Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups chocolate chip cookies (about 20 cookies), crushed; 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted; 1 package vanilla cake mix; 3 eggs; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup water; 2 cups chocolate chip cookie dough; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1 container vanilla ice cream; 1/4 cup chocolate syrup

Creamy, dreamy desserts always hit the spot, especially when chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake enters the scene.

Summer heat calls for something cool and indulgent like this showstopping treat.

Layers of rich, velvety ice cream mingle with chunks of classic chocolate chip cookie dough, creating a decadent masterpiece.

The combination of textures and flavors promises pure dessert bliss.

Sweet tooths will absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing confection that merges two beloved classics into one spectacular dessert.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of cool, smooth ice cream and chewy cookie dough.

This recipe transforms an ordinary afternoon into an extraordinary culinary adventure that everyone will remember.

Transform Ordinary Treats: Elevate classic chocolate chip cookies with a luxurious chocolate dip that turns them into gourmet desserts.
Master Baker's Secret: Learn professional techniques like chilling dough and precise chocolate coating that professional pastry chefs use to create stunning cookies.
Customize Your Delight: Play with chocolate types and dipping styles to create unique variations that match your personal taste preferences.
Impress Your Crowd: Serve these restaurant-quality cookies that look sophisticated yet taste incredibly delicious, perfect for gatherings or special moments.

Crust Ingredients:

Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies that provide a delicious base for the cake.
Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and creates a solid foundation for the cake.

Ice Cream Layers:

Vanilla Ice Cream: Provides a creamy and smooth first layer of the cake.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream: Adds extra cookie dough flavor to the dessert.

Cookie Dough Chunks:

All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base for the cookie dough chunks.
Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Bring sweetness and texture to the cookie dough.
Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the cookie dough ingredients together.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie dough.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bits to the cookie dough chunks.

Optional Garnish:

Extra Cookie Crumbles, Chocolate Drizzle: Provides additional decoration and flavor to the cake.

Step 1: Create Crumbly Cookie Base

Grab your favorite chocolate chip cookies and crush them into fine crumbs. Melt some butter and mix it thoroughly with the cookie crumbs.

Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a solid foundation for your epic dessert. Pop the pan into the freezer for a quick 10-minute chill.

Step 2: Spread Creamy Vanilla Layer

Take your vanilla ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften slightly. Once it’s easy to spread, carefully cover the cookie base with a smooth, even layer of ice cream.

Use a spatula to create a perfectly flat surface. Return the pan to the freezer for 30-45 minutes until the layer becomes solid.

Step 3: Craft Homemade Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine:

All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
A pinch of salt
Softened butter

Mix these ingredients until they form a delightful crumbly texture that still holds together. For extra chocolate goodness, fold in some mini chocolate chips.

Stash this cookie dough mixture in the refrigerator to keep it cool.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Once the vanilla layer has completely set, spread the chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream over the top.

Smooth out the surface with gentle strokes, ensuring an even layer. Return the cake to the freezer for another 30-45 minutes until it’s completely firm.

Step 5: Decorate with Cookie Dough Chunks

After both ice cream layers have set, sprinkle the homemade cookie dough chunks across the top. Gently press some pieces into the surface to create a beautiful, textured finish.

Step 6: Final Freeze

Allow the entire cake to freeze for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight. This ensures all layers are perfectly set and ready to devour.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. This will make slicing much easier.

For an extra touch, sprinkle additional cookie crumbs or drizzle some chocolate sauce on top.

Storage Tips

Keep your masterpiece in the freezer, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

It will stay delicious for up to a week – if it lasts that long!

Use the freezer to set the cookie crust faster and create a solid base for your ice cream layers.
Let vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to achieve perfect spreading consistency without melting completely.
Toast flour briefly in the oven to eliminate potential bacteria when making cookie dough chunks, ensuring food safety.
Keep cookie dough chunks cold in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and prevent excessive melting when added to the cake.
Run your knife under hot water and dry before cutting the frozen cake to create clean, smooth slices without cracking the layers.

Gluten-Free Cookie Base: Replace regular chocolate chip cookies with gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, using gluten-free flour blend for the cookie dough chunks.
Vegan Ice Cream Cake: Swap dairy ice cream with coconut milk-based vegan ice cream, use vegan butter in cookie dough, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
No-Churn Option: Create a simplified version using whipped cream and condensed milk as the ice cream base, reducing the need for store-bought ice cream.
Nutty Chocolate Chip Variation: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the cookie dough chunks and sprinkle additional nuts between ice cream layers for extra crunch.

Pair Creamy Coffee: Brew a rich espresso or cappuccino to complement the sweet and rich ice cream cake. The robust coffee flavor cuts through the dessert's sweetness while enhancing its chocolate notes.
Create Caramel Contrast: Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce alongside each slice to elevate the cake's flavor profile. The salty-sweet combination adds depth and complexity to the dessert experience.
Match Chilled Milk Beverage: Serve cold whole milk or chocolate milk as the perfect sidekick. The smooth, creamy drink harmonizes beautifully with the cake's texture and provides a classic dessert pairing.
Recommend Dessert Wine: Select a sweet moscato or port wine to match the cake's indulgent character. These wines offer a delightful alcohol-infused complement that enhances the overall dessert enjoyment.

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve its creamy texture for up to 7 days.
Keep the cake in the original springform pan, cover with aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for maximum freshness up to 2 weeks.
Remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut to create clean, smooth slices that showcase the beautiful layers.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cookie dough chunks from getting too hard in the freezer?

Fold the cookie dough chunks into the cake gently and don’t press them too deeply. Let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire cake up to a week in advance. Store it tightly covered in the freezer and it will maintain its delicious texture and flavor.

Is it safe to use raw flour in the cookie dough?

To ensure food safety, heat-treat the flour by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before mixing it into the cookie dough. This kills potential bacteria.

What if my ice cream gets too soft while assembling?

Work quickly and return the cake to the freezer between layers.

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.

Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.