Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Homemade Waffle Cones and Paper Cone Holder Template

It's late summer and hot outside.  Sounds like the perfect time to up your ice cream game!  Have you ever wondered why it is that going out for an ice cream is so much more tasty and fun? It's all about the delicious cones that they serve the ice cream in.   And now it's easy to make these waffle cones at home too.  So forget about the heat and indulge in this tried and true summer treat.


I'm not sure if left to my own devices I would ever have thought to make ice cream cones at home. But Steve my beloved partner in life has a special aptitude for dreaming up ways to take desserts to a new level of decadence.  If I'm eating a brownie he'll suggest it needs a scoop of ice cream or perhaps the cookies I've just baked should be drizzled in chocolate and sprinkled with nuts.  You get the idea. And it was his suggestion that we purchase a waffle cone maker and make ice cream cones at home. My first response was "what?  Are we twelve year olds?"  But I'm game for anything so we bought a waffle cone maker.  Now that I've made a cone or two all I can say is what. a. brilliant. idea!  Because you don't have to be a twelve year old to appreciate the joy of a fabulous ice cream cone.


It is super easy to make the cones and they are every bit as delicious (more so) than the cones that you get at the ice cream shops.  We've also stocked up on sprinkles (Cake Mate are the best), toppings, and a variety of ice cream flavors and, as Steve's cousin drolly remarked, all we lack are customers. Which reminds me that setting up a Sunday bar makes a fun company dessert, especially in the hot summer months.  Trust me everyone will love it.  So without further ado, here's a tasty recipe for Vanilla Waffles Cones: 

Vanilla Waffle Cone Recipe ~

We use WaffleCone Express by Chef's Choice (Model 838/838SE) and couldn't be happier with this product.  The link I provided is to Amazon because that's where I purchased mine not because it's the best price.  I believe this product is carried at numerous places.

Yield 7

Ingredients:

2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 large organic eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter melted and cooled (approximately 40 seconds in the microwave)
1/4 cup whole milk

Directions:

1.  Preheat waffle maker according to manufacturer's instructions.  I like to set the color control dial to 3.  Place a thick dishcloth on the counter next to the waffle maker along with the "cone form" (this is tool that you use to shape the cones).

2.  Melt the butter and set aside to cool.  Also sift together the flour and salt and set that aside too.

3.  In a medium size bowl whisk together the eggs, vanilla and sugar until the sugar dissolves.  I use an extra fine baking sugar that dissolves quickly but you should plan on vigorously whisking at least 1 minute.

4.  Add the sifted flour to the egg mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until just incorporated.  Then add the milk and melted butter and stir with a wooden spoon again just until incorporated.

5.  When the waffle iron light is green ("ready") spoon 1/4 cup batter onto the middle of the griddle and quickly close the lid.  I cook mine for 1.15 minutes (i.e. 75 seconds).  Lift the lid and using a rubber spatula transfer the cone to the dishcloth and quickly form the cone around the "cone form" provided with your waffle iron and firmly press to seal the cone seam.  The cone is very hot right off the iron and I like to use an extra dishcloth to handle the cone during this process.  Allow the cone to cool in the form while you make the next one.  Makes a total of 7 cones.

Recipe adapted from Williams-Sonoma Waffle Cone Recipe.


We haven't begun making our own ice cream.  Yet.  The ice cream shown in the pictures is mint chocolate chip from Baskin Robbins a flavor that I've loved since I first tasted it as a kid.  If you are feeling adventuresome and want to try making your own ice cream I recommend that you visit Patty Mac Knits for her Butterbeer Ice Cream Recipe and while you are there take a peak at her fun and quick Harry Potter pattern collection.  After all fall is the perfect time to wear school colors whether you are cheering a favorite football team or Hogwart's House!

Paper Cone Holder Template



I decided to include a cone holder tutorial because after eating one or two cones we discovered that the bottoms of the cones can leak and that infringes on the enjoyment of the experience.  I was going to buy some online until I looked at the prices and saw what you got for what you paid and I thought there has to be an easier and more economical solution.  And there is.  All you need are a few simple supplies.

Supply List:

An assortment of colorful scrapbooking paper (I buy mine at Michael's Craft Stores).
Razor knife or pair of scissors
Tape - clear gloss looks best
Paper Cone Holder Template (free download)

Tutorial:

Trace the Paper Cone Holder Template onto your scrapbooking paper using either a a razor knife or ink pen and cut along the edges.  Shape into a cone and tape the side seam.  I like to add extra tape around the bottom to ensure a no drip cone holder.

It is that simple!  These are fun to make and work beautifully at holding your cone.

Until next time be well, love well, and don't fight the heat this summer, instead embrace it as the perfect ice cream weather ~

4 comments:

Kate said...

Steve is so sweet to you. Good choice on ice cream flavor, too. Just wait until you start making your own ice cream! I do miss Baskin Robbins. When we lived in Reno, my mom would wash out the giant empty cardboard ice cream tubs, and that's where we kept the Legos. Later, in Sacramento, we would go there maybe once or twice a year after something big like an awards ceremony. I haven't seen a single one west of Nevada, even though their HQ is in Massachusetts. Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane.

Allie-oops Designs said...

Oh yum!!! Although I wouldn't like staying home - our favorite ice cream place is right next to a classic car dealership, we like to browse the offerings while we eat our cones! If it's too hot, we just get bowls, lol.

Susan Coleman said...

last summer I purchased an ice cream maker. Some of our fav'are mango, peach and vanilla bean. This waffle cone maker intrigues me. yes I agree mintchochip cakes from Baskin Robbins is Birthdsy Cake favourite!

Claudia Bugh said...

Thank you guys for the nice comments! And I'm not surprised that Baskin Robbins has so many fans. Oh, and Susan, I appreciate the ice cream flavor suggestions, they all sound delicious.