Snickers & Reese’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza Recipe
Brace yourself for a flavor-packed adventure with this Snickers & Reese’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza! If you ever dreamed of digging into a scoop that delivers creamy ice cream, chewy chunks of cookie dough, and irresistible bits of Snickers and Reese’s peanut butter cups all in one glorious bite, then this one’s for you. It’s the ultimate mashup dessert—playful, ultra-satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re planning a summer get-together, a birthday bash, or just need to brighten up your week, this treat will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds, let’s be honest). Get ready for your new favorite homemade indulgence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Snickers & Reese’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza takes familiar pantry staples and transforms them into something show-stopping. Every ingredient here plays a role—some make the ice cream rich and creamy, others add sweet crunch or nutty nuance. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few tips to make them work their absolute magic):
- Heavy Cream: The secret behind that lush, scoopable texture you can’t get enough of.
- Whole Milk: Keeps the base creamy but not too dense—key for easy scooping!
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens up the ice cream without any graininess; make sure it’s fully dissolved.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings in inviting, bakery-style aromatics—don’t skip it.
- Peanut Butter (optional): For die-hard PB fans, a swirl in the ice cream base amplifies the Reese’s vibe.
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our edible cookie dough—make sure it’s soft for best results.
- Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and chewiness to the cookie dough bites.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookie dough; heat-treat it for safety!
- Salt: Don’t underestimate a pinch—it makes every bite pop.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Classic cookie dough flair, with melty pockets in each bite.
- Snickers Bars: Chopped up for chocolate, caramel, nougat magic!
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped pieces add a bold, nutty surprise.
- Extra Mini Chocolate Chips (optional): For those who love a little extra texture and chocolatey punch.
How to Make Snickers & Reese’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza
Step 1: Make the Creamy Ice Cream Base
Begin by whisking together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Take your time here and whisk until the sugar dissolves completely—no graininess allowed! If you want that extra peanut butter burst, gently heat the peanut butter until smooth and swirl it into the mixture. Now, pour the whole blend into your ice cream maker and churn as directed (usually around 20-25 minutes) until it thickens to a dreamy, soft-serve consistency. That’s when you’ll know it’s ready for greatness.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cookie Dough
Next, let’s get that glorious cookie dough ready. Cream the softened butter together with both sugars using a spoon or hand mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma. Gradually add your heat-treated flour and salt—if you haven’t heat-treated it yet, just spread it on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes at 350°F, then let it cool. Once mixed, stir in the mini chocolate chips. Roll the finished dough into small bite-sized balls—these nuggets will become everyone’s favorite mix-in!
Step 3: Assemble the Extravaganza
Once the ice cream base is soft and ready, it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped Snickers bars, Reese’s peanut butter cup pieces, your homemade cookie dough bites, and extra mini chocolate chips if you like things extra chunky. Take your time with this step—gentle folding will keep the mix-ins evenly distributed and prevent them from sinking straight to the bottom.
Step 4: Freeze to Perfection
Scoop the finished mixture into a large, airtight container. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, then press a layer of plastic wrap or wax paper directly onto the surface—this keeps ice crystals far, far away. Pop it in the freezer for at least 4 to 6 hours (overnight if you have the willpower) so everything firms up beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Let your Snickers & Reese’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza sit at room temperature for just a few minutes before scooping. Spoon generous helpings into bowls or cones, and savor every bite of creamy, candy-studded goodness. Invite friends, or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here.
How to Serve Snickers & Reese’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza
Garnishes
For ultimate wow factor, sprinkle extra chopped Snickers, Reese’s pieces, and a flurry of mini chocolate chips over each scoop. If you love a salty-sweet contrast, a light drizzle of warm peanut butter or chocolate sauce really takes things over the top. A dollop of whipped cream and a cherry is the classic finishing touch for this already indulgent treat!
Side Dishes
This dessert truly shines on its own, but a fresh fruit salad or a platter of crunchy waffle cones makes a lovely pairing. Want to go even bigger? Serve your Snickers & Reese’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza between two chocolate chip cookies for a “meta” ice cream sandwich that’ll blow every other dessert off the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by layering scoops in mason jars with crushed cookies and candy between each layer—a DIY sundae everyone can build themselves. For parties, serve mini scoops in chocolate-dipped shot glasses or atop warm brownies for extra decadence. Let your imagination run wild; there’s no wrong way to enjoy this extravaganza!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Snickers & Reese’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza can be kept covered tightly in the freezer for up to two weeks. Be sure to place a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper directly against the surface before you put the lid on to prevent freezer burn and keep those flavors fresh and fabulous.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes beautifully—just give it that extra protection from air with a layer of wrap. If you plan on making it well in advance, you can even portion it out into smaller containers or silicone molds for quick, single-serve treats whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
While you won’t be “reheating” in the traditional sense, to get the perfect scoop after freezing, let your container sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This softens the ice cream just enough to make serving simple, while keeping the texture creamy and delightful.
FAQs
Can I make Snickers & Reese’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! Without a machine, you can pour the ice cream mixture into a container and freeze, stirring briskly every 30 minutes for a few hours to break up ice crystals. It won’t be quite as silky as churned, but the flavors (and those mix-ins!) will still totally deliver.
Why do I need to heat-treat the flour for the cookie dough?
It’s an important safety step! Raw flour can sometimes harbor bacteria, but baking it briefly at a high temperature makes it safe to enjoy in raw cookie dough. Just let it cool down before mixing into your dough.
What if I want to use other candy bars or add-ins?
This recipe is endlessly customizable—swap in your favorite candy bars or throw in pretzels, peanut butter chips, or caramel bits. Just chop everything into small pieces so they mix evenly and freeze well.
How long will homemade Snickers & Reese’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza stay fresh?
If stored in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap or wax paper pressed to the surface, this ice cream will stay fresh and fabulous for two weeks. After that, it’s still safe but may start to lose some of its fresh-made excitement.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Definitely! The cookie dough keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple days. If you want to really plan ahead, freeze the dough balls and use them straight from the freezer when assembling your ice cream.
Final Thoughts
If decadent, candy-studded ice cream sounds like your idea of dessert heaven, you just have to try Snickers & Reese’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza! It’s playful, rich, and supremely satisfying—a guaranteed hit for any gathering or cozy night in. Gather your ingredients, invite your ice cream-loving crew, and get ready for a batch that won’t last long. Enjoy every extravagant bite!
