How to Make Cold Stone Ice Cream at Home

We all know the creamy texture, rich flavor, and the unique process of combining fresh ingredients on a cold marble slab of Cold Stone ice cream. The best part? You can make the Cold Stone experience happen in your own kitchen. In this guide, we will show you how to make Cold Stone ice cream at home, with tips and ingredient insight to bring you the experience of Cold Stone ice cream.

1. Why Make Cold Stone Ice Cream at Home?

With Cold Stone ice cream at home, you can make it your own by selecting the ingredients, the mix-ins, and so much more. But you’re not only getting a premium ice cream experience, you’re actually in control of the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Plus, it’s so fun to make from scratch with family or friends or just for yourself.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

For making Cold Stone ice cream at home, here is what you’ll need for the ice cream base and mix ins. Feel free to customize as per your preferences!

For the Ice Cream Base:

2 cups heavy cream: This is what makes the ice cream rich and creamy.
1 cup whole milk: It gives richness to the cream.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: It doesn’t overpower the ice cream and sweetens it.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: For a classic vanilla flavor.
Pinch of salt: Flavors and sweetness are enhanced and balances.

For the Mix-Ins:

Chopped nuts: Almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
Chocolate chips: Dark, semi-sweet, or white chocolate.
Fruits: Or strawberries, bananas, or blueberries.
Candy: Oreos, crushed candy bars, M&M’s.
Caramel or fudge sauce: To drizzle over the ice cream.

Your mix ins are limitless. It’s all about personalization just like at Cold Stone.

3. Equipment You’ll Need

Ice cream maker: You need this to churn the ice cream to give you a smooth and creamy texture.
Cold marble slab or substitute (a baking sheet will work): This is to replicate the Cold Stone mixing experience.
Mixing bowls: To make the base and mix ins.
Spatulas: To fold in your mix-ins.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cold Stone Ice Cream

With ingredients and equipment in hand, it’s time to make Cold Stone ice cream at home.

1: Making the Ice Cream Base

Whisk the Ingredients: Whisk the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved, continue.
Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the bowl covered for at least 2 hours, or overnight. When chilling, the ice cream base is cold enough for the churning.

2: Freezing and Churning the Ice Cream

Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: Set up your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Churn the Ice Cream: Chill the mixture, then pour it into the ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions (generally 20 to 30 minutes) until ice cream is soft serve consistency.
Transfer to the Freezer: Put the soft ice cream in the freezer, churn it, and then transfer it to an airtight container and let it set in the freezer for 2 to 4 hours.

3: Preparing the Cold Stone Surface

Chill the Marble Slab: If you have a marble slab, then place it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before you start. If you don’t have a marble slab, use a metal baking sheet or cutting board.
Alternative to Marble Slab: You could skip this step for a simple version, and just mix it in a bowl. The cold surface is key though, to recreate the actual Cold Stone experience!

4: Adding Mix-Ins

Spread the Ice Cream: After the ice cream has firmed up, remove it from the freezer and put it on the cold marble slab.
Fold in Mix-Ins: To fold in your desired mix ins—chocolate chips, fruits, candies, nuts—just like they do at Cold Stone, use spatulas or a bench scraper.
Get Creative: Each serving can have different mix ins. Cut the ice cream into smaller pieces and make each piece according to your taste.

Step 5: Serving the Ice Cream

Shape and Scoop: Once mixed, shape the ice cream into balls or scoop it directly into bowls or waffle cones.
Top with Sauces: For an extra indulgence, drizzle caramel or fudge sauce over the ice cream.

5. Benefits of Each Ingredient

Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is important for its high fat content that makes ice cream creamy and luxurious. It also keeps it smooth when frozen.
Whole Milk: Provides moisture and lightness while maintaining the richness of the cream.
Sugar: In addition to making the ice cream sweet, it makes it lower its freezing point and thus keeps it soft and scoopable.
Vanilla Extract: It adds a classic flavor that goes well with just about any mix in, whether it’s fruit, candy, or chocolate.
Salt: It adds depth to all the other flavors, and prevents the ice cream from tasting too sweet.

6. Tips for Achieving the Perfect Cold Stone Ice Cream

Use Fresh Ingredients: Your ice cream will taste its best with fresh cream, milk, and mix ins.
Don’t Over-Mix: When adding mix ins, don’t fold too much or you risk melting the ice cream or losing its creamy texture.
Pre-Chill the Bowl: Use chill mixing bowl and any utensils you’re using to chill the ice cream and help keep the temperature cold.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Have a blast with different combos—try fruits for a healthier alternative, or get crazy with cookie dough, candy, or brownies.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Cold Stone ice cream without an ice cream maker?
A: Yes! If you want a no churn version, you can whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and fold in sweetened condensed milk and flavorings and then freeze it.

Q: How can I keep my marble slab cold while mixing the ice cream?
A: However, if your marble slab begins to warm up, put it back in the freezer for a couple of minutes between batches.

Q: What are some fun mix-in ideas?
A: In a pinch, you can try crushed cookies, gummy bears, sprinkles, peanut butter cups or even swirls of your favorite sauce.

8. Final thoughts

Creating cold stone ice cream at home is a fun and creative way to make ice cream that mimics the cold stone ice cream shop experience. With this step by step guide, you can use your ice cream to be customized to endless mix ins and flavors. You’ll be whipping up batches of creamy, delicious ice cream that tastes just as good as your local cold stone creation with a little practice.

Homemade Cold Stone ice cream makes a fun, special treat for guests, a family activity, or just a great experiment in the kitchen. And, of course, don’t forget to experiment with different flavors and toppings, and of course, enjoy every scoop! You can check out for more inspiration and detailed ice cream recipes at Serious Eats and AllRecipes, These include comprehensive guides to ice cream making and creative flavor combinations.

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