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Types of Ice Cream Cones

Last updated on Apr 23, 2025

The cool, creamy sweetness of ice cream combined with the crispy crunch of an ice cream cone makes for the perfect summer treat. Whether you operate an ice cream parlor or an ice cream truck, having different types of ice cream cones at your establishment increases your profits and provides creative ways to serve your most popular ice cream flavors.


Shop All Ice Cream Cones

Skip to a specific type of ice cream cone:

  1. Waffle Cone
  2. Sugar Cone
  3. Cake Cone
  4. Waffle Bowl
  5. Twin Cone
  6. Bubble Waffle Cone
  7. Chocolate Dipped Cone
  8. Pretzel Cone
  9. Gluten Free Cone
  10. Specialty Cone
  11. Jacketed Cone
  12. Ice Cream Cone Accessories
  13. Ice Cream Cone Size Chart
Restaurant Equipment

1. Waffle Cone

Waffle cone batter is made by blending cake and pastry flour, and some recipes incorporate molasses or dark brown sugar to create a sweet and crunchy cone. The batter is poured onto a preheated waffle cone maker, where it is cooked until golden brown and crisp. The hot, pliable waffle is then quickly shaped into its iconic conical form using a cone-shaped mold or roller. The cone is then allowed to cool and harden, creating the perfect vessel for scoops of ice cream.

The conical shape and waffled exterior of waffle cones not only add to their visual appeal but also serve a functional purpose. The waffle pattern on the exterior of the cone helps collect any drips or melting ice cream, preventing messes and ensuring a clean eating experience. This design feature makes waffle cones ideal for children and adults, as they can enjoy their favorite frozen desserts without worrying about drips or spills.

Restaurant Equipment

2. Sugar Cone

As the sweetest and crunchiest ice cream cone, a sugar cone is a quintessential choice for ice cream lovers. These cones are made from a sweetened batter that is rolled thin and then baked to create a crispy and flavorful cone that complements the creamy texture of ice cream. Many of these cones include molasses and brown sugar in their makeup, which add to their density and unique flavor.

Sugar cones are ideal for stacking multiple scoops and flavors on top of each other. They retain their structural integrity as ice cream melts on hot summer days. Sugar cones have a pointed tip and a flat brim, allowing them to hold a decent-sized portion of ice cream loaded with beloved ice cream toppings. Sugar cones are available in multiple sizes and shapes, allowing operators to choose the perfect cone to suit their specific serving needs. 

Sugar Cone vs Waffle Cone

Many mistake sugar cones as a smaller version of a waffle cone, but the two have many differences extending beyond size. Denser than a waffle cone, sugar cones have a solid, flat brim designed to hold ice cream stacked on top of it. They're ideal for people who take their time eating their ice cream because it won't get soggy as quickly as other cones.

Waffle cones are bigger, fluffier, and have a more varied flavor than sugar cones. Their edges are conical with jagged lips. While you can buy waffle cones in bulk, the best are made in-house using a waffle cone batter and are freshly pressed.

Restaurant Equipment

3. Cake Cone

Also referred to as a wafer cone, a cake cone is light, flaky, and subtly sweet. Made with pastry, cake, and tapioca flours, these cones are the perfect blend of sweet and crispy for a tasty counterpart to your ice cream creation. The batter is often sweetened to provide a hint of flavor without overpowering rich gelato flavors. Ideal for small servings and samples to full sizes and double scoops, cake cones fulfill a wide variety of your needs. 

One of the key features of cake cones is their sturdy construction, which helps prevent melting ice cream from leaking through the bottom. This makes them a practical option for serving scoops of ice cream without the need for additional support. In addition to their functional benefits, cake cones are a customer favorite for their nostalgic appeal and traditional look. Their flat bottom allows customers to set them down in between bites, making them a popular choice for those enjoying their ice cream seated inside your ice cream parlor. 

Cake Cone vs Sugar Cone

Cake cones and sugar cones differ in flavor, shape, and consistency. Cake cones have a mild flavor intended to remain neutral when paired with ice cream. They also have a unique shape, utilizing a flat bottom rather than the pointed bottom typical of other cones. This feature reduces the risk of leaking and allows customers to set their cones down without spilling their ice cream. Additionally, these cones have a light, wafer consistency compared to other ice cream cones.

In contrast, sugar cones are sweet with a distinct molasses flavor. They have a solid, round edge with a flat brim, whereas cake cones have a ridged lip. Their shape is characteristic of a traditional cone with that distinctive pointed bottom. Perhaps the densest consistency of all ice cream cones, sugar cones are sturdy and provide a satisfying crunch to complement the ice cream.

