Everyone should try these gluten-free ice cream cones — a must for any ice cream lover. Golden and crisp, they’re lightly sweet and perfect dipped in chocolate and decorated with sprinkles or chopped nuts. These cones are ideal for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or simply when a sweet craving hits.

Making your own cones is often the best way to ensure they’re truly gluten-free and free from cross-contamination. These cones are surprisingly easy: the batter is thin, the process is similar to making waffles, and shaping them is fast and fun — especially with kids helping. Finish each cone by dipping the rim in melted chocolate and adding sprinkles for a nostalgic touch.

GLUTEN-FREE ICE CREAM CONES RECIPE

Finding truly gluten-free cones at ice cream shops can be hit or miss. Staff who understand cross-contamination will use a separate scoop and keep gluten-free cones away from wheat cones. If you’re unsure, making them at home guarantees safety and flavor. These cones are crisp, flavorful, and customizable — dip them in chocolate, add sprinkles, or roll them in toasted nuts for variety.

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS RECIPE

Fun to make – Rolling and decorating cones is a family-friendly activity.

Clear steps – The recipe offers straightforward, step-by-step instructions to help you succeed.

Quick and easy – If you’ve made waffles before, this process will feel familiar. A cone roller makes shaping the warm cones simple.

INGREDIENTS

Ice Cream Cones

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup sifted all-purpose gluten-free flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or dairy-free)

Toppings

• Melted semisweet chocolate
• Sprinkles
• Toasted nuts

EQUIPMENT

• Waffle cone maker (with a cone shaper is ideal)
• Cone roller or wooden cone shaper
• Mixing bowls and a whisk
• Nonstick spray

If you have questions while making the cones, leave a comment on the recipe post and the authors will respond.

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE ICE CREAM CONES

1. Preheat the waffle cone maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk egg whites with sugar for 3–5 minutes until the mixture lightens and the sugar dissolves.
3. Stir in melted butter and vanilla until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, stirring gently. Add milk to thin slightly; the batter should be smooth and tacky.
6. Spray the waffle cone maker with nonstick spray. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter into the center, close the lid, and cook.
7. Cook 1–2 minutes or until the cone is golden brown.
8. Remove carefully and immediately wrap the hot waffle around the cone roller to form the cone. Work quickly before the waffle crisps.
9. Allow cones to cool completely on the roller to hold their shape.
10. Once cooled and crunchy, dip the top edge in melted chocolate and add sprinkles or nuts.

These steps match the images above. Repeat until all batter is used. Cones keep their best texture when freshly made.

TIPS FOR THE BEST CONES

• Spray your cone waffle machine lightly to prevent sticking.
• Shape cones immediately with a cone roller while the waffle is hot.
• Use a 1/4-cup measure for consistent cone sizes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I store gluten-free ice cream cones?

Store cooled cones in a sealed glass jar at room temperature for 2–3 days to maintain crispness.

Can I freeze gluten-free ice cream cones?

Freezing made cones can make them lose their crunch. Instead, freeze the batter and cook cones fresh when you need them.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes — they keep up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the batter and shape cones when ready.

What substitutions are possible?

• Vegan — not tested; replacing egg, butter, and milk may work with suitable alternatives.
• Egg-free — try a commercial egg replacer and test texture.
• Dairy-free — plant-based milk should work in place of dairy milk.

Can you buy gluten-free ice cream cones?

Yes, some brands sell ready-made gluten-free cones. Always read labels to confirm ingredients and manufacturing practices.

Are Dairy Queen cones gluten-free?

No — Dairy Queen cones contain wheat and are not gluten-free.

Are sugar cones gluten-free?

Traditional sugar cones contain wheat flour and are not gluten-free. Look for specialty gluten-free brands if you prefer pre-made cones.

Making gluten-free cones at home gives you full control over ingredients and prevents cross-contamination, letting you enjoy ice cream worry-free.

Yield: 4 servings

Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cones

These gluten-free ice cream cones are golden, crispy, and perfect dipped in chocolate with sprinkles.

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Ingredients

Ice Cream Cones

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large egg whites
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup all-purpose gluten-free flour, sifted
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp milk, dairy or dairy-free

Topping

• Melted semisweet chocolate
• Sprinkles
• Toasted nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle cone maker.
2. Whisk egg whites and sugar until the mixture is light and the sugar dissolves (3–5 minutes).
3. Stir in melted butter and vanilla.
4. Combine gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
5. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture and add milk until the batter is smooth and slightly tacky.
6. Spray the waffle cone maker, spoon about ¼ cup batter in the center, and close the lid.
7. Cook 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
8. Remove and immediately shape the hot waffle around a cone roller. Work quickly before it crisps.
9. Allow cones to cool completely on the roller to set the shape.
10. Dip cooled cones in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles or nuts.

Nutrition Information

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Calories: 338 • Total Fat: 13g • Saturated Fat: 6g • Cholesterol: 16mg • Sodium: 320mg • Carbohydrates: 49g • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 23g • Protein: 7g

Nutrition info is estimated from the ingredients used and may vary. Check your ingredient labels for exact values.

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below to share how it turned out.