Name: Indulgent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Made Easy
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Heavy Cream (Adds creaminess.); 1 cup Whole Milk (Can substitute with plant-based milk.); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the mixture.); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Enhances flavor.); 1/2 cup Butter (Softened.); 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Adds moisture.); 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Balances sweetness.); 1 pinch Salt (Enhances flavors.); 1 cup Heat-Treated Flour (For safe edible cookie dough.); 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (Adds chocolate bursts.); 1/2 cup Extra Mini Chocolate Chips (For added chocolatey goodness.); 1/4 cup Chocolate Sauce (For drizzling.)

As I stood in my kitchen, the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, taking me back to countless summers spent in my childhood home. Today, I’ve decided to blend that nostalgia with a twist—a creamy, dreamy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream that will make your heart sing. This recipe is not just about indulging; it’s a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that you can whip up in no time! Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit any dietary needs, whether that’s going vegan or gluten-free. You’ll savor every scoop as the velvety ice cream melds with chewy cookie dough chunks. Are you ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let’s get started!

Why is this ice cream a must-try?

Irresistible nostalgia: Each scoop takes you back to carefree childhood days with that beloved cookie dough flavor.
Customizable bliss: Seamlessly adapt this recipe for vegan and gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone can join the fun.
No-churn option: Don’t have an ice cream maker? No problem! Our no-churn method delivers scrumptious results without the hassle.
Quick satisfaction: Ready in just a few hours, this ice cream is a speedy remedy for your sweet cravings.
Crowd favorite: Serve it at parties or family gatherings, and watch as it quickly becomes the star of the dessert table!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base

Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess and richness to the ice cream.
Whole Milk – Provides a smooth texture; can be substituted with a plant-based milk for a vegan version.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the ice cream base.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor depth; using pure vanilla extract provides the best taste.

For the Cookie Dough

Butter – Essential for the cookie dough’s rich flavor and texture.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture to the dough.
Brown Sugar – Together with granulated sugar, it creates a balance of sweetness and moisture.
Salt – Enhances flavors; a pinch is sufficient.
Heat-Treated Flour – Necessary for safe edible cookie dough; can be substituted with gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
Mini Chocolate Chips – Provide bursts of chocolate in every scoop; can substitute with dark chocolate or nuts for variety.

Optional Toppings

Extra Mini Chocolate Chips – For added chocolatey goodness.
Chocolate Sauce – To drizzle over the ice cream for an indulgent finish.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare Ice Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the sugar completely dissolves. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to ensure it’s cold, which helps with the churning process.

Step 2: Make Cookie Dough
While the ice cream base chills, prepare the cookie dough. In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate 1 cup of heat-treated flour, then carefully fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. Shape the mixture into small chunks and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Churn Ice Cream
Once the ice cream base is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and churn the mixture for about 20-25 minutes until it thickens to a soft-serve consistency. The ice cream will become light and fluffy, increasing in volume.

Step 4: Mix Cookie Dough
After churning, gently fold the chilled cookie dough chunks into the thickened chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream using a spatula. Make sure the chunks are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream, ensuring that every scoop is packed with delicious cookie dough pieces.

Step 5: Freeze
Transfer the blended ice cream into an airtight container, smoothing the top with a spatula. For extra creaminess and to avoid ice crystals, cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing the container. Freeze for 3-4 hours or overnight until firm and scoopable.

Step 6: Serve
When ready to serve your delightful Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream, take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the ice cream to soften slightly for easy scooping. Serve in cones or bowls, optionally topped with extra mini chocolate chips or warm chocolate sauce for a truly indulgent experience.

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Airtight Container: Always transfer your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream to an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture.

Freezer: Freeze the ice cream for up to two weeks for the best flavor retention. Beyond that, it may lose its delightful quality.

Reheating: When serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. This helps achieve that perfect scoop consistency.

No Refreezing: Once thawed, avoid refreezing the ice cream as it may become icy and lose its creamy texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the ice cream base and cookie dough chunks up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the first two steps to make the ice cream base and cookie dough, then refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to churn your ice cream, just take both components out and follow the remaining steps. To maintain quality, be sure to cover the ice cream base and cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any absorption of odors in the fridge. The result is just as delicious, ensuring you enjoy rich, creamy ice cream whenever you crave it!

What to Serve with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Indulging in a scoop of this creamy delight opens up a world of delicious pairings that elevate your dessert experience.

