Texas is renowned for its scorching summers, and what better way to cool off than with a scoop of creamy, delicious ice cream? From bustling cities to small towns, the Lone Star State boasts a diverse array of ice cream shops offering unique flavors and experiences. These establishments range from traditional parlors with classic recipes to innovative creameries pushing the boundaries of frozen desserts.
Texas is home to some of the best ice cream shops in the country, each offering its own blend of flavors, textures, and local ingredients. Whether you’re craving a simple vanilla cone or an elaborate sundae with all the toppings, there’s an ice cream destination for every palate. Many of these shops pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients, supporting Texas farmers and producers while delivering fresh, high-quality treats to their customers.
1) Amy’s Ice Creams, Austin
Amy’s Ice Creams has become an iconic Austin institution since opening its first location on Guadalupe Street in 1984. Founded by Amy Simmons, the ice cream shop has expanded to over 13 locations across Austin.
The company is renowned for its Mexican Vanilla flavor, which has gained a dedicated following among locals and visitors alike. However, Amy’s repertoire extends far beyond this signature flavor.
With a rotating selection of over 350 flavors, Amy’s offers a diverse range of ice cream options to suit every palate. In addition to traditional ice cream, they also serve frozen yogurt and fruit ices.
Amy’s Ice Creams has garnered a reputation for its friendly service and creative ice cream presentations. The staff often engages customers with entertaining scooping techniques and tricks.
One of Amy’s locations can be found at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, allowing travelers to enjoy a final scoop of Austin’s favorite ice cream before departing the city.
Contact: 512-454-2666
Address: 1012 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
Website: www.amysicecreams.com
2) Lick Honest Ice Creams, Austin
Lick Honest Ice Creams has been delighting taste buds in Austin since 2011. This artisanal ice cream shop prides itself on using local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients to create unique flavors that celebrate Texas.
Lick’s commitment to quality is evident in their small-batch production process. They use only pure, wholesome ingredients, avoiding artificial colors, flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and preservatives.
The menu features both classic and innovative flavors. Popular options include Texas Sheet Cake and a rotating selection of seasonal specialties. Vegan alternatives are also available, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
With three locations in Austin, Lick Honest Ice Creams has become a local favorite. Their dedication to supporting local farmers and artisans resonates with customers who appreciate the connection to their community.
Visitors can enjoy Lick’s creations at their scoop shops or order online for nationwide shipping. The brand’s popularity has grown beyond Austin, earning recognition as one of the best ice cream makers in the United States.
Contact: 512.502.5949
Address: 6555 Burnet Rd #200, Austin, TX 78757
Website: www.ilikelick.com
3) Steel City Pops, Dallas
Steel City Pops offers a unique twist on frozen treats in Dallas. Their specialty is gourmet ice pops made with fresh, natural ingredients.
The menu features both fruity and creamy options. Popular flavors include chocolate, carrot cake, and various fruit varieties.
Customers appreciate the high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. The pops provide a refreshing alternative to traditional ice cream.
Steel City Pops has gained a loyal following in Dallas. On warm days, it’s common to see lines forming at their counter.
The pops are handcrafted and come in convenient stick form. This makes them easy to enjoy while exploring the city.
Steel City Pops, 2012 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206. Phone: +1 833-588-7677. Website: steelcitypops.com
4) Hank’s Ice Cream, Houston
Hank’s Ice Cream has been serving Houston’s ice cream lovers since 1985. This family-owned parlor is known for its rich, creamy flavors and friendly service.
Hank’s offers a wide variety of flavors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to unique options like butter pecan and banana pudding. Their ice cream is made fresh daily, ensuring top quality and taste.
The shop’s atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a nostalgic feel that takes customers back in time. Despite its small size, Hank’s has become a beloved institution in Houston’s ice cream scene.
Customers rave about the generous portions and affordable prices. The parlor’s commitment to quality ingredients and traditional methods has earned it a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
Hank’s Ice Cream is located at 9291 S Main St, Houston, TX 77025. They offer both take-out and delivery options. For more information or to place an order, call (713) 665-5103.
5) Blue Bell Creameries, Brenham
Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham stands as a Texas ice cream icon. Founded over a century ago, this beloved creamery has become synonymous with high-quality frozen treats.
