Hey there! So, you know those days when you’re just craving something cold and sweet but don’t want to leave the house? That’s when I make my Homemade Frosty. It’s this delightful concoction that reminds me of childhood summers when we’d run to the nearest fast food joint for a quick fix of that creamy goodness. And trust me, once you’ve tried making it at home, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love This
I make this recipe when I’m in need of a little pick-me-up or when the kids come home from school and demand a treat (which is, like, every other day). It’s quick, it’s creamy, and oh boy, does it hit the spot. My family goes crazy for this because it’s like having a dessert party in a cup. Plus, it’s super forgiving; even if you mess up a bit, it still tastes amazing!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of vanilla ice cream (the creamier, the better—though, any brand works just fine)
- 1/2 cup of milk (whole milk is great, but I’ve used almond milk in a pinch)
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or skip it if you’re out!)
- Optional: a sprinkle of instant coffee for a mocha twist

Directions
- Start by throwing the ice cream into a blender. I usually sneak a little taste here, just to make sure it’s the right level of creamy (any excuse, am I right?).
- Add in the milk and cocoa powder. Give it a whirl until everything’s well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage—it always does!
- Pour in the vanilla extract. Blend it again until it’s smooth and frosty-like.
- Serve immediately in a chilled glass. This is the part where you can add your favorite toppings if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
Here’s a fun discovery: if you blend it a bit too long, it might get thinner than you’d like. In that case, just pop it in the freezer for a few minutes. Problem solved!

Variations
I’ve tried adding a scoop of peanut butter once—it was deliciously nutty, but kind of heavy. Fruity syrups work well too, though my attempt with orange syrup was a bit…interesting. Stick with your favorites!
Equipment
If you don’t have a blender, just use a large bowl and a whisk. You’ll get a good arm workout! Or check out this blog for more manual methods.

Storage Information
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s rare that this happens in my house—it’s usually gone in under a day!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Frosty with a handful of chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel sauce. We like to enjoy ours during movie night (Popcorn + Frosty = heaven).
Pro Tips
I once tried rushing the blending step and regretted it because the texture wasn’t quite right. Take your time to get it nice and smooth!
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different kind of milk?
Absolutely! I’ve used almond and oat milk with great success.
Q: What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
No problem, just skip it for a vanilla version. Or, here’s a link to make your own chocolate syrup!
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Well, you can, but I think it tastes best fresh. If you need to make it ahead, just give it a quick blend before serving.