix things up? Try adding crushed Oreos, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or extra chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Serve Sooner: Homemade ice cream tends to be firmer than store-bought. If it’s too solid right out of the freezer, let it sit for a few minutes before scooping.
Why Make It at Home?
Making chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream at home makes you feel like a true chef. It’s fresher, customizable, and the process itself is so satisfying. Plus, it’s a fun family activity—you can get kids involved in rolling cookie dough balls or taste-testing along the way (the best part!).
Final Thoughts
Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is a universally loved dessert, and now you know how easy it is to make at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create a creamy, delicious ice cream packed with sweet cookie dough chunks. Whether you enjoy it after dinner or on a sunny afternoon, this homemade treat is sure to impress family and friends.
Why wait? Grab your ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and delight in the joy of making your own cookie dough ice cream. Happy mixing, freezing, and, of course, eating!
Try it this weekend, then share your experience in the comments below! 😊
