Soft Serve Regular Recipe

If using gelatin, sprinkle powdered gelatin over 1 tablespoon cold water in a small bowl and let bloom for 5 minutes until softened.

Warm bloomed gelatin gently (either microwave 5–8 seconds or over a hot water bath) until dissolved and set aside to cool slightly.

Mix dry components

Whisk together the granulated sugar and nonfat dry milk powder in a medium mixing bowl to break up any lumps.

In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium until just steaming — do not boil (about 160°F / 71°C or until small bubbles appear at the edge).

Remove the pan from heat. Whisk in the sugar/dry milk mixture until fully dissolved, then add the liquid glucose (or corn syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine.

If using gelatin, whisk the slightly cooled dissolved gelatin into the warm milk/cream mixture until fully incorporated.

Cool the mixture to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. The base must be cold (below 40°F / 4°C) before churning for best texture.

Set up your soft-serve machine or an ice cream maker capable of producing a soft-serve consistency. Chill the machine bowl if required by the manufacturer.

Pour the chilled base into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve texture (typically 15–30 minutes depending on machine). You want a smooth, aerated, pipeable consistency.

If you do not have a soft-serve machine, churn in a home ice cream maker until very soft, then transfer to a piping bag and work quickly to pipe before it fully hardens in the freezer.

While the base is chilling or churning, combine the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well. Keep covered until ready to use.

If serving in cake cones: hold the cone upright and dispense soft serve in a circular motion to create a classic swirl, finishing with a pointed peak.

If serving in bowls: pipe or scoop soft serve into bowls, creating an attractive swirl or peak.

Immediately sprinkle churro dust over the top of each cone or bowl to lightly coat the surface. For a heavier coating, dip the top of the soft serve briefly into a shallow bowl of churro dust.

Serve immediately. If you need to hold servings for a short period, keep assembled cones or bowls in a freezer set to soft-serve holding temperature (just below 0°F / -18°C will firm them up; hold time is limited). For best texture, serve right after dispensing.