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Who knew creating your own waffle cones could be a simple, rewarding baking project? This homemade waffle ice cream cones recipe lets you whip up fresh, crunchy waffle cones in under 30 minutes! Even if this is your first time trying this simple recipe, these cones are perfect for a fun family activity or a unique addition to your next ice cream social. They’re crispy, lightly sweetened, and infinitely better than store-bought versions. Imagine filling them with your favorite ice cream flavors for the ultimate summer treat!

When you make your homemade cones, you must try filling them with my Creamy Biscoff Frozen Custard Ice Cream Recipe.

freshly made homemade waffle cones

The Chemistry of Waffle Cones

The magic of making perfect ice cream cones lies in the science of cooking batter on high heat. When the batter is introduced to the heated surface of the waffle cone iron, the moisture quickly evaporates, causing the sugars and proteins to brown and create a crispy texture through the Maillard reactions. The egg whites in the recipe help to bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structural integrity of the cones, allowing them to harden into their iconic shape without crumbling.

What is in waffle cones?

Egg Whites

Made up of protein and water, it will help leaven your baked good and add moisture.

Granulated Sugar

Adds sweetness, provides a caramelized flavor and crisp texture. Sugar assists with rising when creamed with butter. It helps add moisture to your treat and helps it evenly spread as it melts into a liquid in the heat of the oven. Sugar also helps with naturally preserving your baked treat.

Vanilla Extract

When using pure vanilla extract, as opposed to imitation flavoring, it will add the deep rich flavor that everybody wants in a treat.

Milk

Adds moisture to the batter or dough. Milk adds protein and sugar (lactose) to your treat. It encourages browning and adds a bit more sweetness to your baked treat.

Fine Sea Salt

Enhances flavor, adds balance, masks any bitter flavors. Salt is the most powerful and oldest preservative. Always make sure to use fine sea salt so it melts down at the right speed in the heat of the oven. If you use larger granule salt, it will not melt down fully when baked and will leave salt crystals throughout your treat, making it crunch like you dropped it into sand. All of my favorite salts are from Redmond and I have a discount code for you to get 15% off.

All-purpose Flour

Builds structure as it absorbs liquids and expands. All-purpose flour falls in the middle of bread flour (high in gluten) and cake flour (low in gluten). It’s exactly what it is named, all-purpose, the most universal flour that can be used in most baked goods.

freshly made homemade waffle cones

How to Make Homemade Waffle Cones

  1. Combine the wet ingredients, egg whites, sugar, vanilla, melted butter, and milk in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Add the dry ingredients, salt, and flour, and whisk again until smooth.
  3. Allow the waffle cone batter to rest while you heat your waffle cone iron.
  4. Once the iron is fully preheated, spray it down with non-stick spray
  5. Spoon on two tablespoons of batter. Shut the iron and allow it to cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The cone should be golden brown; the cooking time will vary depending on the machine.
  6. Remove the hot waffle cone and immediately shape. Most irons use shaping tools to make a standard cone and a waffle bowl.
  7. Hold the cooked waffle on the shaping tool (cone roller) seam side down against the counter for about 1 minute until it is no longer hot, just warm and hardened.
  8. A fun hack to ensure that ice cream doesn’t drip out the bottom of the cone is to place a couple of chocolate chips in the bottom (the tip of the cone) while you still have a warm cone. The chocolate chips will melt there and be a yummy surprise at the end of your treat.
  9. Allow the cones to rest for at least 30 minutes before scooping ice cream. Letting them rest and dry out will prevent the cones from getting soft and soggy.
  10. Bonus: you can dip the top of the cones in some melted chocolate and add sprinkles for a fun and tasty decoration.

Storage Tips

Once completely cooled, store the ice cream cones in an airtight container to keep them crispy. To preserve their texture and freshness, they are best enjoyed within a few days of being made.

Homemade ice cream cones should ideally be enjoyed within 48 hours of making them. Over time, they may start to absorb moisture from the air and lose their crispness.

freshly made homemade waffle cones

Freezing Options

Although freezing isn’t recommended for ice cream cones due to texture changes upon thawing, you can freeze the batter for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

Making Ahead

Prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flour to hydrate and the flavors to meld, resulting in a smoother batter that cooks into better-formed cones.

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Why make homemade waffle cones?

Make your gourmet ice cream cones in just 30 minutes! As someone who loves to give a homemade touch to every part of a meal, making ice cream cones from scratch has always seemed like a delightful challenge. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching simple ingredients like egg whites and sugar transform into golden, crispy cones right before your eyes. My kitchen often smells like a sweet, inviting ice cream shop when these cones are sizzling in the waffle iron!

freshly made homemade waffle cones

FAQs

Can I make ice cream cones without a waffle cone iron?

While a waffle cone iron is ideal for getting that traditional textured appearance and even cooking, you can use a regular waffle maker in a pinch. Just cook the batter until it’s crisp, and shape it quickly after removal.

What can I use if I don’t have a cone mold tool?

If you don’t have a cone-shaping tool, you can make your own by rolling a sturdy piece of paper into a cone shape and securing it with tape. Alternatively, a small bowl or cup shapes the cones into a waffle bowl.

Why do my homemade ice cream cones get soggy?

If your cones are getting soggy, it could be because they haven’t been cooked long enough to remove all the moisture or they weren’t allowed to dry completely after shaping. Let them cool and dry thoroughly to ensure they harden with a crisp texture.

How do I store homemade ice cream cones?

Store your fully cooled, homemade ice cream cones in an airtight container at room temperature. They should be kept in a dry place to prevent them from absorbing moisture and becoming soft.

freshly made homemade waffle cones

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homemade waffle cones

Homemade Waffle Cones

5 from 1 vote
Author: Madison Reid
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Homemade ice cream cones are way easier than you may think! Within 30 minutes, you can have fresh, sweet, and crunchy homemade waffle cones!

Ingredients 

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

  • Combine egg whites, sugar, vanilla, melted butter, and milk in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  • Add the salt and flour, whisk again until smooth.
  • Allow the batter to rest while you heat up your waffle cone iron.
  • Once the iron is fully preheated, spray it down with non-stick spray
  • Spoon on two tablespoons of batter. Shut the iron and allow it to cook until the iron indicates the cone is done.
  • Remove the hot waffle cone and immediately shape. Most irons use shaping tools to make a standard cone and a waffle bowl.
  • Hold the cone on the shaping tool for about 1 minute until it is no longer hot and hardened.
  • Allow the cones to rest for at least 30 minutes before scooping ice cream into them. Letting them rest and dry out will prevent the cones from getting soft and soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcal Carbohydrates: 21g Protein: 2g Fat: 3g Saturated Fat: 2g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Trans Fat: 0.1g Cholesterol: 8mg Sodium: 42mg Potassium: 31mg Fiber: 0.3g Sugar: 13g Vitamin A: 94IU Calcium: 8mg Iron: 0.5mg

Have you tried this recipe?

I’d love to see it! Follow @_mrs.madi_ on Instagram and tag your photos with #mrsmadi.

freshly made homemade waffle cones