This Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream is a treat you’ll love! It’s creamy, sweet, and packed with tasty cookie dough bits that make each bite a delight.
I can’t resist sneaking bites of the dough while making it. Who can blame me? Just mix, freeze, and enjoy a delicious treat all summer! Perfect for sharing… or not! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here for controlling the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter. It works just as well and still gives that creamy texture!
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich flavor to the cookie dough. If you’re out, you can use white sugar and a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) for a similar taste.
Flour: Make sure to heat-treat the flour to make it safe for eating raw. You can also substitute with almond flour for a gluten-free version, but ensure it’s finely ground for the best texture.
Heavy Whipping Cream: It gives your ice cream that rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking to cut calories, half-and-half can be a lighter alternative but won’t be quite as creamy.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla is highly recommended for the best flavor. If you’re short on it, vanilla bean paste or even imitation vanilla can substitute in a pinch.
What’s the Best Way to Heat-Treat Flour for Safe Eating?
Heat-treating flour is crucial for safety, but it’s simple! Here’s how:
- Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent browning.
- Remove it from the oven and let it cool before adding it to your dough.
This method kills any harmful bacteria and keeps your cookie dough safe while maintaining a great texture!
How to Get the Perfect Ice Cream Consistency?
Churning is key for a creamy texture! Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your ice cream maker’s bowl is fully frozen before pouring in your mixture.
- Don’t skip whisking the mixture before churning. This helps dissolve the sugar, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Churn until it’s thickened and has soft-serve consistency. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Once finished, freezing it in an airtight container will firm it up nicely, giving you that classic ice cream scoopability!
Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated to make it safe for eating raw)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes of active prep time, plus at least 4 hours to freeze until firm. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious homemade treat while creating some sweet memories in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
First, heat-treat the flour to make it safe for raw eating. Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to let it cool completely afterward.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract, salt, and milk, mixing well until combined.
Gradually add the cooled flour to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls or chunks. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and pop them in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes until firm.
2. Make the Ice Cream Base:
While your cookie dough is chilling, let’s prepare the ice cream base! In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will give you a smooth and sweet ice cream base to work with!
3. Churn the Ice Cream:
Now, pour the ice cream base into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and churn the mixture until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually about 20-30 minutes. Enjoy the delightful smell wafting through your kitchen!
4. Add the Cookie Dough Pieces:
When the ice cream is almost ready (about 5 minutes from finishing), carefully add in your frozen cookie dough chunks. This will ensure that they get evenly distributed throughout your ice cream.
5. Freeze Until Firm:
Once the cookie dough pieces are mixed in, transfer your ice cream to an airtight container. If you like, sprinkle some extra mini chocolate chips on top for added chocolatey goodness! Seal the container and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or overnight until it is firm and ready to serve.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After your ice cream has set, it’s time to scoop it out and indulge! Serve it in bowls or cones, and enjoy the rich, creamy flavor with those delicious cookie dough chunks. Perfect for a hot day or any special occasion!
There you have it! A smooth and creamy chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream that’s bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy every delightful scoop!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Can I Use Store-bought Cookie Dough Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought cookie dough. Just portion it into small bite-sized pieces and freeze them briefly before adding them to your ice cream!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this ice cream dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk or any other non-dairy milk of your choice. Use dairy-free butter for the cookie dough, and you’re all set!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. For best results, cover the top with plastic wrap before sealing the lid to prevent freezer burn. It should stay delicious for up to 2-3 weeks!
Can I Customize the Mix-ins for Different Flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with the cookie dough and ice cream base. Try adding nuts, other types of chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel or fudge to elevate the flavors even more!
