I know that when it’s cold and snowy outside, your last craving is for ice cream. Unless you happen to be one of my junior high students, then it’s the more sugar the merrier. One of my favorite things to do with ice cream during the winter is to pair it with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, preferably from our hot cocoa bombs recipe. It adds a sugary creaminess that’s perfect!
Making ice cream can be scary and time-intensive, but it doesn’t have to be. We make our ice cream in a bucket outside during the summer, but during the winter it’s time to pull out one of these. It sits on the counter (or floor) and is done in a jiffy. No need for ice and your ice cream is done in about 20 minutes! If it’s warm in your neck of the woods, then I’d totally suggest grabbing one of these, a bag of ice, and a box of rock salt. They really do make awesome ice cream. Now that you’ve got your ice cream makers, it’s time to get on to the main event: the recipes! Here are some delicious holiday ice cream flavors that you can’t resist!
Homemade Holiday Ice Cream Flavors (You Can’t Resist)
Homemade Holiday Ice Cream Flavor 01: Cranberry Vanilla
Give cranberry a makeover with this creamy dish. Fruity and creamy, it’ll make you rethink cranberries all together.
Cranberry Vanilla Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients
- 2 c. fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ c. water
- 4 c. milk
- 4 c. sugar
- 2 c. heavy whipping cream
- 1 c. orange juice
- ½ c. lemon juice
- 1 ½ tbsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by combining the water and cranberries in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries "pop." Then strain and discard the seeds and skins. Allow the cranberry mixture to cool completely, you can pop it into the fridge if needed.
- While the cranberries are cooling, heat the milk to 175° in a large saucepan. Then stir in the sugar until completely dissolved. Allow this mixture to cool as well before mixing in the cream, juices, extract, and cranberry mixture.
- Last, fill the ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. I would suggest allowing the ice cream to firm up in the freezer for at least 2-4 hours before serving if possible.
Homemade Holiday Ice Cream Flavor 02: Peppermint
This ice cream is perfect on top of hot chocolate or next to some sweet sugar cookies. The double chill of the ice cream and peppermint has made this a holiday favorite at our house.
Peppermint Crunch Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients
- 2 c. heavy cream
- 1 c. whole milk
- ¾ c. granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tsp. peppermint extract
- 1 pkg Andes Peppermint Crunch candies chopped
Instructions
- Begin by heating one cup of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-high heat and whisking in the sugar until it is completely dissolved. Then stir in the peppermint extract and salt and remove from heat. Next, mix the milk and remaining heavy cream together in a bowl before whisking in the sweet cream mixture. Allow the mixture to cool for at least four hours in the fridge before putting it into your ice cream maker and freezing it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Before the ice cream is finished, mix in the peppermint crunch candies. Then, freeze the ice cream for at least an hour before serving.
Homemade Holiday Ice Cream Flavor 03: Gingerbread
This dish brings all the warm spices of the holiday season and combines them into a dish of cold, creamy goodness. Pair this dish with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and you won’t be disappointed.
Gingerbread Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients
- 1 c. heavy cream
- 1 c. milk
- ⅔ c. sugar
- 2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. allspice
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. grated nutmeg
- 2 Tbsp. molasses
Instructions
- Begin by whisking together all of the ingredients in a large bowl until the sugar is dissolved and the molasses has been fully incorporated. If needed, gently heat the milk over medium heat until the ingredients dissolve, then chill mixture completely. When the mixture is smooth, process in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions.
- When the ice cream is done, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4-6 hours. Serve with warm cookies and enjoy!
Homemade Holiday Ice Cream Flavor 04: Egg Nog
This holiday favorite was made to be ice cream. Already creamy and full of flavor, this ice cream is quick, simple, and tasty.
Egg Nog Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients
- 2 c. Eggnog the creamier, the better
- 1 c. half and half
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- ½ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ c. sugar
Instructions
- Begin by whisking all ingredients together until combined and the sugar is dissolved. Then freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions. When the ice cream is done, transfer to a freezer container and allow to chill for at least four hours. Serve and enjoy!
Homemade Holiday Ice Cream Flavor 05: Christmas Cookie
There is nothing that says “Christmas” more around our house than speculoos cookies! The blend of spices is perfect when paired with ice cream and is a great addition to any holiday menu.
Christmas Cookie Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients
- ¾ c. cookie butter spread divided
- 1 ¼ c. whole milk
- ¾ c. granulated sugar
- 2 c. heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 12 Speculoos cookies chopped
Instructions
- Start by warming your cookie butter so that it can be mixed with the milk. Place in the microwave and heat in 30-second increments until it just starts to melt. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing with the milk and sugar until dissolved. Then stir in the cream, vanilla, and salt until combined. Place this mixture into the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- When the cookie butter mixture has cooled, freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Just before the ice cream is done, gradually add in the crushed cookies until incorporated. When the ice cream is done, transfer it to a freezer container in small batches, adding swirls of the remaining cookie butter. Freeze for at least 3 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Serve and enjoy!
So, the next time you’re looking for something to serve for dessert, don’t overlook ice cream! Sometimes adding those holiday flavors to a classic dish like ice cream can create magic. Happy Holidays!
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