Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean ice cream cones have no purpose. Put your leftover cones from summer to good use with these kid-friendly recipes that involve everything but ice cream.
Ice cream cones are a pantry staple during the summer months, continually being stuffed with a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings. But how can you utilize the extra ice cream cones once the warm weather disappears? Try these alternative ice cream cone recipes that you and your family can enjoy during the colder months.
Pie Crust
Crush the ice cream cones by hand or in a food processor, then press the crumbs into a pie pan for a sweet pie crust variation. This pie crust would be great with a mixed berry or creamy-custard filling (like cheesecake).
Cannoli
Stuff individual ice cream cones with a ricotta cannoli filling, then top with chopped pistachios and mini chocolate chips for an easy cannoli alternative.
Fruit Salad
Make your favorite mix of fruit and scoop into individual ice cream cones for a fun snack you can quickly assemble. Add some fresh herbs for a more adult flavor.
Flavored Popcorn
Use store-bought popcorn or make your own, then scoop into individual ice cream cones for a kid-friendly snack. For a birthday party, make Food Network Kitchen’s Birthday White Chocolate Popcorn, then scoop into ice cream cones for an adorable party favor.
Crispy-Rice Treats
Make your own crispy-rice treats, roll them into balls, then place on top of an ice cream cone. You can make a traditional treat using crisp-rice cereal, or you can go crazy with other types of cereal. You can also top with sprinkles for a fun faux ice cream cone.
PB&J
Layer peanut butter (creamy or chunky) and jelly into an ice cream cone, then top with honey-roasted peanuts (optional) for a fun twist on lunch your kids can enjoy.
Yogurt
Scoop your favorite brand and flavor of yogurt into an ice cream cone. Top with fresh fruit and granola for a fun and fast breakfast option.
Trail Mix
Use store-bought trail mix — or make your own — to fill an ice cream cone. Pack this in your kid’s lunchbox, or keep it in your pantry for an easy afternoon snack you can take on the go.
Granola
Crush up ice cream cones into pea-size pieces, then toss with oats, nuts and other typical granola ingredients. This would be a great addition to a sweet granola recipe you already have on hand.
Parfaits
Crush the ice cream cones by hand or in a food processor, then use the crunchy crumbs in a parfait. Layer with your favorite parfait ingredients, like fresh fruit and whipped mousse.
Holiday Decorations
Use leftover ice cream cones as decorations on your holiday gingerbread house. They make perfect Christmas trees with a little green icing, confectioners’ sugar and shredded coconut.
S'mores
Fill an ice cream cone with chocolate chips (and Nutella, if you'd like) and marshmallows, then heat under a broiler until toasted and gooey. Or break the cones into pieces (like graham cracker squares) and assemble traditional s’more sandwiches. This would be a fun fall treat for a family.
Cheesecake
Fill an ice cream cone with cheesecake filling, then bake until the filling has set. Top with raspberry sauce, whipped cream or any topping of choice for a dinner party.
Halloween Candy
Scoop Halloween candy into individual ice cream cones, then top with plastic wrap and tie with Halloween-festive ribbon for party favors. (This idea could work for other holidays as well.)
Breaded Chicken
Pulverize ice cream cones into a coarse, sandy texture, then use the crumbs to bread chicken tenders (use egg and flour also). Bake or fry until the chicken is cooked through and the crumbs are golden-brown. To limit the amount of sweetness, mix some panko or plain breadcrumbs with the cone crumbs.
