Copycat Coldstone Ice Cream Taco Recipe

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This Coldstone Ice Cream Taco, with its crunchy waffle taco shell, indulgent ice cream filling, and decadent toppings, is the ultimate treat for any occasion—and the best part? You can recreate it at home with just a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity.

How to make a Coldstone Ice Cream Taco

A Cold Stone Ice Cream Taco (also called a Waffle Ice Cream Taco) is a fun, limited-time dessert offered by Cold Stone Creamery.

Ingredients

For the Waffle Shell:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk (adjust for consistency)
• Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the pan)
• Optional: Chocolate or caramel drizzle (to coat the inner shell for extra flavor)

For the Ice Cream Filling:

• 1 pint of your favorite ice cream (e.g., sweet cream, vanilla, chocolate, or a mix)
• Optional mix-ins: Crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, caramel swirls, brownies (customize to taste—just like Cold Stone does!)

Toppings:

• Chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
• Chopped nuts (like peanuts, almonds, or pecans)
• Mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed candies

Tools Needed:

• Waffle cone maker (or non-stick skillet if you want to shape them manually)
• Taco-shaped mold or foil support (to hold the tacos in place while shaping)
• Ice cream scoop

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Waffle Taco Shells

1. Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk, and stir until the mixture is smooth. The batter should have a pancake-like consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk.
2. Cook the waffles: Preheat your waffle cone maker or non-stick skillet. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Pour a thin layer of batter (about 2-3 tablespoons) onto the heated surface and cook until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side if using a skillet).
3. Shape the shells: While the waffles are still warm and pliable, carefully drape them over a taco mold or roll them into a taco-like shape with the help of foil. Let them cool and harden into shape.

Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Filling

1. Soften the ice cream: Let your pint of ice cream sit out for around 5-10 minutes until slightly softened. This makes it easier to mix in additional toppings.
2. Customize: Fold in any mix-ins, like crushed Oreos, brownies, or caramel swirls, just like how Cold Stone allows for personal creations. Stir gently so the ice cream stays intact.
3. Scoop the ice cream: Once the taco shells have cooled, use an ice cream scoop to fill each shell generously with ice cream.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

• Decorate: Drizzle chocolate syrup or caramel over the ice cream for a delicious treat. Sprinkle chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed candy on top for a gourmet finish.
• Finish with a chocolate coat (optional): Dip the edges of the waffle taco shell in melted chocolate and let it set for an extra decadent touch.

Tips for Success

• Work quickly with the waffle shell: Waffle shells are easiest to shape when they’re still warm. If they harden before you’ve shaped them, you can reheat them briefly in the skillet or microwave to soften them.
• Use quality ice cream: The ice cream is the main star of this dish—choose premium, creamy varieties for the best results.
• Experiment with flavors: Don’t feel confined to traditional vanilla or chocolate—try unique flavors like salted caramel, coffee, or cake batter for a Cold Stone-inspired twist.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the waffle shells in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble the tacos right before serving for freshness!
• Serve quickly: Ice cream melts fast when inside the shell! This dessert is best served immediately for the ultimate experience.

What to serve with

Cold Stone Ice Cream Tacos are indulgent, festive, and perfect on their own, but pairing them with complementary items can elevate the dessert experience even further.

1. Fresh Fruit

Pairing Coldstone Ice Cream Taco with fresh fruit adds color, texture, and balance. Fruit’s natural sweetness and acidity provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ice cream and waffle shell.

Recommended Fruits:

• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries add pops of vibrant color and tartness.
• Banana slices: Soft and creamy, bananas pair wonderfully with chocolate or caramel Coldstone Ice Cream Taco.
• Mango chunks: Tropical and juicy, mango adds a bright flavor to complement sweeter ice cream varieties.
• Pineapple: Grilled or fresh pineapple is perfect for cutting through the decadent flavors of the taco.

2. Warm Sauces

Adding a drizzle of sauce to or alongside Coldstone Ice Cream Taco is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor profile. The warmth of the sauce contrasts beautifully with the cold ice cream.

Recommended Sauces:

• Chocolate ganache: Rich and glossy, chocolate sauce is always a crowd-pleaser. You can make it dark, milk, or even white chocolate-based.
• Caramel sauce: Sweet, buttery caramel works well with vanilla, chocolate, or nut-based ice cream flavors.
• Berry compote (warm): A cooked mixture of berries and sugar makes for a tangy and sweet topping.
• Peanut butter sauce: Smooth and slightly salty, it pairs wonderfully with chocolate-based tacos.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Coldstone Ice Cream Taco is a delicious and fun dessert! If specific ingredients are unavailable or dietary restrictions need to be addressed, substitutions can be made without compromising the taste and structure.

1. Taco Shell Substitute

The base for the Coldstone Ice Cream Taco shell is typically made from a waffle cone that’s shaped into a taco shell. If you don’t have access to waffle cone mix or equipment, consider the following substitutes:

Option 1: Store-Bought Waffle Cones

Substitute store-bought waffle cones by gently heating them to make them pliable, then shaping them into a taco shell.

Option 2: Sugar Cookie Shell

Use sugar cookie dough instead:

• Roll out the dough thinly and bake on a circular pan.
• Once baked and still warm, shape it around a rolling pin or a similar object to form a taco shell.

Option 3: Crepes

Prepare thin crepes and fold them upright. Crepes offer a soft and flexible alternative to waffle cones.

2. Ice Cream Substitute

Coldstone is known for its creamy, rich ice cream blended with a variety of toppings. However, you can substitute the ice cream based on availability and dietary preferences.

Option 1: Store-Bought Ice Cream

Use any premium brand of ice cream for convenience. Choose flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry.

Option 2: Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Substitute standard ice cream with dairy-free varieties:

Brands like So Delicious or Ben & Jerry’s offer plant-based ice creams using coconut, almond, or oat milk.

Option 3: Homemade Ice Cream

If you’d like to make your ice cream:

• Blend frozen bananas (“nice cream”) for a healthy and natural plant-based substitute.
• For traditional homemade ice cream, use heavy cream or coconut cream mixed with sugar and flavorings, then churn in an ice cream maker.

3. Toppings Substitute

Coldstone-style tacos usually include a variety of toppings inside the shell or on top. Here are substitution ideas based on personal preferences or availability:

Option 1: Chocolate Sauce

• Use melted chocolate, ganache, or store-bought chocolate syrup.
• Substitute with sugar-free chocolate syrup for reduced sugar content.

Option 2: Nuts

• Replace nuts with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for allergy-friendly options.
• Use granola, crushed cereal, or cookie crumbs for extra crunch.

Option 3: Fruits

• Popular fruit toppings (strawberries, blueberries, banana slices) are easy to substitute with similar fruits.
• Use dried fruits or fruit jams for added depth and complexity.

Option 4: Candy & Morsels

• Chocolate chips can be replaced with white chocolate, caramel chips, or butterscotch chips.
• Replace sprinkles with crushed candies or edible glitter for visual appeal.

4. Binding Layer Substitute

This layer helps toppings stick together and enhances flavor.

Option 1: Whipped Cream

Substitution: Use coconut whipped cream or a ready-made non-dairy whipped topping.

Option 2: Caramel or Fudge Sauce

Substitute with honey, maple syrup, agave, or vegan caramel made with coconut milk.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Cold Stone Ice Cream Tacos are a fun and delicious way to bring your favorite ice cream shop treat right into your home. With crispy waffle shells, creamy ice cream, and customizable toppings, this dessert is perfect for parties, family nights, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.