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12 Sweet and Fun Christmas Ice Cream Recipes

While everyone’s busy pulling out their best cookie and pie recipes, let’s switch things up with the best homemade Christmas ice cream recipes.

Whether you’re hosting a party or want to indulge in a cold treat after dinner, these recipes will bring joy to your holiday table.

grid of 6 images of holiday ice creams

While I’ve gathered these delectable recipes for you, please note you’ll be whisked away (like Santa’s sleigh!) to another site for the full recipe.

Christmas Ice Cream Tips

  • Infuse Seasonal Flavors: Stick to classic Christmas tastes like cinnamon, nutmeg, peppermint, and chocolate. Think of flavors that pair well with holiday desserts or drinks like eggnog or mulled wine.
  • Experiment with Mix-Ins: Crushed candy canes, gingerbread cookies, white chocolate chips, or caramel swirls bring texture and festive surprises with each bite.
  • Dairy-Free Options Shine: Use coconut cream for a rich, creamy texture, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. It’s an easy substitution without compromising flavor.
  • Serve Creatively: Pair your ice cream with warm holiday desserts like pies, cookies, or fruitcakes. Ice cream sandwiches using holiday cookies are a show-stopper, too!
  • Make It Kid-Friendly: Turn the process into a fun family activity by letting kids mix their favorite holiday candies into the ice cream base.
  • Presentation is Key: Think bowls with edible cookie “spoons” or serving in hollowed-out oranges for a seasonal twist.
finished gingersnap ice cream with caramel ribbons

Caramel Gingersnap Ice Cream

This ice cream is a creamy, spiced treat perfect for the holiday season. It combines rich caramel swirls with crunchy gingersnap pieces for the ultimate festive flavor. This recipe is easy to make and tastes like Christmas in a bowl! Serve it at holiday gatherings, or keep it all to yourself!

Candy Cane Ice Cream

A festive, creamy treat with crushed peppermint candies swirled throughout. It’s refreshing and sweet, perfect for holiday desserts or a cozy winter snack. The bright peppermint flavor makes it a holiday favorite and easy to make at home. Just freeze, scoop, and enjoy a taste of Christmas!

hot chocolate ice cream with marshmallows.

Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Ice Cream

It’s a rich and creamy treat with a swirl of gooey marshmallows. It combines the cozy flavors of hot chocolate with the fun texture of marshmallows, making it an irresistible winter dessert. Perfect for satisfying those hot chocolate cravings in a cool, refreshing way!

fruitcake ice cream.

Boozy Fruitcake Ice Cream

Boozy fruitcake ice cream is a creamy mix of fruit, warm spices, and a splash of rum. It tastes like holiday fruitcake but in ice cream form! It’s a fun dessert to share or enjoy alone during the holidays.

bowl of pink candy cane ice cream with crushed oreos.

Candy Cane Oreo Crush

This creamy ice cream is packed with crushed candy canes and chunks of Oreo cookies. It’s a cool, minty treat with the perfect crunch. Great for the holidays or any time you want something sweet and fun!

Apple Cider Caramel Swirl

Apple cider caramel swirl ice cream is a creamy mix of sweet apple cider and ribbons of gooey caramel. It’s like your favorite fall drink turned into a frozen treat. Perfect for cozy nights or as a dessert for holiday dinners!

Sticky Toffee Pudding Ice Cream

Inspired by the beloved British dessert, this ice cream is creamy and packed with bits of sticky toffee and sweet caramel. It’s great on its own or served with warm desserts like brownies or pie. Perfect for a treat any time of year!

bowl of eggnog ice cream with cinnamon on top.

Eggnog Ice Cream

This ice cream is rich and creamy with the classic flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s made with eggnog, heavy cream, and a hint of vanilla for a festive treat. Perfect on its own or served with holiday pies and cakes!

gingerbread cookie dough ice cream.

Gingerbread Cookie Dough Ice Cream

This ice cream recipe is a creamy mix of spiced ice cream and chunks of gingerbread cookie dough. It has warm holiday flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses. Perfect for dessert or as a fun holiday treat to share!

scoop of ice cream with cranberry swirls.

Cranberry Swirl Ice Cream

Cranberry swirl ice cream is a creamy holiday treat with sweet-tart cranberry sauce swirled throughout. It’s made with a smooth vanilla base and bursts of cranberry flavor in every bite. Perfect for winter celebrations or a festive dessert!

paper cup of ice cream with cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream

Cinnamon roll ice cream is a creamy treat with swirls of cinnamon and bits of sweet dough. It tastes just like a freshly baked cinnamon roll but in frozen form. Perfect for dessert or a cozy snack!

scoop of ice cream with orange peel on top.

Spiced Orange and Clove Ice Cream

It is a creamy mix of citrus and warm spices. It blends fresh orange flavor with a hint of clove for a festive twist. Perfect for holiday desserts or a refreshing winter treat!

FAQs

Can I make Christmas ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Absolutely! Many recipes can be adapted for no-churn versions. Whipping heavy cream and folding it into sweetened condensed milk with your chosen flavors is a quick and simple way to create creamy ice cream at home.

How do I prevent my ice cream from being too hard to scoop?

Adding some alcohol (like peppermint schnapps or rum in festive recipes) can help keep your ice cream scoopable. If you want an alcohol-free option, adding a tablespoon of corn syrup or glycerin works too.

Can I make these recipes dairy-free?

Yes, swap out heavy cream and milk for coconut, almond, or oat milk. Use dairy-free condensed milk or create your own by simmering coconut milk with sugar until thickened.

Is it okay to add spices directly to the ice cream base?

Absolutely, but a little goes a long way. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are perfect for Christmas ice creams but can be strong, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste. You can also steep whole spices (like cinnamon sticks) in warm milk for a subtler, more infused flavor.

How can I make my ice cream look like “Christmas”?

Use food coloring (natural or gel-based) to get red, green, and white layers. Layer them in the container or swirl them for a marble effect. Toppings like edible gold dust, red and green sprinkles, or crushed candy canes add a festive touch.

Homemade Christmas ice cream is a simple way to bring festive flavors to your holiday celebrations. With these recipes, you can create something special to enjoy with family and friends.

Whether scooping up memories with family or introducing a chilly treat to friends, these flavors promise to make your celebrations even sweeter. I hope you have a beautiful holiday filled with all your favorite things ❤️.

picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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