Copycat Cold Stone Cotton Candy Ice Cream
Cold Stone Coffee Ice Cream is a rich, creamy frozen dessert inspired by the popular ice cream shop favorite. Made with a smooth coffee-infused base, this homemade version delivers bold coffee flavor balanced with sweet vanilla and luscious cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churn or Ninja Creami
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp instant espresso powder or instant coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans (optional)
- Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (optional)
- Caramel sauce (optional)
- Fudge sauce (optional)
- Chopped toffee pieces (optional)
- Chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, instant espresso powder, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours for the best texture.
- For an ice cream maker, churn the chilled mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- For a Ninja Creami, pour the mixture into a Creami pint container, freeze for at least 24 hours, then process using the Ice Cream function. If needed, add a splash of milk and use the Re-Spin function.
- Add any desired mix-ins by folding them into the churned ice cream or using the Mix-In function on the Ninja Creami.
- Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2–4 hours for a firmer texture if desired.
- Scoop and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Instant espresso powder provides the boldest coffee flavor.
- Use decaffeinated instant coffee for a caffeine-free version.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Place parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing to reduce ice crystals.
- Let the ice cream soften at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
