The best parts of winter are holiday celebrations, cozy fires, hot chocolate and snow. Yes, snow! While we don’t love shoveling snow, a fresh snowfall sure makes things look beautiful. And fresh snow is also the key ingredient in a wintry treat you really can’t get any other time of year: snow ice cream.

What Is Snow Ice Cream?

It’s exactly what it sounds like—ice cream made out of fresh snow, along with milk, vanilla and sugar or sweetened condensed milk. It sounds super simple, because it is. But that doesn’t make it any less delicious. Just a quick search on TikTok or Instagram will show how popular this dish is.

Though New Englanders will tell you that sugar on snow rules (in Vermont and Canada, the frozen treat of choice is maple syrup on fresh snow), snow ice cream is a favorite winter treat in much of the country. This is especially true in the South where snowfall is rare, and therefore all the more reason for a celebratory snack! Tennessee even has a Snow Cream-flavored ice cream made by Mayfield Creamery.

Does your family have a snow ice cream recipe that’s been passed down from generation to generation? Instagram user @freewheelinfoodies shared that she used to make this treat with her grandma. We love that this trend is also a family tradition!

How to Make Snow Ice Cream

Makes 3 to 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 7 to 8 cups clean, fresh snow
• Sprinkles (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Small and large bowls, like this sturdy set from KitchenAid
• A large plastic or wooden mixing spoon
• Serving dishes, like this pretty set of ceramic bowls

Directions

Step 1: Combine the first three ingredients

Stir together the milk, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract in a small bowl.

Step 2: Get your snow

Find the freshest, cleanest snow and gather it in a large bowl.

Step 3: Add the mixture

Pour the milk mixture over the snow, and stir to mix it through.

Step 4: Serve

Divide the snow ice cream between your serving dishes. If desired, top each dish with sprinkles. Serve the snow ice cream immediately.

Snow Ice Cream Tips

Keep It Cold

It’s snow, so of course it’s going to melt fast—especially when you start mixing it with other ingredients. To get the best snow ice cream possible, mix the sugar, milk and flavorings together before bringing your snow inside. Chilling the serving bowls will also help. And dig into the snow ice cream as soon as it’s ready.

Instagram user @mustloveherbs reminds us that the mixture can also be frozen to create a firmer texture. “Not all snows are created equally and some may need more liquid while others need less. Adjust accordingly!”

Get Creative with Flavors and Toppings

At its simplest, snow ice cream is delicious with just the vanilla, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull out all the stops! Instagram user @green_mountain_mom recommends eggnog and maple syrup, while @joyfultinkering uses chocolate syrup for an extra-sweet treat.

Bring out the fun and festive sprinkles you have left over from your last marathon marathon baking session. Any of your favorite ice cream toppings will be just as at home on snow ice cream.

Now, while you wait for a fresh snowfall, check out these homemade ice cream recipes.