Visitors can tour the production facility to witness the ice cream-making process firsthand. The observation deck offers a behind-the-scenes look at the packaging operations Monday through Friday.
The on-site Ice Cream Parlor is a must-visit attraction. It serves a wide selection of Blue Bell’s top-selling flavors, including some exclusive varieties not available in stores.
For those looking to take home a taste of Blue Bell, the Country Store sells ice cream, frozen snacks, and branded merchandise. The store and parlor are open Monday to Friday, with limited Saturday hours.
Blue Bell’s commitment to quality has earned it a reputation as one of the best ice cream producers in the country. Their classic vanilla flavor is particularly praised for its rich, creamy texture.
Address: 1101 South Blue Bell Road, Brenham, TX 77833
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm (Country Store and Ice Cream Parlor)
Website: bluebell.com
6) Sweet Firefly, Richardson
Sweet Firefly has become a beloved ice cream destination in Richardson, Texas. This small-batch gourmet ice cream shop offers a delightful array of handcrafted flavors that keep customers coming back for more.
The shop prides itself on churning ice cream onsite, ensuring freshness and quality with every scoop. Visitors can indulge in both classic flavors and unique creations that showcase the brand’s creativity.
Sweet Firefly caters to various dietary needs. In addition to traditional dairy-based ice creams, they offer dairy-free sorbets and coconut milk-based vegan options, making it an inclusive spot for all ice cream lovers.
Beyond ice cream, Sweet Firefly tempts customers with other sweet treats. Their menu includes handmade toffee, bulk candy, and chocolates, providing a diverse range of confections to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The shop’s cozy interior and outdoor seating area create a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy their frozen desserts. Local ownership and a commitment to quality have made Sweet Firefly a staple in Richardson’s Canyon Creek neighborhood.
Sweet Firefly Gourmet Ice Cream & Candied Treats
Address: 1251 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, Texas 75080
Phone: (972) 635-5635
Website: sweetfirefly.com
7) Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, Dallas
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream stands out in Dallas for its unique mission and delicious flavors. Founded in 2015, this ice cream shop employs individuals with special needs, providing meaningful job opportunities.
The store offers a variety of creative flavors that cater to diverse tastes. Popular choices include Dr Pepper Chocolate Chip, Hot Tamale, and Cookie Nom’ster.
Customers can enjoy their ice cream in fresh-made waffle cones or take home pints for later. The shop also provides catering services for events.
Howdy Homemade’s commitment to quality extends beyond its ice cream. The staff’s friendly service and dedication contribute to a positive dining experience.
The shop’s success has led to expansion, with locations now in multiple states. This growth allows Howdy Homemade to further its mission of creating jobs for people with special needs.
Address: 12300 Inwood Rd. Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75244
Phone: (214) 484-1552
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 2PM-9PM, Friday: 2PM – 10PM, Saturday: 12PM – 10PM, Sunday: 12PM – 8PM
Website: howdyhomemade.com
8) Cow Tipping Creamery, San Antonio
Cow Tipping Creamery offers a unique twist on traditional ice cream treats. Their signature “stackers” showcase layers of ice cream and toppings, creating a visually stunning and delicious dessert experience.
The menu features a rotating selection of flavors alongside staples like vanilla and chocolate. Customers can customize their stackers or choose from expertly crafted combinations.
Cow Tipping Creamery’s commitment to quality is evident in their made-to-order approach. Each dessert is carefully assembled, ensuring freshness and optimal texture.
The shop’s popularity stems from its innovative creations and attention to detail. Patrons appreciate the generous portions and creative flavor pairings.
While known for their elaborate stackers, Cow Tipping Creamery also caters to those seeking simpler options. Their menu includes classic ice cream scoops and basic sundaes.
Contact Details:
Cow Tipping Creamery
3685 The Star Blvd., Suite 201
Frisco, TX 75034
Phone: 214-430-5227
Website: cowtippingcreamery.com
Hours: Sun-Thu 12 PM – 9 PM, Fri-Sat 12 PM – 10 PM
9) Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Houston
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has become a beloved destination for ice cream enthusiasts in Houston. The brand is known for its unique and creative flavors that push the boundaries of traditional ice cream.
