Easy Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe

Last Updated on December 6, 2024 by Cherie

Learn how to make easy homemade cookie dough ice cream from scratch! Indulge in creamy and doughy deliciousness with our easy homemade recipe.

Cookie dough ice cream has become a modern classic, captivating dessert lovers with its iconic and irresistible mix of creamy sweetness and chewy chunks. While flavours like chocolate and vanilla have long dominated the ice cream world, cookie dough has secured its place as a favourite thanks to its playful texture and indulgent appeal.

In this article, we will share some background information on how cookie dough has become such a favourite and we’ll also share with you our recipes and step-by-step guides to both Cookie Dough and Easy Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Our guides will give you all you need to learn how to make this delicious ice cream yourself.

If you’d prefer you can go straight to our recipes by clicking on the following links:

Jump to Cookie Dough Recipe

Jump to Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream

The Sweet Evolution of Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Cookie dough as a dessert component has long been a guilty pleasure, with roots tracing back to the invention of chocolate chip cookies in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield. The concept of eating raw cookie dough began as a spontaneous indulgence in home kitchens but eventually found its way into the frozen dessert world.

First introduced to the mainstream in the 1980s by brands like Ben & Jerry’s, this innovative flavour quickly gained global popularity. The idea of combining creamy ice cream with chunks of edible cookie dough was revolutionary, blending nostalgic charm with indulgent textures. This innovation, introduced commercially by iconic brands, captured the hearts of dessert lovers everywhere and became an instant classic.

Loved across generations, cookie dough ice cream has inspired endless adaptations, from peanut butter dough to double chocolate versions. Its unique appeal lies in its ability to deliver both a comforting and playful experience in every scoop. Today, making cookie dough ice cream at home is a chance to elevate this much-loved dessert, giving you the freedom to experiment with ingredients and create a version that’s uniquely yours.

Cookie dough is particularly a favourite among the younger generations, preferring it over the classics such as strawberry, mint or chocolate. Check out our article – What is the Most Popular Ice Cream Flavour? – to find out more about the world’s favourite flavours.

My youngest has quite a penchant for cookie dough ice cream and I asked what it is she loves so much, she said ‘oh I just love it, it’s the way it melts on my tongue’. Interesting that the texture is what makes this flavour stand out from the endless flavours that are available these days and cookie dough ice cream’s appeal remains very strong.

With that, let us share with you our recipe for an Easy Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream—bringing this iconic flavour to life in your own kitchen.

Dough-Lightfully Delicious!

Essential Do’s and Don’ts

What exactly is Cookie Dough Ice Cream and am I using raw cookie dough in an ice cream?

Cookie dough ice cream is a blend of smooth, creamy vanilla ice cream infused with generous chunks of cookie dough. This irresistible treat combines the rich, buttery sweetness of cookie dough with the cool, creamy texture of ice cream, creating a delicious fusion of flavours and textures that tantalise the taste buds with every spoonful and melts on your tongue so I’ve been told!

But don’t fret about the raw dough – the recipe we will provide is made without eggs and also heat-treated flour to ensure safety without sacrificing taste. So what you get is a combination of smooth and textural deliciousness.

As this is a raw recipe, i.e.; no cooking is involved, we must emphasise the importance of using safe ingredients, especially when preparing recipes like cookie dough that are often consumed raw.

Raw Eggs: Raw eggs can pose a risk of foodborne illness due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. When eggs are consumed raw or undercooked, there is a higher risk of contracting food poisoning. This risk is particularly significant in recipes like cookie dough ice cream, where the eggs are not cooked, allowing any bacteria present in the eggs to remain active.

To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to use pasteurised eggs or egg substitutes in recipes that call for raw eggs, ensuring they are safe to consume. Additionally, following proper food safety practices, such as storing eggs properly and maintaining cleanliness during food preparation, can help reduce the risk of contamination.

Heat-Treated Flour: This process refers to flour that has been heated to a specific temperature to kill any potential bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella, that may be present in raw flour. This process helps make the flour safer to consume, especially when used in recipes that don’t involve baking, such as cookie dough ice cream where the flour is not cooked. Heat-treated flour is often recommended for recipes that call for raw flour to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Our recipe is eggless and our method provides instructions on heat-treating your flour before use. So let’s get into making this delicious Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream.

Eggless Cookie Dough Recipe:

You can readily purchase a tub or packet of cookie dough, however, as with all our recipes, we like to make our ice creams from scratch so here is our recipe and method for making your own cookie dough.

Ingredients:

• 125g plain flour (heat-treated)
• 115g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g granulated sugar
• 50g light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 90g chocolate chips or chunks (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat-Treat the Flour:
  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). This process kills any potential bacteria in the flour.
  • Let the flour cool completely before using it in the recipe.
    • NB: You can also achieve this using a microwave. Simply place the flour in a microwavable dish, and give it a 30-second blast. Give it a quick stir and then another 30-second blast.
• Cream Butter and Sugars:
  • In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add Milk and Vanilla:
  • Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Incorporate Flour:
  • Gradually add the heat-treated flour to the mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and cohesive.
• Add Chocolate Chips (Optional):
  • If desired, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Chill the Dough:
  • Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. Chilling also enhances the flavour, allowing all ingredients to meld.
• Enjoy or Use in Recipes:
  • Once chilled, the cookie dough is ready to be enjoyed on its own or used in various recipes, such as our cookie dough ice cream or cookie dough truffles.