Warm Brownies: The fudgy richness of warm brownies contrasts beautifully with the creamy ice cream, creating a decadent dessert duo. Pairing warm and cool invites a truly delightful experience.
Fresh Berries: Bright and juicy berries add a refreshing burst of flavor that cuts through the sweetness, enhancing each delectable scoop. Think strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a vibrant touch.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your ice cream brings an extra layer of indulgence and a messy, fun presentation that everyone loves.
Peanut Butter Swirl: A dollop of creamy peanut butter not only adds a savory richness but also creates a mouthwatering harmony of flavors that chocolate and cookie dough enthusiasts will adore.
Crushed Nuts: Adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts—like pecans or walnuts—offers a delightful crunch, contrasting nicely with the creamy texture and rich flavor of the ice cream.
Sprinkles Galore: Colorful sprinkles bring a playful touch that delights both kids and adults, turning each scoop into a festive celebration.
Coffee or Espresso: Serve with a side of your favorite brewed coffee or espresso for a delightful contrast of flavors. The bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Fruit Cobblers: A warm, buttery fruit cobbler complements the creamy ice cream perfectly, offering a contrasting temperature and a burst of fruity goodness in each bite.
Homemade Waffle Cones: Elevate your serving experience with crispy, homemade waffle cones that are fun to hold and eat, adding a crunchy element to the soft ice cream.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Variations

Customize your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream and take your dessert experience to the next level!

Vegan Twist: Substitute coconut cream and plant-based milk for a rich, creamy vegan delight without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace heat-treated flour with your favorite gluten-free flour for a safe and scrumptious treat.
Cookie Dough Bites: Shape cookie dough into bite-sized pieces and mix into the churned ice cream for added texture and fun.
Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch in every bite, enhancing the overall experience.
Decadent Fudge Swirl: Drizzle warm fudge sauce into the ice cream just before freezing for a molten chocolate surprise with each scoop.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the ice cream base for a unique flavor twist, creating a sweet and spicy sensation.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in fresh berries or diced bananas right before freezing for a refreshing contrast and a burst of color.
Creamy Condensed Milk: For a more indulgent base, fold in a can of sweetened condensed milk to elevate the creaminess and sweetness of your ice cream.

With so many delicious possibilities, every bowl can be a new adventure! If you crave more ideas, why not explore our no-churn option for an effortless way to whip up this treat? Each variation caters to different tastes and diets, ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy this timeless favorite!

Expert Tips for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Heat-Treated Flour: Always use heat-treated flour to ensure your cookie dough is safe to eat raw. It’s a simple yet crucial step!
Avoid Ice Crystals: To prevent ice crystals in your ice cream, cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing the container. This keeps the texture creamy!
No-Churn Option: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, whip heavy cream until stiff, then fold in sweetened condensed milk and cookie dough chunks for a delightful no-churn version.
Perfect Scoops: Let your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. This makes serving a breeze!
Customizable Bases: Feel free to swap the whole milk for your favorite plant-based milk for a vegan version, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delectable treat.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe FAQs

What type of flour is safe for the cookie dough?
You should always use heat-treated flour for the cookie dough to ensure it’s safe to eat raw. To heat-treat flour, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until it reaches 160°F (70°C). For those with gluten sensitivities, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour, keeping the taste and joys intact!

How should I store any leftover ice cream?
Transfer leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream into an airtight container to keep it as fresh as possible. You can freeze it for up to two weeks for the best flavor. Remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping, which prevents it from becoming too hard.

Can I freeze this ice cream for longer than two weeks?
While it’s best to enjoy your delicious ice cream within two weeks, you can technically freeze it for up to three months. However, this might affect its texture and flavor quality, making it less enjoyable. Always ensure it’s stored in a tightly sealed container to minimize freezer burn.

How do I make a vegan version of this recipe?
Absolutely! For a vegan-friendly Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk. Also, ensure the butter in the cookie dough is replaced with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. This way, everyone can savor this delightful treat!

What can I do if my ice cream has ice crystals?
Ice crystals can form if the ice cream isn’t covered well during freezing. To avoid this, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. If you do find ice crystals in your ice cream, simply stir it gently before serving to create a smoother texture again.

Can I customize the add-ins for the cookie dough?
The more the merrier! Feel free to mix in your own favorites like nuts, candy pieces, or even swirls of caramel or fudge. Personalizing your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream not only enhances the flavors but also makes it uniquely yours!