If you love the quirky charm of a classic ice cream cake mixed with the playful crunch of M&M’s and the irresistible goodness of cookie dough, then you are in for such a treat with this M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Roll Recipe. This dessert is like a party in your mouth, all wrapped up in a fluffy chocolate cake roll, layered with velvety vanilla ice cream, and dotted with colorful candy-coated chocolates, bringing smiles to every bite. It perfectly blends textures and flavors—from the soft cake to the creamy ice cream and chewy cookie dough—making it a showstopper for any celebration or a fun weekend indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, yet essential ingredients will set you up for success in creating a dessert that sings with flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the richness of butter, the sweetness of brown sugar, or the burst of color from M&M’s that makes the cake roll so delightful.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming, this adds richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness essential for cookie dough flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with aromatic warmth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds the cookie dough together perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavor complexity.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Adds extra creaminess and moisture to the cookie dough.
- 1 cup mini M&M’s: Little pockets of colorful candy crunch that pop throughout the dough.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: For melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
- 4 large eggs: Whisked into the cake for structure and richness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and lightens the cake’s texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds delightful aroma to the cake batter.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the fine crumb of the chocolate cake roll.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Provides just enough rise for a soft, springy cake.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate’s richness and balances flavors.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Gives the cake its deep chocolate color and flavor.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Prevents sticking and adds a pretty finish when rolling the cake.
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened: Creamy, smooth, and the perfect counterpoint to the cake and dough layers.
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s: Additional candy added inside the roll for bursts of texture and color.
How to Make M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, then lightly grease it. This simple prep ensures your cake will bake evenly and release easily when it’s time to roll it up.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which gives your cookie dough that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm aroma. Gradually mix in the flour, salt, and sweetened condensed milk—this combo gives the dough its soft, rich, and slightly chewy consistency. Last, gently fold in the mini M&M’s and chocolate chips to add bursts of chocolatey, crunchy joy.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale; this is key for a light cake texture. Add vanilla extract for flavor depth. Next, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder to ensure a smooth, lump-free chocolate cake batter. Then carefully fold the dry ingredients into your egg mixture, keeping as much air as possible to maintain fluffiness. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the sponge springs back gently when touched.
Step 4: Roll the Cake While Warm
Once out of the oven, invert the warm cake onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled generously with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper carefully, then roll the cake and towel together to form a tight spiral. This rolling while warm helps the cake “remember” its shape and prevents cracking later. Let the rolled cake cool completely to set its shape.
Step 5: Assemble the Ice Cream Cake Roll
Now the fun part! Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly on top. Sprinkle mini M&M’s generously over the ice cream to add colorful crunch. Layer the cookie dough mixture over the candy-studded ice cream, then carefully re-roll the whole thing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours to allow the ice cream to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once thoroughly frozen, slice your M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Roll into generous portions. You’ll love the surprise layers of ice cream, cookie dough, bright M&M’s, and chocolate cake swirling together. Serve immediately for that refreshing, dreamy dessert experience.
How to Serve M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, dust the top of the slices with powdered sugar or drizzle with warm chocolate sauce for an indulgent touch. Sprinkle a few extra M&M’s around the plate to echo the candy’s festive colors, making it look irresistible and inviting.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a tangy raspberry coulis that cuts through the richness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite sorbet can also complement the ice cream cake roll beautifully without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices in clear glass dishes to show off the colorful layers or on decorative dessert plates with playful straws and mini spoons for a party vibe. You might even layer smaller slices with extra cookie dough or ice cream on a dessert platter for a lovely sharing experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), keep them wrapped in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Store them in the freezer to maintain freshness, texture, and flavor.
Freezing
This cake roll is designed to be frozen, so storing it in the fridge alone won’t keep it intact. Freezing locks in that perfect ice cream texture and preserves the cookie dough’s chewy magic. Just be sure to wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended for this dessert because the ice cream will melt and the texture will be lost. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and slightly softened ice cream.
FAQs
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of mini?
Absolutely! Regular M&M’s work just fine, but mini M&M’s distribute more evenly throughout the dough and ice cream, giving you a more consistent candy sparkle in every bite.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk adds moisture and sweetness to the cookie dough. You could try a substitute of evaporated milk mixed with sugar, but the texture might be a bit different. It’s best to use what’s called for to get that perfect fudgy dough.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some substitutions like dairy-free butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and coconut or almond milk-based ice cream, you can make a version of this dessert that suits your dietary needs, but results may vary slightly in texture.
How far ahead can I make the ice cream cake roll?
You can prepare the cake roll up to 2 days ahead and keep it frozen until serving day. This makes it perfect for weekend treats or special occasions planned in advance.
Can I swap vanilla ice cream for another flavor?
Definitely! Chocolate, peanut butter, or even mint chip ice cream would add a lovely twist. Just make sure the ice cream is softened to spread easily.
Final Thoughts
This M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Roll Recipe is such a joyful, crowd-pleasing creation that combines the best of so many desserts into one spectacular treat. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or a fun family dessert, it’s guaranteed to spark smiles and happy compliments. Give it a try and watch how this playful cake roll becomes an instant favorite at your table!
Print
M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 42 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Roll is a delightful treat combining a soft chocolate sponge cake rolled with creamy vanilla ice cream, mini M&M’s, and luscious homemade cookie dough loaded with mini chocolate chips. Perfect for parties or a fun dessert, it balances rich flavors and textures with an eye-catching presentation.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup mini M&M’s
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Cake Roll
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Assembly
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure the cake won’t stick.
- Make the cookie dough: Cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until fluffy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour, salt, and sweetened condensed milk until combined. Gently fold in the mini M&M’s and mini chocolate chips. Set this cookie dough aside for assembly.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale in color. Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder, then carefully fold the dry ingredients into the beaten egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cake is just set and springs back lightly when touched. Avoid overbaking to keep it soft and pliable.
- Roll the warm cake: Immediately invert the warm cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper carefully. Starting at one short end, roll the cake up with the towel inside and let it cool completely rolled up. This helps it keep its shape without cracking.
- Assemble the ice cream cake roll: Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it. Spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the mini M&M’s on top of the ice cream. Then dollop and spread the prepared cookie dough over the ice cream layer.
- Roll, wrap and freeze: Re-roll the cake carefully without the towel this time, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm enough to slice.
- Serve: Slice the frozen cake into 10 equal servings and serve immediately for a refreshing, indulgent dessert.
Notes
- Use softened ice cream so it spreads easily but still refreezes into a firm layer.
- Dusting the towel with powdered sugar prevents the cake from sticking and tearing during the rolling process.
- If desired, the cookie dough can be chilled separately before spreading for easier handling.
- Store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap in the freezer to maintain freshness.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips in the cake batter or cookie dough with regular size for a different texture.