This eggless cookie dough recipe ensures a safe and delicious treat that can be enjoyed raw or incorporated into your favourite desserts!

Easy Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe:

Now that we have our cookie dough sorted, let’s get to work on our Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream.

Here’s our easy recipe and method:

Ingredients:

• 475 ml double cream
• 240 ml whole milk
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 5 ml vanilla extract
• 75 g chocolate chips
• 75 g cookie dough (recipe provided above)

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the double cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
• Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
• During the last few minutes of churning, add in the chocolate chips and small chunks of cookie dough.
• Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, layering it with additional cookie dough if desired.
• Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or until firm.
• Serve and enjoy!

NB: No-Churn Cookie Dough Ice Cream – If you don’t own an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe, you simply pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.

How to Customise Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream

One of the joys of homemade ice cream is the freedom to experiment with flavours and textures.

Here are a few variations you could try with your Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream:

• Flavoured Cookie Dough: Swap classic cookie dough for options like peanut butter, spiced gingerbread, or chocolate orange dough to add a unique twist.
• Alternative Mix-Ins: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chunks, honeycomb pieces, or chopped hazelnuts for added texture and crunch.
• Swirled Additions: Layer salted caramel, chocolate fudge, or raspberry coulis throughout the ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

For those who love boozy desserts, check out our article – The Art and Science of Blending Alcohol with Ice Cream – for hints and tips on incorporating alcohol into your frozen creations.

Dietary-Friendly Adaptations

Love cookie dough ice cream but need to adjust for dietary needs? As with all our recipes, with a few simple adjustments, you can tailor your cookie dough ice cream to meet any dietary requirements.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Vegan Option: Substitute double cream with coconut or almond milk, and use vegan butter and chocolate chips for the dough.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour in the cookie dough to make it safe for those avoiding gluten.
• Low-Sugar Option: Sweeten the ice cream with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to reduce sugar content while keeping the flavour.

For more information on the use of sweeteners in your homemade ice cream, please head on over to our article – Balancing Flavour and Health – Natural Sweeteners and Homemade Ice Cream.

Best Toppings for Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream

And if Cookie Dough Ice Cream isn’t enough…

Take your cookie dough ice cream to new heights with these creative cookie dough ice cream ideas. Irresistible toppings that add texture, flavour, and visual appeal:

• Crunchy Additions: Crushed pretzels, Oreo cookies, or cookie crumbles bring a satisfying crunch and contrast to the creamy base.
• Sweet and Gooey: Drizzle caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
• Fruity Twists: Add a burst of freshness with seasonal fruit like raspberries, strawberries, or caramelised bananas.
• Nutty Enhancements: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a toasty, nutty layer.
• Playful Extras: Marshmallows, popping candy, or colourful sprinkles add a fun and whimsical touch.
• Decadent Treats: Incorporate edible cookie dough bites or grated chocolate shavings for a truly indulgent experience.
• Creamy Toppers: Finish with a swirl of whipped cream or whipped coconut cream for added luxury.

Whether you’re aiming for a simple scoop or a full-on sundae, these toppings are guaranteed to make your homemade cookie dough ice cream even more delicious!

Looking for more tips to perfect your ice cream game? Check out our article – Homemade Ice Cream Hacks You Need to Know – for hints, tips and advice.

Creative Ways to Serve Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream

You can simply enjoy your homemade cookie dough ice cream on its own, but there are various ways you can serve it up.

Here are a few serving ideas:

• Sandwich scoops between cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches.
• Serve in waffle cones or bowls for a nostalgic touch.
• Add a scoop to a warm brownie or apple crumble for contrast.

Family Fun with Cookie Dough Ice Cream: A Delicious Treat for All Ages

This homemade cookie dough ice cream recipe is perfect for family fun or solo indulgence. Kids of all ages love the sweet indulgence of cookie dough mixed with creamy ice cream. So making this homemade Ice Cream is the perfect opportunity to get everyone involved. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the experience of making it together.

From mixing ingredients to rolling out cookie dough balls, this recipe is a fantastic opportunity to bond with your loved ones and create lasting memories. Get everyone involved and enjoy the magic of homemade cookie dough ice cream!

For more family-friendly recipes, check out our article – Fun Ice Cream Recipes for Kids: Getting Children Involved in the Kitchen – and bring more fun to your kitchen!

FAQs

1. 1. How long can I store homemade cookie dough ice cream?
      Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Cover the surface with parchment paper to prevent freezer burn.
   2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
      Absolutely! Substitute the cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips in the cookie dough.
   3. What’s the best way to serve cookie dough ice cream?
      Let it soften for 5 minutes at room temperature before scooping to enhance creaminess.

What’s your favourite way to enjoy cookie dough ice cream? Share your ideas in the comments below, and tag us on social media to show off your creations!

More of an Oreo kinda person? Then you’ll want to check out our Homemade Oreo Ice Cream Recipe – An Irresistibly Easy Homemade Oreo Ice Cream Recipe.

We hope that you have enjoyed our article sharing our easy cookie dough ice cream recipe, providing you with all the guidance and tips to create your own.

If you have any questions, please do drop us a comment below and we will gladly get back to you. And if you do give our recipes a try, we would love to hear how you get on.

Stay connected for endless homemade ice cream inspiration! Join us for mouthwatering recipes, expert tips, and exclusive updates. Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and X by clicking on any of the social media icons below.