What could be better than recreating one of Dairy Queen’s most iconic seasonal treats at home? That’s right, we’re talking about how to make your very own Dairy Queen Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard—a dessert that blends creamy vanilla ice cream, soft sugar cookies, and colorful sprinkles into a bowl of holiday magic.
Table of Contents
How to make a Dairy Queen Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard
The Dairy Queen Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard is a limited-edition frozen dessert made by blending Dairy Queen’s vanilla soft-serve with soft sugar-cookie pieces, sweet frosting, and colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (Dairy Queen uses soft-serve, but you can use any creamy vanilla ice cream)
- ½ cup milk (to achieve that smooth, Blizzard-like consistency)
- 3-4 soft sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade will work; you can use frosted or plain)
- ½ cup vanilla frosting (choose your favorite brand or make it from scratch)
- ¼ cup festive sprinkles (red, green, and white to replicate the holiday vibes of Dairy Queen’s version)
- Optional: A pinch of sugar cookie crumbs for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Blender: Use a high-power blender or food processor to combine the ingredients. This will create a smooth and creamy texture that replicates a Dairy Queen Blizzard.
- Blend the Blizzard Base: Add 2 cups of vanilla ice cream and ½ cup of milk to your blender. Pulse until the mixture is thick but pourable and achieves the consistency of soft-serve ice cream. You can adjust the milk quantity slightly if your mixture is too thick.
- Break the Cookies: Take your soft sugar cookies and crumble them into small chunks. You don’t want them too fine—you’ll need some texture to match the Blizzard experience.
- Add Frosting and Sprinkles: Spoon in ½ cup of vanilla frosting and ¼ cup of sprinkles into the blender. Blend lightly, just enough to incorporate the frosting and sprinkles without over-mixing. The sprinkles should still be visible for that festive look.
- Mix the Cookie Chunks: Stir in the sugar cookie chunks (not blend!) with a spoon. This will keep larger pieces intact, replicating the signature texture of a Dairy Queen Blizzard.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into a chilled bowl or cup. Top with extra sprinkles and sugar cookie crumbs for decoration.
Tips for the Perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard
- Use Soft Cookies: The texture of the sugar cookies matters. Opt for soft cookies instead of crunchy ones for that melt-in-your-mouth feel. If you’re making homemade cookies, slightly under-bake them to keep them soft and chewy.
- Custom Sprinkles: While red, green, and white sprinkles keep the holiday spirit alive, feel free to experiment with colors for special occasions beyond the holidays.
- Maintain the Right Consistency: The secret to a genuine Blizzard texture is the perfect blend of creaminess and thickness. Don’t overdo the milk—add it in small increments and pulse to avoid a runny dessert.
- Chill Before Serving: For an authentic touch, freeze your homemade Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard for 10 minutes before serving. This makes it firmer, just like the Dairy Queen version.
- Make It Your Own: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other mix-ins, like crushed peppermint candies, nutmeg, or even cinnamon for an added holiday kick.
What to serve with
The Dairy Queen Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard is a festive dessert that stands out on its own, but pairing it with complementary dishes or drinks can elevate your treat to a full holiday experience.
- Hot Chocolate: A mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes pairs beautifully with the Dairy Queen Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard.
- Spiced Latte: Try serving a warm spiced latte, such as a cinnamon or gingerbread latte, alongside your Blizzard. The spices complement the sugary cookie flavors and balance the cool sweetness.
- Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai (like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger) are a great match for the vanilla and sugar cookie notes in the Blizzard.
- Christmas Coffee Blend: Brew a cup of richly flavored holiday coffee with hints of vanilla, peppermint, or mocha flavors to pair perfectly with the Blizzard.
Ingredients Substitutes
Not everyone always has the exact ingredients on hand—or perhaps dietary restrictions or preferences mean you need alternatives. Luckily, you can still make the festive Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard at home by substituting key ingredients without losing the delicious holiday flavor.
1. Vanilla Ice Cream Substitutes
Vanilla ice cream is the base of the Dairy Queen Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard, but you can swap it for alternatives that suit your dietary needs or preferences:
- Soft Serve Substitute: If you’d like the signature Dairy Queen soft-serve texture, blend frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip) with sweetened condensed milk and freeze until thick and creamy.
- Frozen Yogurt: For a slightly tangy twist and a lighter option, use vanilla or plain frozen yogurt instead of ice cream.
- Non-Dairy Options: Choose plant-based ice creams such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk varieties. Brands like So Delicious or Ben & Jerry’s offer excellent vegan alternatives.
- Homemade No-Churn Ice Cream: Blend 2 cups of heavy cream with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, then freeze for a homemade ice cream base.
2. Milk Substitutes
Milk is added to blend your ice cream into a creamy, Blizzard-like texture. If you need an alternative, here are great options:
- Plant-Based Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk (unsweetened or sweetened, depending on your preference) for a dairy-free option.
- Cream: Substitute the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer and thicker consistency.
- Cashew Milk: If you want something neutral but creamy, unsweetened cashew milk works well.
3. Sugar Cookie Substitutes
Sugar cookies are the heart of this recipe, but substitutes can work just as well if needed:
- Sandwich Cookies: Use vanilla-flavored sandwich cookies like Golden Oreos or similar brands. Remove the cream filling if you prefer to control the sweetness level.
- Butter Cookies: Danish butter cookies or shortbread cookies are great stand-ins, offering a rich, buttery flavor.
- Gluten-Free Cookies: There are plenty of certified gluten-free sugar cookies available in grocery stores (like Tate’s Bake Shop or Enjoy Life). Alternatively, make your own using gluten-free flour blends.
- Homemade Cookies: If you don’t have sugar cookies on hand, bake a quick batch using pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla.
4. Vanilla Frosting Substitutes
Vanilla frosting ties the Blizzard together with its creamy and sugary texture. Here are replacements:
- Whipped Cream: Use freshly whipped cream or store-bought whipped topping (like Cool Whip) for a lighter and fluffier substitution.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: If you’re looking for a richer, tangier alternative, cream cheese frosting will pair perfectly with sugar cookies.
- Non-Dairy Frosting: Many plant-based frosting brands (such as Duncan Hines Vegan Frostings or homemade dairy-free recipes) work just as well when you need a dairy-free substitute.
- Simple Icing: Make quick icing by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla extract. It’s lighter than frosting but still adds sweetness.
5. Sprinkles Substitutes
Sprinkles add festive flair, but here are alternative options:
- Colored Sugar: If you don’t have sprinkles, use colored sugar crystals as a decorative substitute.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes add a festive winter feel and bring a subtle minty crunch to your Blizzard.
- White Chocolate Chips: Add mini white chocolate chips for bursts of creamy sweetness and a holiday aesthetic.
- Cocoa Powder or Shavings: For a more elegant touch, sprinkle finely shaved dark or white chocolate or dust with cocoa powder.
Final Thoughts
There you go—a homemade Dairy Queen Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard that’s just as festive and delicious as the Dairy Queen original but made right in your kitchen!
More Diary Queen Recipes:
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