Ice Cream Shop Menu Ideas: Waffle Cones and Fudge Puppies
Add Freshly-Made Waffle Cones and Fudge Puppies to Your Menu
Like the icing on a cake or the cherry on a sundae, there are special additions that take desserts to the next level. If you're looking for ideas to draw customers into your ice cream shop and keep them coming back for more, consider adding freshly-made waffle cones and fudge puppies to your menu.
Why Use Freshly-Made Waffle Cones?
When it comes to your ice cream business, freshly made waffle cones can be that extra treat that not only makes customers happy but also delivers great benefits for you too.
Here’s how… Premade cones often mean lots of breakage and waste. Sometimes you may throw away 30% of your product out of the box. When you make waffle cones fresh, you’re in control of the quantity and quality, reducing waste. The flavor profile and freshness are better. And the aroma is one that creates atmosphere and can help prompt impulse buys. You can charge a premium for fresh ice cream cones and that is pure profit potential.
Tips for How to Make Waffle Cones
What’s great about waffle cones is that they are simple and quick to make. In fact, speed may be the secret ingredient to making the best waffle cones. (More on that later.)
First, start with the right waffle baker. Gold Medal recommends the Giant Waffle Cone Baker (#5020ET). With a non-stick coating and electronic heat control, it has the features that operators value most. When choosing a mix, make sure it is specifically made for waffle cones, like the Old-Fashioned Waffle Cone Mix (#8209). This mix makes sweet and crisp waffle cones and you only need to add water.
You will want to heat your waffle maker to 385-400 degrees. (Temperature may vary depending on equipment, mix, and other variables.) Then, for a large waffle cone, place about 2 oz of mix in the center of the bottom grid. (For smaller cones, use less batter.) Close the baker and cook and cook for approximately 1 minute. When the buzzer sounds, remove the flat cone and immediately roll. The Easy Waffle Cone Roller (#5028) makes the process easier by using a one-piece cone form and cast-aluminum mandrel. You will want to roll it immediately because it will harden as it cools.
Some mistakes to watch out for are making sure that the bottom of the waffle cone is sealed, so that the ice cream will not drip and leak out. If you do have ones that are not fully sealed, don’t worry. You can also use a chocolate drop or marshmallow to limit any leakage. The most important factor is to move quickly. Waffle cones must be made at a fast pace so that they do not harden before they are fully formed. The more you practice, the easier it will be to get into a routine with the process.
Moisture and humidity are enemies of freshness. So, while you may want to have some cones on display, it is best to store in an air-tight container where they can last up to 2-3 days.
How to Make Fudge Puppies
When you have customers that may not order ice cream, alternative menu items like fudge puppies can be just the ticket to getting a sale. These delicious chocolate-covered waffles-on-a-stick are fun, delicious, and profitable!
To make these tasty treats, you will want to have the following:
Heat the baker to 375-385 degrees. (Temperature may vary depending on equipment, mix, and other variables.) After making mix, put into a pitcher you can pour from. Pour into the individual cavities until level. Then insert setterstix by rolling 360 degrees, ensuring it is coated in mix. Close baker and roll over. Set timer to 3 – 3 ½ minutes. When buzzer sounds, roll over and open baker and remove individual waffles. Allow to cool completely before dipping into chocolate. While chocolate is still warm, you can then roll in sprinkles or nuts as desired. (See our Fudge Puppies How-to Video here.)
Tips for Making Fudge Puppies
Important tips include:
- Make sure the setterstix are coated with mix prior to baking. This helps to ensure they will not fall out.
- Always let the waffles cool before dipping them into the chocolate.
- Only use the chocolate dip coating, as it is specially compounded to adhere to the waffles in a relatively thin coating and requires no refrigeration.
- Just melt the chocolate dip coating, do not heat to boiling.
- Can also add powered sugar or whipped cream as topping.
Humidity will impact freshness, so use a display case or store in air-tight container. Estimates are you can hold them for 1-2 days max.
The novelty of waffle cones and fudge puppies are appealing to all ages! Get started today by reaching out to one of our team members! Connect with a Gold Medal distributor in your area.
Want to keep your ice cream business busy year-round? Here are three ideas that will help you be a preferred treat destination at any time of the year.