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How to make Ice Cream Cookies with Royal Icing

Ice cream season is always in full swing when the sun starts shining, and what better way to celebrate than with adorable ice cream cone sugar cookies? Whether you’re planning a birthday party, summer bash, backyard get-together, or just a whimsical dessert moment, ice cream cone cookies are the perfect treat to bring sweetness and smiles to any celebration. They combine two of the best things about summer — colorful cones and sweet treats — into one delightful dessert that feels fun, festive, and completely photo-worthy.

Ice cream cone sugar cookies aren’t just delicious — they’re incredibly fun to decorate, too. With pastel frosting, sprinkles, hand-piped swirls, and creative details like chocolate drips or little candy sparkles, these cookies become more than just desserts — they become part of your party décor. A platter full of cone-shaped cookies instantly sets a joyful mood, and kids especially light up when they see how cute their treats look before they even take a bite.

Throwing an ICE CREAM THEMED PARTY?

☑️ This Ice Cream Party Kit is the perfect set to get your party planning headed in the right direction!

These cookies also lend themselves beautifully to a DIY sugar cookie station or baking activity, where kids (or adults!) can decorate their own cones with frosting, edible glitter, and colorful toppings. Ice cream cone cookies bring a playful, creative twist to your dessert table, and they pair beautifully with other ice cream themed desserts like sundaes, cupcakes, and popsicles.

This post is full of bright, summery ideas for how to use your ice cream cone sugar cookies in celebrations. Whether you want dessert table inspiration, fun party activities, or ways to expand your ice cream theme throughout your décor and supplies, you’re about to get inspired to throw the sweetest party of the season.

Fun and adorable DIY Ice cream cone cookies are a great party treat.  If you are looking for a fun summer party idea, these delicious cookies will not disappoint! An ice cream themed party is definitely an adorable theme for a summer birthday.  From popsicles to ice cream cones, there are so many fun ways to style an ice cream themed party. 

If you are looking to set up an ice cream party, these super cute and super easy to make ice cream cone cookies are a great party treat.  They will definitely be a hit!   

How to use Ice Cream Sugar Cookies

Ice cream sugar cookies are one of the most versatile and irresistible desserts you can include in your celebration. These charming cone-shaped cookies instantly elevate your dessert table, and they make styling fun and easy. Display them on colorful platters alongside complementary sweets like pastel cupcakes, fruit skewers, or mini ice cream sandwiches to create a playful summer spread.

Group your cookies by color to match your theme, or mix and match swirls, patterns, and sprinkle accents for a lively display. Ice cream cone cookies also make fabulous party favors — place one or two in clear bags with ribbon and a treat tag for guests to take home. You can even use your cookies as place settings at a dessert table or kids’ table by resting one on each plate.

For an interactive twist, set up a decorating station where guests add their own frosting colors and toppings to plain cone cookies. This turns dessert into a party activity! Whether displayed as part of your sweet spread or used as a fun activity, ice cream sugar cookies bring color, creativity, and delicious fun to your celebration.

Using ice cream cookies in an ice cream party is super simple.  You can bake them onto sticks and display them upright. You can set them out on platters or plates. You can also use them as cake toppers. 

So many great ideas!  They truly are very versatile cookies!

 

Ideas for an Ice Cream party

Ice cream party ideas bring summer to life in the sweetest way! Start by choosing a cheerful color palette — pastel pinks, sunny yellows, mint greens, and sky blues evoke the playful vibes of your favorite ice cream shop. Decorate with balloons, tassels, paper fans, or fun signage that mimic ice cream cones or swirls.

For décor, consider a “Sweet Treats” or “Ice Cream Shoppe” sign over your dessert table. Use jars and bowls filled with colorful candies or sprinkles as accents. A DIY photo backdrop with cone cutouts or pastel fringe makes pictures pop.

Activities for an ice cream party can include a sundae bar, ice cream tasting flight, or cookie decorating station. You can even incorporate simple games like guessing flavors or a sprinkle jar count that keeps kids engaged.

Ice cream decorations and supplies help your space feel festive and coordinated, while playful food ideas keep guests smiling — making your party both memorable and delicious.

If you are looking for some more awesome ideas for planning an ice cream themed party, check out these ice cream party ideas. We also have a super cute and simple ice cream banner tutorial. 

