Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe

Indulge in a treat that combines the best of both worlds – the rich creaminess of ice cream and the irresistible flavor of cookie dough. Our mouthwatering cookie dough ice cream recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. Made from scratch with premium ingredients, this homemade dessert is a heaven!

The History of the Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe

Cookie dough ice cream has a rich history that dates back to the 1980s. It was first introduced by the famous ice cream brand, Ben & Jerry's. Since then, cookie dough ice cream has become a staple in ice cream shops and grocery store freezers around the world.

While this recipe is a little more complex than I'm usually used to featuring, I do have lot's of simple five ingredient or less recipes on the website. Why not try our copycat Haagen Daz vanilla ice cream recipe? Or some simple and easy chocolate ice cream made in the blender? To up your dessert game, try topping your ice cream on some grilled donuts!

Why Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream is Better than Store-Bought

While store-bought cookie dough ice cream can be delicious, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of making your own from scratch. When you make cookie dough ice cream at home, you have full control over the ingredients and can customize it to your liking. You can use high-quality ingredients, such as real vanilla beans and premium chocolate chips, to create a truly indulgent dessert. Plus, making your own cookie dough ice cream allows you to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to create a unique treat that is tailored to your preferences.

Ingredients

To get started making your ice cream, you'll notice we use eggs in our ice cream. Eggs make for a nice creamy texture to your ice cream.

To Make Your Ice Cream you will need:

• egg yolks
• sugar
• milk (do not use dairy free substitutions)
• heavy cream
• cornstarch
• vanilla extract or vanilla beans

To Make the Cookie dough you will need:

• flour
• brown sugar
• white sugar
• butter
• vanilla extract
• water
• mini chocolate chips

Equipment:

In addition to the ingredients, you'll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Ice cream maker
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still get a nice creamy ice cream. Try my simple blender ice cream!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cookie Dough Ice Cream

This ice cream is a little bit of a labor of love but it's totally worth it! It's such a delightfully creamy ice cream that has an amazing flavor to it!

Step One: Make the cookie dough

1. In a bowl cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and water, stirring until combined. Slowly pour in the flour and continue stirring until mixed well. Fold in the chocolate chips.
3. Shape the dough into a log, wrap the log in parchment paper then freeze for 1-2 hours. When ready to mix into the ice cream, remove from freezer and cut into bite sized pieces. Place the pieces into the ice cream maker for 5-10 minutes to mix.

Step Two: Make the ice cream

1. In a saucepan set to low heat, place the egg yolks and sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved (around 5-8 minutes). Remove from heat and set the bowl aside.
2. While the egg yolks and sugar are cooking, in a small bowl, place ¼ cup of milk and cornstarch. Stir to dissolve. Set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, place the remaining milk and cream. Stir to combine, then allow to sit until egg and sugar mixture is done. When sugar is dissolved, move egg mixture off the heat and allow to cool. Slide the large saucepan onto the burner and turn heat up to medium. Stir until milk becomes heated and tiny bubbles around the edges form. Remove from heat, than slowly whisk in the egg and sugar mixture, whisking until combined. Add in the cornstarch and milk and continue whisking until combined.
4. Finally stir in the vanilla extract or vanilla beans.
5. Place mixture in your ice cream container and churn according to your ice cream makers manufacturer directions. Add the cookie dough according to directions above. When done, place ice cream in a freezer safe container for several hours to firm or to store.

Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Cookie Dough Ice Cream

• Make sure the ice cream is thoroughly chilled before churning. This will help the ice cream freeze properly and prevent ice crystals from forming.
• For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the ice cream before serving.
• Experiment with different flavors by adding nuts, crushed cookies, or even a swirl of fruit sauce to your ice cream base.
• If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make delicious cookie dough ice cream by pouring the ice cream base into a shallow dish and freezing it, stirring every 30 minutes to break up any ice crystals.

