Turn Ice Cream into Dream Desserts

Let’s face it — there’s nothing wrong with keeping a few pints of ice cream in your freezer for life’s important moments (breakups, celebrations…or even just Tuesday nights). And with only a handful of creative add-ins and about five minutes of effort, you can transform that basic scoop into an ice cream shop-inspired dessert.

Coffee and Donuts

Slice a fresh, pillowy glazed donut in half horizontally, then place a thick round of coffee ice cream between the halves. You can even turn a pint on its side, cut right through it and remove the container for a clean edge. Roll the exposed ice cream edge in mini chocolate chips, crushed toffee or chopped, toasted nuts. For the finale, drizzle warm chocolate sauce or caramel overtop.

Berry Blast Swirl Sundae

Let vanilla ice cream soften just until spreadable, then use a rubber spatula to artfully swirl in ribbons of mixed berry preserves — aim for thick ribbons rather than fully mixing. Refreeze the ice cream for about 30 minutes to firm up, then scoop it into a chilled bowl. For a finishing touch, garnish with a mix of fresh berries and crushed shortbread cookies.

Mint Chocolate Cookies and Cream Shake

Blend chocolate ice cream with whole milk and 2–3 drops of pure mint extract. Add 4–5 chocolate sandwich cookies, broken into chunks, and pulse until the pieces are mixed throughout but still visible. Pour the shake into a chilled glass, then add a generous crown of whipped topping. For some extra crunch, finish with additional whole and crumbled chocolate sandwich cookies.

• That stabbing sensation of brain freeze isn’t actually in your brain — it’s your body’s confused response to sudden cold hitting the roof of your mouth, triggering blood vessels to rapidly contract and dilate.
• The scientific name for brain freeze is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia. (Try saying that with a mouthful of ice cream!)
• Brain freeze typically lasts 20–30 seconds, making it the world’s shortest headache.
• Pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth warms it up and can help end brain freeze faster.
• Dogs can get brain freeze too. That’s why some pet parents offer “puppy ice cream” in small amounts.
• The faster you eat cold foods, the more likely you are to get brain freeze — nature’s way of telling you to slow down and savor every bite.