Ice Cream Cone Cookie Tutorial: STEP by STEP

Ready to learn how to make these fun and simple ice cream cookies?  Let’s walk through these step by step!

Materials:

 

Step 1:

You will need to start with a good sugar cookie recipe .  When I prep the dough, I always add additional flour so the cookies do not stick to the cutting surface. This also helps them bake wit less spread.

Once your dough is ready to start cutting, roll it out to about ¼ inch thick.  Thicker cookies will bake easier, decorate easier and hold more flavor.  If you are unsure of thickness, err on the side of thicker!

Preheat oven according to the recipe.  Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Cut the cookies out with the ice cream cookie cutter and bake according to your recipe.

You will want the cookies to completely cool before decorating.  I usually like to bake them the day before I decorate.

 

Step 2:

Next you need to prepare your royal icing.  You will need a tan color and then your ice cream color and white icing.  For these cookies, I used light pink, but you can make any color or “flavor” of ice cream you want!

To color the icing, you will add drops of gel food coloring to your icing. Separate your icing into separate containers to mix with coloring and set aside sealed until you are ready to use them.  You don’t want the icing to dry out while you are using other colors.  

For tan, use a few drops of brown.  For pink, use a few drops of red or pink.  Mix well so your frosting isn’t streaky.

Add small amounts of water to each container and mix until you get the royal icing to the correct consistency. You will want the icing to be fill consistency or honey-like icing. Be careful not to add water too quickly. 

The runnier the icing, the easier to make it smooth, but be careful not to be too runny or you will have a hard time keeping lines clean.

Fill piping bags with royal icing.

Step 3:

Using your edible marker, draw on the wavy lines around the bottom of the ice cream scoop.  Then outline the top for the “sauce”.  It’s significantly easier to line with icing if you have a line to follow. 

Step 4:

Using the pink icing, Outline the top middle section of the ice cream scoop. This is the part between the bottom of the scoop (inside the wavy lines) and the line for “sauce” on top.  Fill in this section with pink icing.  Use a toothpick or fork prong to flatten out any imperfections and air bubbles.  

 

Next, using the tan icing, trace the bottom wavy line and the outline of the cone.  Fill in the cone with tan icing. Use a toothpick or fork prong to flatten out any imperfections and air bubbles.

Once the two sections of frosting are dry, fill in the section between the cone and the middle of the scoop with pink.  By letting the other sections dry first, this gives you a nice line between the colors and gives the scoop some definition.  Use a toothpick or fork prong to flatten out any imperfections and air bubbles.

Fill the top of the scoop in with white.  While the icing is still wet, gently drop sprinkles into the frosting.  The icing will dry with the sprinkles inside.  Use a toothpick or fork prong to flatten out any imperfections and air bubbles.

Step 5:

Once the tan icing is dry, use the brown edible marker to draw on waffle cone lines in a criss cross pattern.  Easy peasy and ready to eat!!

Sweet + Simple Ice Cream Cone Cookies

Sweet + Simple Ice Cream Cone Cookies
Ice Cream Cone Cookie Tutorial: STEP by STEP

Ready to learn how to make these fun and simple ice cream cookies?  Let's walk through these step by step!

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • Ice Cream Cone Cookie Cutter (You can use any ice cream cone shape you prefer.  I used the Ice Cream/Santa head Cookie Cutter from this set).
  • Gel Food Coloring
  • Edible Marker (Brown)
  • Sugar Cookie Dough (here is my recipe)
  • Royal icing. You can buy that mix or here is a great royal icing recipe to use!!  If you are new to cookie decorating, you also need a piping bag, icing tip 1/2, coupler, and clip.  I recommend this piping tip set.  It’s reasonably priced and includes everything you need.
  • Sprinkles
  • Parchment Paper

Instructions

Step 1:
You will need to start with a good sugar cookie recipe .  When I prep the dough, I always add additional flour so the cookies do not stick to the cutting surface. This also helps them bake wit less spread.
Once your dough is ready to start cutting, roll it out to about ¼ inch thick.  Thicker cookies will bake easier, decorate easier and hold more flavor.  If you are unsure of thickness, err on the side of thicker!
Preheat oven according to the recipe.  Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Cut the cookies out with the ice cream cookie cutter and bake according to your recipe.
You will want the cookies to completely cool before decorating.  I usually like to bake them the day before I decorate.
 
