If you have a soft spot for cookies and love creamy frozen treats, then this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine the velvety smooth texture of homemade vanilla ice cream, studded with luscious bits of buttery, edible cookie dough and studded with mini chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. This recipe nails the perfect balance between sweet, creamy, and satisfyingly chewy, making it a decadent delight you’ll want to share with friends — or maybe keep all to yourself!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe lies in how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something spectacular. Each component plays a key role — from richness and creaminess to sweetness and texture, these ingredients are essential for that perfect homemade ice cream experience.

2 cups heavy cream: Adds rich creaminess and a luscious mouthfeel that makes ice cream irresistible.
1 cup whole milk: Balances out the cream and keeps the ice cream silky smooth without being too heavy.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the base just enough to highlight the vanilla and cookie dough flavors.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Gives the ice cream a warm, fragrant depth that complements the cookie dough perfectly.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors without making it taste salty.
½ cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated): Essential for the safe, edible cookie dough—heat-treating removes any unwanted bacteria.
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides that classic buttery cookie dough richness.
¼ cup brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note to the cookie dough.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness in the dough.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cookie dough with warm, comforting flavor.
1 tablespoon milk: Helps bind the cookie dough ingredients together smoothly.
⅓ cup mini chocolate chips: Little pockets of chocolate joy in every bite of dough and ice cream.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

First things first, treat your flour to make it safe for eating raw by heating it in the microwave for about a minute or baking it at 350°F for five minutes. Let it cool completely before mixing. Then, cream together the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until silky smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and milk before gradually adding the cooled flour, folding it gently until a soft dough forms. Finally, toss in those mini chocolate chips and either roll the dough into small chunks or flatten it to chill in the fridge until firm. This step ensures the cookie dough bites in your ice cream stay fresh and delicious.

Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base

Whisk together your heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Once the sugar has fully dissolved, pour this creamy mixture into your ice cream maker and let it churn according to your machine’s instructions — generally about 20 to 25 minutes. This process transforms your mixture into a fluffy, frozen treat full of that smooth, creamy texture you expect from a classic vanilla ice cream.

Step 3: Add Cookie Dough and Chocolate Chips

During the final five minutes of churning, it’s time for the best part—gently fold in the chilled cookie dough chunks and a handful of extra mini chocolate chips if you want to amp up the chocolate flavor. This method ensures the dough stays in perfect bites throughout the ice cream, without melting away or becoming overly soft.

Step 4: Freeze and Firm Up

Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and let it freeze for 2 to 4 hours to become delightfully scoopable. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld together and the cookie dough pieces to firm up, so every scoop delivers that classic texture contrast of creamy ice cream and chewy dough.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

While the Ice Cream is already a knockout on its own, you can elevate the presentation with a few simple garnishes. Consider adding a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for extra decadence. A sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips on top or a few fresh mint leaves can also add color and a fresh touch, creating an inviting masterpiece.

Side Dishes

This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe pairs beautifully with classic dessert companions. Think warm brownies, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, or even a slice of rich pound cake. These sides provide texture contrast and amplify the indulgence factor, making your dessert table the star of any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve scoops in waffle cones or bowls made from chocolate. You could also create an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop between two soft cookies, or layer the ice cream with brownie chunks in a parfait glass. These creative serving options make dessert feel extra special and perfect for celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent ice crystals. Store it in the coldest part of your freezer to enjoy fresh-tasting scoops for days to come.

Freezing

If you plan to freeze the ice cream for longer storage, wrap the container with plastic wrap or press parchment directly onto the surface before sealing the lid. This extra layer protects against freezer burn and keeps that creamy consistency intact for up to two weeks.

Reheating

Since this is ice cream, reheating doesn’t apply here, but if your ice cream becomes too hard to scoop straight from the freezer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes until it softens just enough to scoop beautifully without melting.

FAQs

Is the cookie dough safe to eat even though it’s raw?

Yes! This recipe uses heat-treated flour and no eggs, so the cookie dough is completely safe to enjoy raw without any risk of bacteria or foodborne illness.

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

While you can, homemade cookie dough as described in this recipe is free from eggs and heat-treated, making it safer and tailor-made to fit perfectly in your ice cream. Store-bought dough may contain raw eggs, which could be risky.

Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?

An ice cream maker is highly recommended to get that smooth, churned texture, but if you don’t have one, you can try freezing in a shallow container and stirring every 30 minutes until firm, though it won’t be quite as creamy.

Can I substitute any ingredients to make it vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, you’d need to use plant-based milk and cream alternatives and replace butter with a vegan substitute. Keep in mind, heat-treated flour and egg-free dough still apply for safety.

How long does this ice cream take to freeze completely?

After churning, it usually takes 2 to 4 hours in the freezer for the ice cream to firm up perfectly. Leaving it overnight guarantees a scoopable, creamy treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe — it brings together two beloved desserts into one creamy, dreamy scoop of joy. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic childhood treat or an impressive homemade dessert for friends and family, this recipe promises smiles and satisfied taste buds with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy all the delightful cookie dough goodness alongside smooth, homemade vanilla ice cream!