Candy Carnival Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe
Description
This Candy Carnival Cookie Dough Ice Cream is a dream for anyone with a sweet tooth! It features a rich and creamy vanilla ice cream base loaded with edible cookie dough bites and a mix of colorful candies like M&M’s, chocolate chunks, sprinkles, and crushed candy bars. The combination of smooth ice cream, chewy cookie dough, and crunchy candies makes every bite an adventure of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Edible Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Candy Mix-ins (Choose Your Favorites):
- ½ cup M&M’s
- ½ cup crushed candy bars (Snickers, Twix, Butterfinger, etc.)
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Edible Cookie Dough
- Heat-treat the flour: Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria. Let it cool.
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla extract and milk until combined.
- Slowly stir in heat-treated flour and salt.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Roll into small bite-sized balls and place them in the freezer while preparing the ice cream base.
Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until sugar dissolves.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20-25 minutes).
Step 3: Add the Mix-ins
- Once the ice cream is soft-serve consistency, fold in the frozen cookie dough balls and your favorite candies.
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, smooth the top, and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.
Tips for the Best Ice Cream
✅ Heat-treat the flour in the cookie dough to make it safe to eat.
✅ Freeze the cookie dough balls before adding them to the ice cream to keep them firm.
✅ Don’t overmix the candy pieces; gently fold them in to prevent colors from bleeding.
✅ Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
✅ If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes for 3 hours for a no-churn version.
Servings & Storage
- Servings: Makes about 6-8 servings (roughly 1.5 quarts of ice cream).
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 380-450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
Note: Nutritional values depend on the types and amounts of candy used.
Health Benefits (Even for a Sweet Treat!)
🍦 Homemade & Preservative-Free – No artificial stabilizers or preservatives.
🍦 Customizable – You control the sugar, mix-ins, and portion size.
🍦 Calcium & Protein – Thanks to milk and cream, which support bone health.
🍦 Mood Booster – Chocolate and colorful candies can help lift your spirits!
Q&A (Common Questions)
🔹 Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! Use the no-churn method by whisking the ice cream base and freezing it in a container, stirring every 30 minutes for 3 hours.
🔹 What candies work best?
M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, chopped Kit-Kats, Twix, and Oreos are all great options. Avoid candies that get too hard when frozen (like gummy bears).
🔹 How do I make it more chocolatey?
Swap the vanilla base for chocolate ice cream or add chocolate syrup when mixing.
🔹 Can I use gluten-free flour in the cookie dough?
Yes! Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour and make sure the mix-ins are gluten-free.
🔹 How do I prevent ice crystals in homemade ice cream?
Store it in an airtight container and press a layer of plastic wrap directly on top before sealing the lid.
Enjoy Your Candy Carnival Cookie Dough Ice Cream! 🍨🎉
This is the ultimate fun dessert—perfect for parties, summer treats, or anytime you need a sugar rush! Would you like variations, such as a dairy-free version? 😊