Description
Picture biting into a crisp waffle cone, its interior and rim coated with rich semisweet chocolate and decked out with colorful sprinkles, crunchy pecans, candy-coated chocolates, or salty pretzels, filled with a refreshing scoop of minty ice cream.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients for the cones and a flavorful mix for the optional ice cream. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
Dipped and Decorated Waffle Cones
- Semisweet Chocolate (16 oz, broken into pieces): The rich coating for the cones.
- Why it matters: Provides a smooth, decadent layer that holds toppings.
- Substitution: Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate for different flavors.
- Waffle Cones (6): The crisp, edible base.
- Why it matters: Hold the ice cream and provide a crunchy contrast to the chocolate.
- Substitution: Use sugar cones or waffle bowls for a different shape.
- Colored Sprinkles (1 jar): Add color and crunch.
- Why it matters: Create a festive, kid-friendly look.
- Substitution: Use rainbow or chocolate sprinkles, or edible glitter.
- Chopped Pecans (2/3 cup): Add nutty crunch.
- Why it matters: Provide a savory contrast to the sweet chocolate.
- Substitution: Use almonds, walnuts, or skip for nut-free.
- Chopped Candy-Coated Chocolate Candies (2/3 cup, e.g., M&M’s): Add sweet, colorful pops.
- Why it matters: Enhance texture and visual appeal.
- Substitution: Use chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or other small candies.
- Chopped Pretzels (2/3 cup): Add salty crunch.
- Why it matters: Balance sweetness with a savory element.
- Substitution: Use crushed cookies or skip for a sweeter profile.
Triple Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream (Optional)
- Vanilla Ice Cream (48 oz carton, softened): The creamy base.
- Why it matters: Provides a neutral canvas for minty, chocolatey add-ins.
- Substitution: Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream or another flavor like chocolate.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1/3 cup): Add rich chocolate bursts.
- Why it matters: Create classic chocolate chip texture.
- Substitution: Use dark or milk chocolate chips.
- White Chocolate Chips (1/3 cup): Add sweet, creamy bursts.
- Why it matters: Complement the mint flavors with sweetness.
- Substitution: Use more semisweet chips or skip for less sweetness.
- Chopped Frozen Mint Patty Candies (1/3 cup): Add cool mint flavor.
- Why it matters: Intensify the minty profile.
- Substitution: Use more crème de menthe candies or skip.
- Chopped Frozen Crème de Menthe Candies (1/3 cup, e.g., Andes): Add minty crunch.
- Why it matters: Enhance the mint-chocolate vibe.
- Substitution: Use mint chocolate chips or skip.
- Mint Candy-Coated Chocolate Candies (1/3 cup, e.g., Mint M&M’s): Add color and mint flavor.
- Why it matters: Tie the mint theme together with a fun topping.
- Substitution: Use regular M&M’s or other mint candies.
Pro Tip: Break chocolate into small, even pieces for smooth melting. Soften ice cream for 10-15 minutes at room temperature for easy mixing if making the Triple Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream.
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Break 16 oz semisweet chocolate into pieces and place in a small, deep heat-safe bowl.
- Melt over a double boiler (a bowl set over a pot of simmering water, not touching the water), stirring until smooth.
- Tip: Keep heat low to avoid scorching; stir constantly for even melting.
- Decorate the Inside of the Cones:
- Using a pastry brush, paint the inside of each of the 6 waffle cones with melted chocolate, coating evenly.
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a small amount of colored sprinkles, 2/3 cup chopped pecans, 2/3 cup chopped candy-coated chocolate candies, or 2/3 cup chopped pretzels (or a mix) into each cone.
- Let dry at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Tip: Work quickly to sprinkle toppings before the chocolate sets; tilt cones to spread toppings evenly.
- Dip the Cone Rims:
- Dip the top 2 inches of each cone into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating.
- Immediately coat the dipped area with more sprinkles, pecans, candies, or pretzels, using a spoon or your fingers to press them gently into the chocolate.
- Stand the cones upright in a glass or cone holder to dry, about 15-20 minutes.
- Tip: Reheat chocolate gently if it starts to thicken; use a shallow dish for easier dipping.
- Make Triple Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream (Optional):
- In a large bowl, stir together one 48-ounce carton softened vanilla ice cream, 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 1/3 cup white chocolate chips, 1/3 cup chopped frozen mint patty candies, 1/3 cup chopped frozen crème de menthe candies (e.g., Andes), and 1/3 cup mint candy-coated chocolate candies until evenly combined.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for 4 hours until firm.
- Tip: Mix gently to avoid breaking candies; ensure ice cream is soft enough to stir but not melted.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Once the cones are dry, scoop Triple Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream or your favorite ice cream (e.g., chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry) into each cone.
- Top with additional sprinkles, pecans, candies, or pretzels for extra flair.
- Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 day before serving.
- Health Benefit: Minimal nutritional benefits; this chocolatey, sugary treat is a fun indulgence to enjoy sparingly!