Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream (Perfect for Summer!)

There’s something undeniably irresistible about a scoop of creamy, homemade ice cream filled with chunks of chewy, sweet cookie dough.

Cookie dough ice cream is a classic treat that combines the best of both worlds—smooth vanilla ice cream and delicious cookie dough pieces. What makes this homemade version so special is the control it gives you over the ingredients, flavor, and texture, ensuring a perfect batch every time.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make your very own cookie dough ice cream right at home. Whether you’re craving a sweet, indulgent snack or looking for a fun dessert to share with friends and family, this recipe delivers a decadent, creamy dessert with just the right balance of sweetness and texture.

Plus, making it yourself means you can tweak it to your taste, with the freedom to include as many or as few cookie dough chunks as you like. Let’s dive into why homemade cookie dough ice cream truly stands out!

Why Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream is the Best

There’s a certain magic in creating something from scratch, and when it comes to ice cream, homemade versions always outshine store-bought options.

Here’s why making your own cookie dough ice cream is the best choice:

Full Control Over Ingredients

One of the biggest advantages of making ice cream at home is the ability to choose exactly what goes into it. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you ensure that your ice cream is as flavorful as possible. You can even opt for healthier alternatives, like using organic dairy products or choosing lower-fat options, depending on your preferences. Plus, homemade ice cream allows you to avoid unnecessary preservatives and artificial additives often found in store-bought varieties.

Customizable Flavors and Mix-ins

While store-bought cookie dough ice cream is delicious, it’s often limited to a basic, predictable flavor profile. Making it yourself gives you the opportunity to get creative! Add extra chocolate chips, nuts, or even swirl in some caramel or peanut butter for an extra twist. You’re in charge of how much cookie dough you want to include, ensuring that every bite is filled with that perfect balance of ice cream and dough. The freedom to personalize the recipe is what makes homemade ice cream so exciting.

Freshness That You Can Taste

Nothing beats the taste of freshly made ice cream. The richness and smoothness of a homemade base, combined with the sweetness of freshly made cookie dough, create an indulgent dessert that’s truly one-of-a-kind. You’ll taste the difference in every spoonful, with a creamier, smoother texture that’s hard to beat.

Cost-Effective and Fun to Make

While high-quality store-bought ice cream can get expensive, making your own batch is often more affordable, especially if you plan to make it regularly. Plus, the process itself is fun! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, preparing cookie dough ice cream at home is a rewarding experience that lets you enjoy both the process and the delicious results. It’s a fun activity to share with family or friends, and it guarantees that you’ll have a batch of ice cream that’s tailored to your taste.

In conclusion, homemade cookie dough ice cream isn’t just about the recipe—it’s about the experience. From choosing the ingredients to scooping out that first bite, every step adds a little more magic to the mix. With endless possibilities for customization and the unmatched freshness, it’s no wonder that making your own ice cream is the best choice. So, let’s get started on this delicious journey and make the creamiest, dreamiest cookie dough ice cream you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients Needed for Cookie Dough Ice Cream

To create this irresistible homemade cookie dough ice cream, you’ll need two key components: the rich, creamy ice cream base and the chewy, sweet edible cookie dough. Below is the complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make both parts.

For the Ice Cream Base

• Heavy Cream: The secret to a smooth, velvety texture. Heavy cream provides the rich, creamy consistency that ice cream is known for.
• Whole Milk: Whole milk adds a lighter, smoother texture and balances out the heaviness of the cream, creating a perfect base.
• Granulated Sugar: This sweetener adds just the right amount of sweetness to the ice cream, without overpowering the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: For a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the cookie dough.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.

For the Edible Cookie Dough

• All-Purpose Flour: The main dry ingredient of the cookie dough. It’s essential to use heat-treated flour to ensure the dough is safe to eat raw.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely caramel-like flavor that’s perfect for cookie dough. It also helps give the dough its soft, chewy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps the dough come together.
• Chocolate Chips: The star of the cookie dough! You can use regular semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Milk: A small amount of milk helps bring the dough together and gives it the right consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the dough.
• Salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started with making your homemade cookie dough ice cream. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious and creamy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step 1 – Prepare the Edible Cookie Dough

Making the cookie dough is the first step in this recipe, and it’s crucial to make sure it’s safe to eat raw. Here’s how you do it:

1. Heat-Treat the Flour: To avoid the risk of consuming raw flour, we’ll need to heat-treat it. Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it cool before using it in the dough.
2. Mix the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the cooled, heat-treated flour with brown sugar, softened butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until it forms a dough. It should be soft and slightly sticky.
3. Add Chocolate Chips: Once your dough has come together, fold in the chocolate chips. You can adjust the amount based on how chocolatey you want your cookie dough to be.
4. Chill the Dough: Transfer the cookie dough to the fridge and chill for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to incorporate into the ice cream later.

