Christmas Ice Cream Recipes: Festive, Creamy, and Irresistible
Holiday celebrations call for indulgent treats, and nothing says festive quite like Christmas Ice Cream Recipes. From creamy peppermint swirls to decadent chocolate fudge and spiced eggnog flavors, ice cream can bring a cool, refreshing twist to the warmth of holiday gatherings. Creating your own Christmas-inspired ice cream at home allows you to customize flavors, textures, and colors, making every scoop a reflection of your festive spirit.
Imagine serving a dessert that not only tastes delicious but also adds a beautiful, colorful touch to your holiday table. These ice cream recipes are versatile enough to be served as a standalone treat, layered into pies, or paired with warm desserts like brownies or gingerbread. With the right combination of holiday flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of garnish, these ice creams become more than just desserts—they’re a centerpiece of joy and indulgence during the season.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 2 cups (480 ml) | 800 kcal |
| Whole milk | 1 cup (240 ml) | 150 kcal |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup (150 g) | 600 kcal |
| Egg yolks | 4 | 220 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | 24 kcal |
| Peppermint extract | ½ tsp | 5 kcal |
| Crushed candy canes | ½ cup (50 g) | 200 kcal |
| Mini chocolate chips | ½ cup (90 g) | 400 kcal |
| Red and green sprinkles | 2 tbsp (10 g) | 50 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the custard base: In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and heavy cream. Heat over medium until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Temper the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. Return this mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook until thickened: Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and peppermint extract.
- Cool the custard: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches soft-serve consistency.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
- Freeze: Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for 4–6 hours until firm.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Flavor variations: Swap peppermint extract with eggnog, gingerbread spice, or cinnamon for different holiday flavors.
- Mix-in ideas: Add chopped nuts, caramel swirls, or marshmallows for texture.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk and cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version.
- Presentation tips: Layer ice cream with crushed cookies or brownies in a trifle for festive appeal.
- Colorful garnish: Add edible glitter or colored sprinkles for a visually striking holiday treat.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, serves 8)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve scoops in festive bowls with additional crushed candy canes or chocolate drizzle.
- Pair with warm desserts like brownies, cookies, or gingerbread for a contrast of hot and cold.
- Use as a layered dessert in trifles or ice cream cakes for holiday parties.
- Serve in waffle cones or cups for a casual, family-friendly option.
Christmas Ice Cream Recipes: Festive, Creamy, and Irresistible
8
servings15
minutes15
minutes300
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
Heavy creamt2 cups (480 ml)
Whole milkt1 cup (240 ml)
Granulated sugart¾ cup (150 g)
Egg yolkst4
Vanilla extractt2 tsp
Peppermint extractt½ tsp
Crushed candy canest½ cup (50 g)
Mini chocolate chipst½ cup (90 g)
Red and green sprinklest2 tbsp (10 g)
Directions
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and heavy cream. Heat over medium until hot but not boiling.
- Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl. Temper yolks by slowly adding about ½ cup of hot cream mixture while whisking. Return mixture to saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and peppermint extract.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Pour chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions until soft-serve consistency.
- Fold in crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
- Transfer to a lidded container and freeze 4–6 hours until firm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- No-churn option: Whip 2 cups heavy cream and fold in 1 can sweetened condensed milk with flavorings and mix-ins, then freeze for an easy version.
Vegan/dairy-free option: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew cream along with plant-based sweeteners.
FAQs
1. Can I make Christmas ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can use a no-churn method by whipping heavy cream, folding in sweetened condensed milk and flavorings, and freezing in a container until firm.
2. How far in advance can I make Christmas ice cream?
You can prepare it 2–3 days ahead for optimal flavor. Just store it in an airtight container in the freezer until serving.
3. Can I make dairy-free or vegan Christmas ice cream?
Absolutely! Use coconut milk, cashew cream, or almond milk, and plant-based sweeteners to make a vegan-friendly version.
4. What flavors are best for Christmas ice cream?
Classic festive flavors include peppermint, eggnog, gingerbread, chocolate fudge, and spiced vanilla. You can also mix in crushed candy canes or red-and-green sprinkles for holiday cheer.
5. Can I add mix-ins like cookies or chocolate chips?
Yes! Fold in crushed cookies, chocolate chips, nuts, or candy after churning or before freezing for added texture and festive appeal.
Conclusion
Christmas Ice Cream Recipes bring a cool, creamy, and festive touch to holiday celebrations. With endless possibilities for flavors, mix-ins, and presentation, homemade Christmas ice cream transforms simple ingredients into an indulgent, joyful dessert. Perfect for gatherings, gift-giving, or family traditions, these ice creams capture the spirit of the season in every delightful bite. Whether creamy peppermint, chocolate fudge, or spiced eggnog, these ice creams are sure to be a memorable treat for everyone at the table.
