Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of winter's warmth in every single creamy, spice-laden bite. This Gingerbread Cookie Ice Cream isn't just another frozen treat - it's a magical journey through holiday memories, transforming classic gingerbread flavors into a luxurious, cold dessert that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a dessert enthusiast looking to impress, this recipe promises to elevate your sweet game and transport you to a cozy winter wonderland.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup crushed gingerbread cookies
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and brown sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Add ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the cream mixture. Whisk vigorously to ensure all spices are evenly distributed and integrated into the liquid.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to become thoroughly chilled. This resting period helps enhance the depth of the spice profile.
- Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator and pour into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 15-20 minutes, until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- During the last few minutes of churning, gradually add the crushed gingerbread cookies to distribute them evenly throughout the ice cream.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Freeze for an additional 2 hours or until the ice cream reaches your desired firmness. Allow to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
- Serve in chilled bowls, optionally garnishing with additional crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs for extra texture and flavor.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your cream mixture is thoroughly chilled before churning to achieve the smoothest texture possible.
- Spice Balance Matters: Use fresh, high-quality ground spices for the most vibrant gingerbread flavor. Stale spices can make your ice cream taste flat.
- Cookie Crunch Technique: Crush your gingerbread cookies just before adding them to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
- Freezing Hack: For the best consistency, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
- Storage Secret: Store your ice cream in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to intensify the gingerbread profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 120mg
