These Homemade Ice Cream Waffle Cones are easy to make using a pizzelle iron. Thin, crisp, crunchy cookies are molded into a cone shape that is perfect for holding those scoops of ice cream.
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Why you'll love this recipe
There's nothing like the smell of freshly made, warm vanilla-scented waffle cones.
Making your own homemade ice cream cones is easy as long as you have a pizzelle iron/waffle cone maker.
These homemade waffle cones remain crisp and crunchy with the addition of tapioca starch.
What is a pizzelle?
A pizzelle is an Italian thin, sweet, crisp wafer cookie stamped with an intricate design.
Typically, pizzelle cookies are eaten during the holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
You can enjoy pizzelle cookies as straight up cookies, sandwiched with Gianduja (Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Spread), or formed into cannoli shells.
However, they're also great as thin waffle cones for ice cream.
Special equipment you'll need
- pizzelle iron/waffle maker: I used one with a 5" diameter
- cone mold/cone roller: for shaping the wafer cookie into a cone shape
- rubber gloves: for protecting your hands from the heat while shaping the cones
- offset spatula: for spreading the cookie batter on the pizzelle iron
Ingredients you'll need
- rice flour: is different than glutinous rice flour; adds lightness to the batter
- all-purpose flour: regular flour will work here
- tapioca starch: keeps the cones crisp and crunchy; used commonly in Tapioca Pearls (Boba) for Bubble Tea
- cocoa powder: for chocolate variation
- large egg
- granulated sugar: adds sweetness to the cone
- coconut milk: slightly warm or at room temperature; you can use any milk you like
- water
- vanilla extract: adds flavour to the cone
For chocolate variation:
- cocoa powder: sifted
How to make it
In a bowl, sift together rice flour, all-purpose flour, tapioca starch and cocoa powder (if using).
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and sugar until thick and fluffy.
To the egg mixture, add in the coconut milk, water and vanilla extract and stir well.
Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until combined.
Let the mixture rest for 15-20 minutes (Step 1 below).
Preheat the pizzelle maker/waffle iron.
Using a measuring spoon, pour 2 tablespoons of batter onto each "well" of the pizzelle iron.
Spread the batter quickly with a small offset spatula to cover the entire "well." (Step 2 below)
Close the lid and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes and 15 seconds (use a timer) or until golden brown.
Wear rubber gloves (or heat-proof gloves) and work quickly, shaping the cookies using the cone mold directly on the pizzelle iron (Step 3 and 4 below).
Let the cookies set (Step 5 below) and cool on a wire rack before removing the cone mold (Step 6 below).
Repeat with the remainder.
Store the cones in an airtight container at room temperature.
How to enjoy
There's nothing like a freshly made waffle cone.
Enjoy the waffle cones on their own (they're great as a crunchy wafer cookie) or of course, with a scoop or two of your favourite ice cream.
How to store
Store these Homemade Ice Cream Waffle Cones in a dry airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
If the cones are no longer crisp, lightly bake them in a 200F oven for 5-10 minutes until crisp once again.
Expert tips & tricks
It's important to work quickly before the cookie cools and sets its shape.
Working with the heat of the iron will keep the pizzelle cookie warm and pliable.
If there's a gap at the tip of the cone, use a little melted chocolate to seal it from the inside.
For a fun spin, dip/decorate the cone in melted chocolate and confetti sprinkles.
Turn the waffle cones into waffle bowls by placing the pizzelle cookie in a small bowl and let cool before removing.
Ice cream recipes you may like
Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream (No-Churn)
No-Churn Jasmine Tea Ice Cream
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Homemade Ice Cream Waffle Cones (Vanilla and Chocolate)
Equipment
- 1 pizzelle iron
- 1 pair rubber gloves
- 1 small offset spaula
- 1 cone mold
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
For key visual step-by-step instructions, refer to body of the blog post.
- 30 g rice flour
- 16 g all-purpose flour
- 10 g tapioca starch
- 3 g cocoa powder for chocolate variation
- 1 (54g) large egg
- 30 g granulated sugar
- 50 ml coconut milk at room temperature or slightly warmed
- 60 ml water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, sift together rice flour, all-purpose flour, tapioca starch and cocoa powder (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and sugar until thick and fluffy.
- To the egg mixture, add in the coconut milk, water and vanilla extract and stir well.
- Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until combined.
- Let the mixture rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat the pizzelle maker/waffle iron.
- Using a measuring spoon, pour 2 tablespoon of batter onto each "well" of the pizzelle iron.
- Spread the batter quickly with a small offset spatula to cover the entire "well."
- Close the lid and cook for 3 minutes and 15 seconds (use a timer).
- Wear rubber gloves (or heat-proof gloves) and work quickly, shaping the cookies using the cone mold directly on the pizzelle iron.
- Let the cookies set and cool on a wire rack before removing the cone mold.
- Repeat with the remainder.
- Store the cooled cones in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
David @ Spiced
What a great idea to make homemade waffle cones! I have a pizzelle maker, and I do enjoy pizzelle cookies. I'm thinking I should make a batch of these this summer for some homemade ice cream!!
Neil
Wow. I love these homemade ice cream cones. I'd love to try making my own. I'll need to see if Lynne will let me buy a pizzelle iron!
Linsey
Home-made cones without artificial flavoring, perfect for these hot summer days!
They are really so crunchy, crispy and fresh!! Grand children are coming to visit this week, will make some for them with some home made ice cream.
Janessa
Making homemade waffle cones takes ice cream to the next level!! Love the idea of a chocolate variation.
Holley
I never knew how easy it is to make my own ice cream cones at home! This recipe is delicous and I will never buy store-bought again!!
Michelle
Thanks for trying out the recipe, Holley! It does take some time, but nothing beats the smell of freshly made waffle cones at home! 🙂
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
I've always wondered how these are made! These look perfect and fun to make too.
Liz
I loooove making ice cream but I'd never tried making waffle cones! So yummy- I don't think I can go back to storebought!
Kate
Wow, I had no idea you could make your own waffle cones - you make it sound so easy! Definitely having a go at the weekend.