Step 2:
Next you need to prepare your royal icing.  You will need a tan color and then your ice cream color and white icing.  For these cookies, I used light pink, but you can make any color or "flavor" of ice cream you want!
To color the icing, you will add drops of gel food coloring to your icing. Separate your icing into separate containers to mix with coloring and set aside sealed until you are ready to use them.  You don’t want the icing to dry out while you are using other colors.  
For tan, use a few drops of brown.  For pink, use a few drops of red or pink.  Mix well so your frosting isn't streaky.
Add small amounts of water to each container and mix until you get the royal icing to the correct consistency. You will want the icing to be fill consistency or honey-like icing. Be careful not to add water too quickly. 
The runnier the icing, the easier to make it smooth, but be careful not to be too runny or you will have a hard time keeping lines clean.
Fill piping bags with royal icing.
Step 3:
Using your edible marker, draw on the wavy lines around the bottom of the ice cream scoop.  Then outline the top for the "sauce".  It's significantly easier to line with icing if you have a line to follow. 
Step 4:
Using the pink icing, Outline the top middle section of the ice cream scoop. This is the part between the bottom of the scoop (inside the wavy lines) and the line for "sauce" on top.  Fill in this section with pink icing.  Use a toothpick or fork prong to flatten out any imperfections and air bubbles.  
 
Next, using the tan icing, trace the bottom wavy line and the outline of the cone.  Fill in the cone with tan icing. Use a toothpick or fork prong to flatten out any imperfections and air bubbles.
Once the two sections of frosting are dry, fill in the section between the cone and the middle of the scoop with pink.  By letting the other sections dry first, this gives you a nice line between the colors and gives the scoop some definition.  Use a toothpick or fork prong to flatten out any imperfections and air bubbles.
Fill the top of the scoop in with white.  While the icing is still wet, gently drop sprinkles into the frosting.  The icing will dry with the sprinkles inside.  Use a toothpick or fork prong to flatten out any imperfections and air bubbles.
Step 5:
Once the tan icing is dry, use the brown edible marker to draw on waffle cone lines in a criss cross pattern.  Easy peasy and ready to eat!!

© Mimi's Dollhouse

Looking for more ideas for Ice Cream Parties?

If you’re hungry for even more inspiration for ice cream themed parties, the good news is there’s no shortage of creativity in this sweet world! Think beyond classic cones and sundaes — try theme spins like retro ice cream shop parties, cotton candy clouds, or even ice cream truck fun. For a retro feel, add gingham table runners, bright red accents, and vintage striped straws.

You can also incorporate themed games like “Sprinkle Relay” or a “Flavor Hunt” around your yard or party space. Outdoor picnics with pastel blankets and easy-to-hold desserts like ice cream cone cookies and mini cheesecakes make summer celebrations feel effortless. Another idea is to pair ice cream party décor with seasonal elements like lemons or fruit slices for a fresh vibe.

Dessert ideas like ice cream cake, parfait cups, dipped fruit, or ice cream themed cupcakes work beautifully alongside your cone cookies. Every small touch — from character toppers to sprinkle station jars — helps make your event feel playful and personalized.

Planning an ice cream party does not have to be crazy expensive or crazy complicated.  If you are look for more ideas to make your ice cream party amazing…don’t forget to check out these amazing Ice Cream party ideas!

Coordinating Ice Cream Party Supplies

Starting your party planning off right with some simple coordinating decorations and tableware is a great way to really have your party planning not be complicated and expensive.

The easiest way to serve all the glorious party treats you make and buy is with some themed party ware. This is budget friendly and keeps the design flowing through every part of your party. Definitely a must buy!!!

When you’re planning an ice cream themed celebration, themed party ware is one of the smartest, most noticeable ways to elevate your treats and tie the entire table together. Ice cream cone cookies are already adorable on their own, but when they’re served on coordinating plates, cups, napkins, and trays — everything feels intentional and picture-ready. Themed tableware adds color, pattern, and personality to your dessert display without requiring extra hours of decorating.

