Hey, Let’s Talk Ice Cream
So, I’m pretty sure everyone has their go-to comfort food, right? Well, for me, it’s definitely chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. I remember as a kid, sneaking spoonfuls straight out of the tub when my mom wasn’t looking (sorry, Mom!). There’s just something about that creamy, dreamy mix of vanilla ice cream and bits of cookie dough that makes everything seem okay. And making it at home? Surprisingly fun—like a little kitchen adventure.
Why You’ll Want to Dive In
I make this for family movie nights when we’re all cozy on the couch and need something sweet (and there’s never any left for the next day). I mean, who doesn’t love cookie dough? Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends when you casually mention you made the ice cream yourself. They’ll be gobsmacked, trust me!
What You’ll Need (and Some Swaps)
- 2 cups heavy cream: I’ve used half-and-half in a pinch, but it’s not as creamy.
- 1 cup whole milk: My grandma insisted on whole milk, but 2% works if you’re feeling rebellious.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Or a bit more if you’ve got a sweet tooth like me.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Go for the good stuff here.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: You can swap in almond flour, but it changes the texture a bit.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk: Any kind will do.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Dark, milk, mini, or whatever’s in the pantry.
- Pinch of salt
How to Bring It All Together
- First up, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. This is your ice cream base. Pop it in the fridge for a quick chill.
- Now for the dough: Toast the flour in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes (it kills any bad stuff). Let it cool.
- Cream the butter with brown and white sugar until it’s fluffy. I sometimes sneak a taste here.
- Add in the milk, vanilla, cooled flour, and salt. Mix until combined, then stir in the chocolate chips.
- Here comes the fun part: Roll little balls of dough—somehow I always end up making too many, but that’s never a bad thing!
- Get your chilled base and pour it into your ice cream maker. Let it churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You know, until it’s that soft-serve consistency we all love.
- Once it’s ready, fold in the cookie dough balls. Don’t worry if your dough balls break a bit; it adds to the charm!
- Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
Notes from My Kitchen
A little secret: using chilled dough balls helps keep them intact when mixing. Also, don’t stress if the dough seems a tad crumbly—it still tastes just as amazing.
Mix It Up a Bit
I once tried adding peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips. It was interesting, not bad, but not my favorite. I’ve also thought about trying chopped nuts, but my kids veto it every time.
What If I Don’t Have…
No ice cream maker? No worries! You can freeze the mixture, stirring it every 30 minutes for a few hours. It works, but it’s a bit of a faff.
How Long Will It Last?
In a perfect world, this can last up to a week in the freezer. But, honestly, it never makes it past day two in my house!
How to Serve It Up Right
We usually serve it after dinner, with a dollop of whipped cream on top (because why not?). Sometimes I sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips over for good measure.
Pro Tips from Experience
Don’t rush the chilling step for the base; I did once and the ice cream was a bit icy. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough—it gets tough, and no one likes tough dough.
Questions You Might Be Wondering About
Can I use store-bought cookie dough? Sure thing! But honestly, making it from scratch is half the fun.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can use coconut cream. It’s a bit different, but still deliciously creamy.
How can I make this dairy-free? Use coconut milk for the base and a vegan margarine for the dough. I’ve done it, and it’s surprisingly tasty!
So there you have it! Give it a go, and who knows, this might just become your new favorite treat too. If you need more ice cream ideas, check out Serious Eats for inspiration, or for cookie dough lovers, Tasty has some great recipes to try!