Variations and Add-Ins for Customizing Your Cookie Dough Ice Cream

While our classic cookie dough ice cream recipe is just perfect already, there are endless possibilities for customizing and adding your own twist. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the custard and stir in some chopped mint chocolate chips before churning.
• Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Ice Cream: Swirl in some peanut butter sauce and sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups over the ice cream.
• Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the ice cream and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Serving Suggestions and for Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Cookie dough ice cream is delicious on its own, but there are endless ways to take it to the next level. Here are a few ideas for serving and presenting your homemade treat:

• Serve scoops of cookie dough ice cream in homemade waffle cones for an extra special touch.
• Create an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of cookie dough ice cream between two fresh-baked cookies.
• Top your ice cream with whipped cream, sprinkles, or a drizzle of hot fudge sauce for a truly indulgent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cookie Dough Ice Cream

I always get asked questions when making this ice cream. Feel free to comment if you have any questions but I think I got most of them answered for you!

Why do you use egg in your ice cream?

There are several reasons a lot of ice cream recipes have egg in them:

1. Creaminess and texture: Eggs contribute to the smooth and creamy texture of ice cream. The proteins and fats in the yolks help emulsify the mixture, creating a rich and velvety mouthfeel.
2. Stabilization: The proteins in the egg yolks act as stabilizers in ice cream, helping to prevent the formation of ice crystals and maintaining a smoother consistency. This is especially important if you're making ice cream without an ice cream machine.
3. Flavor enhancement: Eggs add a subtle richness and depth of flavor to ice cream. The yolks contain natural fats and contribute to the overall taste experience.
4. Binding agent: Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the ice cream mixture together and preventing it from separating or becoming grainy.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of making my own?

Absolutely! If you're short on time, you can use store-bought cookie dough. Just make sure to freeze it before adding it to the ice cream. You can even substitute gluten free cookie dough.

How long will homemade cookie dough ice cream last in the freezer?

Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within a week or two of being made. After that, the texture may become icy. (I don't think the ice cream will last that long though!)

Can I make cookie dough ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can still make delicious cookie dough ice cream without an ice cream maker. Simply pour the custard into a shallow dish and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes to break up any ice crystals.

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe

Traci Wennerholm

Our irresistible cookie dough ice cream recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a dessert that will satisfy everyone! Whether you're enjoying it on a hot summer day or indulging in a cozy night in, our homemade cookie dough ice cream is the perfect dessert!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 483 kcal

Equipment

• saucepan
• ice cream maker
• freezer safe storage container

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For the cookie dough:

• ½ cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 2 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter softened
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoon water
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

For the ice cream:

• 5 egg yolks
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or 2 vanilla beans, scraped

Instructions

 

To make the cookie dough

• In a bowl cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the vanilla extract and water, stirring until combined. Slowly pour in the flour and continue stirring until mixed well. Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Shape the dough into a log and freeze for 1-2 hours. When ready to mix into the ice cream, remove from freezer and cut into bite sized pieces. Place the pieces into the ice cream maker for 5-10 minutes to mix.

To make the ice cream:

• In a saucepan set to low heat, place the egg yolks and sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved (around 5-8 minutes). Remove from heat and set the bowl aside.
• While the egg yolks and sugar are cooking, in a small bowl, place ¼ cup of milk and cornstarch. Stir to dissolve. Set aside.
• In a large saucepan, place the remaining milk and cream. Stir to combine, then allow to sit until egg and sugar mixture is done. When sugar is dissolved, move egg mixture off the heat and allow to cool. Slide the large saucepan onto the burner and turn heat up to medium. Stir until milk becomes heated and tiny bubbles around the edges form. Remove from heat, than slowly whisk in the egg and sugar mixture, whisking until combined. Add in the cornstarch and milk and continue whisking until combined.
• Finally stir in the vanilla extract or vanilla beans.
• Place mixture in your ice cream container and churn according to your ice cream makers manufacturer directions. Add the cookie dough according to directions above. When done, place ice cream in a freezer safe container for several hours to firm or to store.

Notes

Store ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.

For a gluten free version use gluten free flour. 

You can make this recipe dairy free by using dairy free heavy whipping cream, but it may alter the taste and texture of the recipe. You will also need to use dairy free chocolate chips and dairy free butter. 

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 6gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 203mgSodium: 67mgPotassium: 155mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 41gVitamin A: 1211IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 122mgIron: 1mg

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