Step 2 – Make the Ice Cream Base

While your cookie dough is chilling, you can prepare the ice cream base. This is where the creamy goodness of your homemade ice cream comes together.

1. Combine the Dairy: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This forms the sweet, creamy base of your ice cream.
2. Chill the Mixture: To ensure your ice cream has the right texture, it’s best to chill the mixture for at least 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. This helps it freeze more evenly during the churning process.

Step 3 – Churn the Ice Cream

Once your base is chilled, you’re ready to churn it! Using an ice cream maker will give you the best texture, but don’t worry if you don’t have one. We’ll cover both methods.

1. Using an Ice Cream Maker: Follow the instructions of your ice cream maker, but typically, you’ll need to pour the chilled ice cream base into the machine and churn it for about 20-25 minutes, or until it thickens to a soft-serve consistency.
2. No Ice Cream Maker?: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, simply pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it for about 4-6 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to break up any ice crystals and help achieve a smooth texture.

Step 4 – Add the Cookie Dough Chunks

Once your ice cream has reached the right consistency, it’s time to add the star of the show—the cookie dough chunks.

1. Fold in the Cookie Dough: Take the chilled cookie dough out of the fridge. Break it into small, bite-sized pieces and fold it gently into the ice cream base. Make sure the cookie dough is evenly distributed, so each scoop will have a perfect amount of doughy goodness.
2. Chill Again: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze it for at least 2-4 hours to firm up fully. The cookie dough will become a little firmer, and the ice cream will be perfectly scoopable.

Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy

Once your cookie dough ice cream is fully frozen, it’s ready to serve! Scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy the creamy, decadent treat you made from scratch. You can garnish it with extra chocolate chips, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Tips for the Perfect Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Creating the perfect homemade cookie dough ice cream can be a fun and rewarding experience, but a few tips can take your recipe to the next level.

Here are some essential tips to help you achieve the creamiest, most delicious cookie dough ice cream every time.

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients

The key to exceptional ice cream starts with the ingredients. Opt for fresh, high-quality dairy like organic heavy cream and whole milk for a rich, creamy base. Using real vanilla extract (not imitation vanilla) will also enhance the flavor. The better the ingredients, the better the ice cream will taste!

2. Don’t Skip Chilling the Ice Cream Base

After mixing the ice cream base, be sure to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and consistency. Chilling the base before churning helps it freeze more evenly, resulting in a creamier final product. If you’re short on time, try to chill it for at least 30 minutes.

3. Ensure the Cookie Dough is Chilled

For easy handling and a better texture, chill the cookie dough before adding it to the ice cream. Cold dough is easier to break into bite-sized chunks, and the pieces will hold their shape better in the ice cream, preventing them from getting too soft and mixing in too much.

4. Don’t Overload on Cookie Dough

While it may be tempting to add as much cookie dough as possible, be sure to leave room for the ice cream base. A good rule of thumb is to aim for evenly distributed dough chunks in every scoop without overwhelming the ice cream with too much dough. You want that perfect balance between creamy ice cream and chewy cookie dough.

5. Keep the Ice Cream at the Right Temperature

When storing your homemade ice cream, be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It’s also a good idea to let your ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving so it softens just enough to scoop easily. If it’s too frozen, the texture can be too firm to enjoy fully.

6. Churn Properly

If you’re using an ice cream maker, don’t rush the churning process. Churn your ice cream until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture. If you’re making it by hand, stir every 30 minutes during the freezing process to break up ice crystals and prevent a grainy texture.

Delicious Variations to Try

While traditional cookie dough ice cream is a crowd-pleaser, don’t hesitate to get creative with your recipe!

Here are a few fun and delicious variations you can try to elevate your ice cream experience.

1. Chocolate Cookie Dough Ice Cream

If you’re a fan of all things chocolate, why not take your cookie dough ice cream to the next level by making a chocolate-based ice cream? Add cocoa powder to the ice cream base to create a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the cookie dough chunks. You can even mix in chocolate chips or swirl in some hot fudge for an extra decadent treat.

2. Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Ice Cream

For a nutty twist, add peanut butter to both the cookie dough and the ice cream base. This will create a creamy, peanut buttery ice cream that’s beautifully complemented by the sweet, chewy cookie dough. You can also sprinkle in chopped peanuts or drizzle peanut butter sauce for even more flavor.

3. Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Making this recipe dairy-free and vegan is simple with a few substitutions. Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the whole milk and heavy cream, and opt for a plant-based butter alternative. For the cookie dough, ensure you’re using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. The result is a rich, creamy vegan ice cream that still delivers all the flavor of the classic version.

4. Brownie Cookie Dough Ice Cream

If you’re a fan of mixing desserts, consider adding brownie pieces to your cookie dough ice cream! Simply cut brownies into small chunks and fold them into your ice cream after churning. This combination of chewy brownie bits and cookie dough creates an indulgent, fudgy ice cream that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

5. Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream

For a sophisticated twist, add a swirl of homemade or store-bought salted caramel to the ice cream base. The sweet and salty contrast pairs wonderfully with the cookie dough, giving each scoop a balanced flavor. The caramel also adds a silky texture that makes this ice cream even more luxurious.

6. S’mores Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Take a campfire favorite and turn it into a delicious ice cream treat! Add crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and chunks of chocolate to your cookie dough ice cream. This variation has all the nostalgic flavors of s’mores, with a twist of crunchy graham crackers mixed in with the creamy ice cream and chewy cookie dough.

7. Cookie Dough and Fruit Swirl Ice Cream

For a refreshing and fruity variation, try swirling in a berry compote or fresh fruit puree into the ice cream base before churning. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the cookie dough, offering a light yet indulgent flavor contrast. You can use strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for this refreshing twist.

Storage Tips – Keeping Your Ice Cream Fresh

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and creamy texture of your homemade cookie dough ice cream.

Here are some important tips to ensure your ice cream stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

1. Use an Airtight Container

When storing your homemade ice cream, it’s essential to place it in an airtight container. This prevents air from entering and causing freezer burn, which can affect the texture and flavor of the ice cream. A tightly sealed container also helps the ice cream retain its creamy consistency.

2. Cover the Surface with Plastic Wrap

To prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface of your ice cream, you can cover the top of the ice cream with a layer of plastic wrap before sealing it with the container lid. The plastic wrap will keep the surface smooth and prevent it from becoming too hard or icy over time.

3. Store at the Right Temperature

Store your ice cream in the coldest part of the freezer, which is usually near the back or bottom. This ensures that your ice cream remains firm and doesn’t soften too quickly. Homemade ice cream is best stored at 0°F (-18°C) or lower for optimal texture and freshness.

4. Allow to Sit Before Serving

When you’re ready to serve your ice cream, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This helps soften the ice cream just enough to make it easier to scoop while maintaining its creamy texture. If the ice cream is too frozen, it may be too hard to scoop smoothly.

5. Consume Within 2-3 Weeks

Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 2-3 weeks of making it, as it tends to lose its texture and flavor over time. While it can last longer, the quality may degrade, especially if stored improperly. Always make sure to store your ice cream in an airtight container to maximize its freshness.

Conclusion – Enjoy Your Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Now that you know how to make the creamiest, most indulgent homemade cookie dough ice cream, it’s time to indulge! This recipe combines the best of both worlds—rich, creamy ice cream with chewy cookie dough chunks in every bite. Whether you enjoy it on its own or experiment with delicious variations, homemade cookie dough ice cream is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Remember, the beauty of making ice cream from scratch is that you can customize it to your taste and control the ingredients. From using organic dairy to adding extra mix-ins, your options are endless. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a sweet treat on a warm day or serve it as the perfect dessert for a gathering, this cookie dough ice cream recipe will deliver every time.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and treat yourself to this decadent dessert. Don’t forget to share with friends and family, and most importantly—enjoy every scoop!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make delicious cookie dough ice cream by following a simple no-churn method. After mixing the ice cream base and cookie dough, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals and achieve a creamy texture. Let it freeze for 4-6 hours until it reaches the desired consistency.

2. How long does homemade cookie dough ice cream last?

Homemade cookie dough ice cream will stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container in the freezer. After this time, the ice cream may lose some of its creaminess and flavor. For the best experience, enjoy it within the first few weeks.

3. Is it safe to eat raw cookie dough in ice cream?

Yes! The cookie dough in this recipe is made with heat-treated flour, which makes it safe to eat raw. You’ll also be using butter and other safe ingredients, so you can enjoy this treat without any worries about foodborne illness.

4. Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free or lower-fat alternative, you can swap the whole milk and heavy cream for coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Just keep in mind that using a plant-based milk may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the ice cream, but it will still be delicious!

5. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! The cookie dough can be made up to 2-3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Chilling the dough before mixing it into the ice cream ensures that it holds its shape better and doesn’t get too soft.