Jeni’s offers a rotating selection of flavors, ensuring there’s always something new to try. Their ice cream is made with high-quality ingredients, resulting in rich and creamy textures that delight the palate.
The Houston locations provide a welcoming atmosphere for customers to enjoy their frozen treats. Friendly staff members are happy to offer samples, helping patrons find their perfect scoop.
Jeni’s has multiple locations throughout Houston, making it accessible to ice cream lovers across the city. Their shops are open late, perfect for satisfying those after-dinner sweet cravings.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, 375 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 281-721-9971
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12pm-12am, Friday-Saturday 11am-1am
Website: jenis.com/houston-tx
10) Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, Plano
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream stands out as a unique ice cream shop with a heartwarming mission. This establishment not only serves delicious frozen treats but also provides employment opportunities for individuals with special needs.
The Plano location offers a range of flavorful ice cream options that satisfy various taste preferences. Customers can enjoy classic flavors alongside creative concoctions that showcase the brand’s innovative approach to ice cream making.
One standout flavor is the Dr Pepper Chocolate Chip, which blends the iconic Texas soda with rich chocolate for a truly Texan treat. This flavor exemplifies Howdy Homemade’s commitment to crafting distinctive ice cream experiences.
The shop’s welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff contribute to a positive customer experience. Visitors can expect quality service along with their scoops of homemade ice cream.
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, 12300 Inwood Rd Ste 200, Dallas, TX 75244. Phone: (214) 484-2697. Website: www.howdyhomemade.com
History of Ice Cream in Texas
Ice cream has been a beloved treat in Texas for generations. The Lone Star State’s ice cream heritage spans from small family-owned parlors to major commercial producers, reflecting the state’s cultural and economic shifts.
Early Beginnings
Ice cream arrived in Texas with European settlers in the 19th century. Homemade ice cream became popular at social gatherings and church picnics. Early recipes often used local ingredients like pecans and dewberries.
In the 1900s, ice cream parlors started popping up in Texas towns. These shops served as community hubs, offering a cool respite from the Texas heat. Many parlors crafted their own unique flavors, laying the foundation for Texas’ diverse ice cream scene.
Evolution Over Time
The 1907 founding of Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham marked a significant milestone. Initially producing butter from excess cream, Blue Bell expanded into ice cream in 1911. It grew to become a Texas icon and one of the largest U.S. ice cream producers.
Texas ice cream evolved with changing tastes and technology. The mid-20th century saw the rise of soft-serve machines and drive-in ice cream stands. Local creameries experimented with flavors like Dr Pepper Float, showcasing Texas pride.
Today, Texas boasts a mix of historic parlors, artisanal shops, and innovative creameries. The state’s ice cream scene continues to grow, blending traditional techniques with modern flavors and dietary options.
Unique Flavors and Traditions
Texas ice cream makers blend local influences and ingredients to create distinctive flavors that capture the state’s culinary spirit. From small-batch artisanal producers to beloved regional brands, Texan ice cream offers a taste of local culture and creativity.
Regional Influences
Texas ice cream flavors often reflect the state’s diverse culinary heritage. Mexican-inspired creations like dulce de leche and horchata are popular choices. Pecan praline, a nod to Southern dessert traditions, is a staple in many shops.
Some creameries offer flavors inspired by Texas barbecue culture, such as brisket-infused ice cream. Others incorporate iconic Texan beverages like Dr Pepper or Shiner Bock beer into their frozen treats.
Bluebonnet-flavored ice cream pays homage to the state flower, while jalapeño chocolate chip provides a spicy kick characteristic of Tex-Mex cuisine.
Local Ingredients
Texas ice cream makers pride themselves on sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers. Fresh Texas peaches, blackberries, and strawberries feature prominently in seasonal offerings.
Pecans from Texas orchards are a common add-in, providing crunch and nutty flavor. Some creameries use locally-produced honey as a natural sweetener.
Lavender from Hill Country farms adds a floral note to artisanal flavors. Gulf Coast sea salt enhances caramel and chocolate creations.
Dairy from Texas cows forms the base of many ice creams, ensuring freshness and supporting local agriculture. Some makers even use milk from specific cattle breeds like Jersey cows for richer flavor profiles.