If you’re a fan of creamy, indulgent desserts, then cookie butter ice cream is about to become your new favorite treat. This rich and flavorful ice cream combines the smooth texture of traditional ice cream with the warm, spiced flavors of cookie butter, creating a dessert that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re familiar with cookie butter or just discovering it, this ice cream will quickly become a staple in your freezer.
What is Cookie Butter Ice Cream?
Cookie butter ice cream is exactly what it sounds like—a luscious ice cream base infused with cookie butter, often swirled with additional ribbons of melted cookie butter and mixed with chunks of cookies like Speculoos or Biscoff. The result is an ice cream that’s both creamy and crunchy, with a flavor profile that’s reminiscent of gingerbread or spiced shortbread cookies.
Cookie butter itself is a spread made from crushed cookies, typically Speculoos or Biscoff, which are known for their caramelized flavor and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. When blended into ice cream, this spread adds a unique depth of flavor that’s both sweet and slightly spiced.
How to Make Cookie Butter Ice Cream at Home
Making cookie butter ice cream at home is surprisingly easy, and the result is a rich, creamy dessert that’s far superior to anything you can buy in a store. The best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content, adding extra cookie chunks, swirling in more cookie butter, or even experimenting with different spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful treat, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
Ice Cream Base:
- ⅔ cup cookie butter (melted)
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- ¼ cup additional cookie butter (melted for swirling)
- 10 Speculoos or Biscoff cookies (broken into pieces)
These ingredients come together to create a smooth, creamy ice cream with just the right amount of crunch from the cookies and a delicious swirl of cookie butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: Start by melting the cookie butter in the microwave until it’s smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted cookie butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Slowly add the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until everything is well combined.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While the ice cream is churning, melt an additional ¼ cup of cookie butter in the microwave and set it aside.
- Layer and Swirl: Once the ice cream has finished churning, transfer about one-third of it into an airtight container. Drizzle with some of the melted cookie butter and sprinkle generously with broken cookie pieces. Repeat this layering process two more times, then use a knife to gently swirl everything together.
- Freeze: Cover your container with a lid and place it in the freezer for several hours until firm enough to scoop.
Why You’ll Love Cookie Butter Ice Cream
Cookie butter ice cream is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. The combination of creamy ice cream, spiced cookie butter, and crunchy cookie pieces creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more with every bite. Here are a few reasons why this treat is so irresistible:
1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spiced
The flavor profile of cookie butter ice cream is unique in that it balances sweetness with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The caramelized notes from the cookies complement the rich creaminess of the ice cream base, making it a well-rounded dessert that isn’t overly sweet.
2. Crunchy Cookie Pieces
The addition of broken Speculoos or Biscoff cookies adds a delightful crunch to every spoonful. These cookies are known for their signature crispness, and when mixed into the soft ice cream, they provide a satisfying contrast in texture.
3. Customizable
One of the best things about making cookie butter ice cream at home is that you can customize it to your liking. Want more cookie chunks? Add them! Prefer a stronger cookie butter swirl? Go for it! You can even experiment with different types of cookies or add-ins like chocolate chips or caramel sauce.
4. No-Churn Option
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry—there’s a no-churn version of cookie butter ice cream that’s just as delicious. By whipping heavy cream and folding it into a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and melted cookie butter, you can create a creamy ice cream base without any special equipment[4].
5. A Year-Round Treat
While many associate ice cream with summer, cookie butter ice cream is perfect for any season. The spiced flavors make it especially comforting during fall and winter, but its creamy texture ensures it’s refreshing enough for warmer months as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cookie Butter Ice Cream
1. What does cookie butter ice cream taste like?
Cookie butter ice cream has a rich, creamy texture with a sweet and spiced flavor. The cookie butter adds notes of caramel, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making it taste like a blend of gingerbread and shortbread cookies in ice cream form. The addition of crushed cookies adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
2. Can I make cookie butter ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can easily make a no-churn version of cookie butter ice cream. Simply whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and melted cookie butter. Layer with crushed cookies and additional cookie butter swirls before freezing for several hours.
3. What type of cookies should I use for cookie butter ice cream?
The most popular choice is Speculoos or Biscoff cookies, which are known for their caramelized flavor and warm spices. However, you can experiment with other types of spiced or shortbread cookies depending on your preference.
4. How long does homemade cookie butter ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade cookie butter ice cream can last up to 2 weeks in the freezer if stored in an airtight container. Be sure to let it soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping for the best texture.
5. Can I add other mix-ins to my cookie butter ice cream?
Absolutely! Cookie butter ice cream is highly customizable. You can add chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or even chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Cookie butter ice cream is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves creamy, spiced desserts with a bit of crunch. Whether you make it from scratch using an ice cream maker or opt for the no-churn method, this treat is sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of smooth ice cream, rich cookie butter swirls, and crunchy cookie pieces creates a dessert that’s both comforting and luxurious.
Not only is it easy to make at home, but it’s also highly customizable—perfect for experimenting with different flavors and textures. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