Plates with pastel swirls, striped cups, and napkins that match your cookie colors make every detail feel cohesive. Even simple store-bought snacks look festive when paired with themed party ware. It creates a visual flow that makes your event feel thoughtfully styled from start to finish.

Plus, themed party ware makes hosting easier. Cleanup is faster with coordinated disposable pieces, and setup feels seamless because your tableware does half of the design work for you. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a summer gathering, or a dreamy ice cream party, investing in themed party ware truly amplifies your celebration and helps your sweet treats shine.

Ice Cream Tableware from Meri Meri

Ice Cream Tableware from Daydream Society

Ice Cream Tableware from Craft Corner

Ice Cream Plates from Fancy Celebration

Ice Cream Tableware from Stesha Party

Ice Cream Tableware from Oriental Trading

Ice Cream Shoppe Party Invitations from Mimi’s Dollhouse

Do you love an old fashioned Ice Cream Shoppe?  I am crazy about all things vintage, so this pastel design was super fun to design. 

I also have matching printable ice cream decorations which make party set-up a snap and tie all your food and decorations together.

You can take a look at (and purchase) the printable package and printable invitation at the bottom of this post.

 

Want to throw an Ice Cream Party?

Check out the awesome party printable package here.  You can also order just the invitation as an additional option.

The Printable Ice Cream Shoppe Party Decorations are available in my shop:

 

Conclusion for DIY Ice Cream Cookies:

Ice cream cone sugar cookies are one of those delightful desserts that instantly bring joy to any celebration. With their cheerful shapes, pastel hues, and whimsical decorations, they create a sense of nostalgia that adults love and excitement that kids adore. These treats serve as both dessert and décor — making your dessert table feel joyful, cohesive, and creative from the moment guests arrive.

One of the best parts about ice cream cone cookies is their versatility. They fit beautifully into classic summer parties, birthday celebrations, backyard brunches, and even themed showers. You can display them alongside coordinating cupcakes, fruit skewers, and specialty drinks to create a full sweet spread that feels intentional and engaging.

Your color palette plays a big role in pulling the theme together. Soft pastels evoke a classic ice cream parlor vibe, while bright rainbow tones bring a carnival feel. Metallic accents — like gold or silver dragees — add a touch of whimsy and sparkle. Coordinating your cookie designs with themed party ware — plates, cups, napkins, and trays in matching hues — ensures a polished look that’s picture-perfect and stress-free.

Ice cream party décor goes beyond just desserts. Personalized signage, creative backdrops, balloons, and table runners help create a festive environment. A “Sweet Shoppe” sign or pastel fringe behind your dessert table instantly focuses attention on your treats and adds visual excitement. You can even extend the theme into your seating areas with pastel cushions, gingham prints, or ice cream shaped props.

Activities also bring your theme to life. A DIY decorating station where guests add their own toppings or designs to plain ice cream cone cookies becomes both an activity and a conversation starter. This works beautifully for kids’ parties, but even adults enjoy customizing desserts when the toppings are fun and varied.

Including other themed games — like flavor guessing or sprinkle jar counts — adds playful elements that make your celebration feel dynamic and interactive. These simple extras enhance your party without adding stress to your setup.

Serving and displaying your cookies in creative ways adds dimension to your table. Use tiered stands for height, pastel trays for complementary tones, and clear jars filled with candy for texture. You can also line your table with confetti, small floral elements, or signage that matches your theme.

At the heart of an ice cream party is joy. It’s about enjoying bright colors, sweet flavors, and a sunny atmosphere with the people you love. Ice cream cone cookies — especially when styled thoughtfully with decorations, activities, and themed party ware — become more than a dessert: they become a memory maker.

A well-coordinated theme — complete with colorful cookies, creative décor, and engaging party ideas — turns any celebration into a joyful experience. With every detail in harmony, your guests walk into a space that feels thoughtfully styled, deliciously inviting, and full of fun.

These adorable and super simple Ice Cream Cone Cookies are a great addition to any summertime party.  If you love the idea of planning an ice cream themed party, then you will love these cookies. 

If you love this tutorial, please pin this image to your birthday Pinterest board:

Related posts for making Ice Cream shaped Cookies:

Thank you for reading my Royal iced Ice Cream Cone Cookies!