The Ice Cream Cone from Dairy Queen features smooth, creamy vanilla soft serve swirled atop a classic, crispy waffle cone, offering a delightful combination of rich, sweet flavors and satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Soft serve ice cream machine
- Ice cream cone dispenser/holder
- Waffle cone maker or supplier of pre-made waffle cones
- Ice cream scoop or spade (optional, mainly for cleanup or adjusting swirl)
- Cone wrapper or napkin dispenser
Ingredients
- 1 quart (950ml) vanilla soft serve ice cream mix
- 6 pre-made waffle cones
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Waffle cones
Using high-quality vanilla soft serve mix is essential to achieve the creamy texture characteristic of the Ice Cream Cone from Dairy Queen. Whole milk and heavy cream should be fresh to maintain the rich flavor and smoothness of the soft serve. Granulated sugar and vanilla extract must be measured accurately to ensure the sweetness and aroma balance perfectly. Pre-made waffle cones should be crisp and fresh to complement the soft serve with a satisfying crunch. You can recreate the iconic Dairy Queen ice cream cone by combining these carefully chosen ingredients with the right equipment.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Chill all ingredients (milk, cream, vanilla extract) in the refrigerator before use.
- Combine whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the ice cream mix into the soft serve machine according to manufacturer instructions.
- Pre-cool the machine if required.
- Allow the machine to churn and freeze the mix into soft serve consistency.
- Prepare the waffle cones by placing them in the cone dispenser/holder.
- Dispense vanilla soft serve directly into each waffle cone, swirling upward to create a classic undulating peak.
- Use an ice cream scoop or spade to adjust the swirl if necessary for presentation.
- Wrap the base of each cone with a wrapper or napkin for serving.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Ice Cream Cone from Dairy Queen copycat recipe uses smooth, creamy vanilla soft serve combined with a crispy waffle cone, replicating the rich, sweet flavor and satisfying crunch. If you don't have access to a soft serve ice cream machine, you can substitute with homemade or store-bought vanilla ice cream softened slightly to mimic the texture. Pre-made waffle cones are a convenient alternative if you don't own a waffle cone maker, though fresh cones offer a more authentic taste and texture. You may find it helpful to chill your cones slightly before serving to prevent sogginess from the soft serve melt. When serving, use a cone holder or napkin to keep your hands clean and make the experience more enjoyable for your guests.
Tips
Make sure all dairy ingredients and vanilla extract are thoroughly chilled to ensure the soft serve machine can freeze the mix quickly and achieve the desired creamy texture. Fully dissolve the sugar in the milk and cream mixture by whisking well, preventing graininess in your ice cream. When dispensing soft serve into waffle cones, hold the cone steadily in the dispenser to avoid spills and create a consistent swirl shape. You can use cone wrappers or napkins to hold the cone securely and keep your hands clean while enjoying your treat.
Nutritions
The Ice Cream Cone from Dairy Queen provides approximately 200-250 calories per serving, primarily from the whole milk and heavy cream base used in the vanilla soft serve. This treat contains about 10-15 grams of fat, including saturated fats from the cream, and around 20-25 grams of sugars contributed by the granulated sugar and natural lactose in milk. Waffle cones add an additional source of carbohydrates and offer a crunchy texture without significantly increasing protein content. Your indulgence provides a moderate amount of calcium and vitamin A from dairy, supporting bone health while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Storage
Store leftover vanilla soft serve ice cream mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator, using it within 24-48 hours to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Keep pre-made waffle cones in a cool, dry place inside a sealed bag to retain their crispness and avoid moisture absorption. Your prepared ice cream cones should be served immediately, as prolonged storage will cause the cones to become soggy and the soft serve to melt quickly.
Variation or Alternatives
You could substitute the vanilla soft serve mix with chocolate or strawberry flavors to diversify your ice cream cone offerings. Instead of pre-made waffle cones, try making homemade waffle cones with a batter enriched with cinnamon or cocoa powder for added taste. Experiment with adding toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles directly onto the soft serve swirl for extra texture and visual appeal. Adjust the softness of the serve by slightly altering the machine's freezing time to match your preferred creaminess.
Allergies
The Ice Cream Cone from Dairy Queen contains dairy ingredients such as whole milk and heavy cream, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. The waffle cone often contains wheat, posing a risk for those with gluten or wheat allergies. You should always check ingredient labels carefully if you have food sensitivities or allergies.
Why this recipe?
Dairy Queen's Ice Cream Cone captivates customers with its creamy, rich vanilla soft serve perfectly swirled into a crispy, freshly baked cone. The balance of cold, smooth ice cream and crunchy cone texture creates a satisfying treat that appeals to all ages. With simple ingredients and a classic recipe, your copycat version can easily replicate the authentic taste and deliver a nostalgic experience. You can enjoy a delicious, homemade Dairy Queen favorite that brings joy and comfort with every bite.