Restaurant Equipment

4. Waffle Bowl

For an edible base to hold your sundae and multiple scoop creations, waffle bowls offer a convenient and mess-free alternative to traditional cones. They are made from sweet, crispy waffle batter cooked in a special bowl-shaped mold to create a unique holding vessel. The result is a rounded cone sturdy enough to hold a generous scoop of ice cream and flavorful enough to enhance the overall dessert experience.

A waffle bowl's sturdy construction ensures it doesn't get soggy. Ideal for serving sundaes, soft-serve, or frozen yogurt, the waffle bowl is a versatile option for various frozen treats. It provides a delicious flavor and satisfying crunch that complements whatever you decide to add to it.

 

Restaurant Equipment

5. Twin Cone

Twin cones are typically made from a sturdy cake cone that can hold two scoops side by side without collapsing or becoming soggy. Twin cones come in various sizes to accommodate different portions and can be easily customized with toppings, sprinkles, or sauces to enhance the overall ice cream experience.

Twin cones are a versatile and exciting addition to any ice cream shop or dessert menu, providing a creative way to enjoy ice cream. By serving two flavors in one cone without stacking them, customers can enjoy the pure taste of each ice cream. It also helps operators save time and resources spent preparing two separate cones, which streamlines their serving process, lowers operational costs, and reduces waste.

Restaurant Equipment

6. Bubble Waffle Cone

Bubble waffle cones, also known as egg waffle cones or Hong Kong egg waffle cones, are a trendy type of ice cream cone that adds a unique and delicious twist to the traditional ice cream experience. These cones are made using a special bubble waffle maker that creates a distinctive bubble pattern on the cone's surface. Bubble waffle cone batter typically consists of flour, eggs, sugar, and milk, which gives them a light and airy texture with a slightly sweet flavor. 

Bubble waffle cones are not only visually appealing but also provide a great vessel for holding ice cream and other frozen treats. The shape and structure of the cone make it easy to scoop ice cream into individual bubbles, allowing for a more even distribution of ice cream throughout the cone. The unique bubble pattern on the cone allows for a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior, creating a perfect contrast of textures.

Restaurant Equipment

7. Chocolate Dipped Cone

Chocolate dipped cones are typically made by dipping a plain or sugar cone into melted chocolate, creating a delicious layer of chocolate coating on the inside and outside of the cone. The chocolate coating adds a layer of indulgence to the cone, providing a satisfying contrast to the cold and creamy ice cream inside. Chocolate dipped cones can help differentiate your ice cream shop from competitors and appeal to customers seeking premium dessert options.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal and flavor enhancement, chocolate dipped cones can also help increase profit margins. Their premium nature allows operators to price them slightly higher than traditional cones, making them a profitable addition to a menu. By purchasing pre-dipped cones, operators can save time and labor, increasing profits and decreasing customers' wait times. 

 

Restaurant Equipment

8. Pretzel Cone

Pretzel cones are made from pretzel dough that is shaped into a cone and baked to perfection. The result is a cone with a salty and savory flavor profile. This distinct taste serves as a perfect complement to a wide range of ice cream flavors, from classic vanilla to more adventurous options like salted caramel or peanut butter swirl.

In addition to their unique flavor, pretzel cones offer a satisfyingly crunchy texture that compliments and enhances the ice cream. The contrast between the creamy ice cream and the crispy cone adds an extra layer of enjoyment for your customers. The visual appeal of these cones also adds to the overall presentation of the ice cream, enhancing the customer experience and increasing the likelihood of repeat business from customers seeking a novelty ice cream experience. 

 

Restaurant Equipment

9. Gluten Free Cone

For those seeking a gluten-free dessert option, gluten-free ice cream cones are a must-have in your commercial kitchen. They are made without wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients, ensuring customers can indulge in their favorite frozen treats without worrying about adverse reactions to this top food allergen. By offering gluten-free options, you demonstrate your commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs and preferences, enhancing the overall customer experience at your ice cream shop.

Gluten-free cones are available in two convenient formats: as a mix or as pre-made cones. Gluten-free cone mixes provide flexibility in preparation, allowing you to create freshly baked cones on-site. This option is ideal for establishments looking to offer a made-from-scratch experience or customize cone flavors to complement specific ice cream offerings. On the other hand, pre-made gluten-free cones are a quick and convenient solution for busy operations, so you can efficiently serve customers without compromising on taste or quality.

 

Restaurant Equipment

10. Specialty Cone

If you operate in a coastal community or popular summer vacation spot, you must set your ice cream shop apart in a frozen treat-saturated environment. Specialty cones create the allure and presentation you need to stand out. They come in various flavors, ranging from floral-infused cones to indulgent chocolatey options.

By incorporating unique flavors such as lavender, matcha, or red velvet cake into your cone selection, you can cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. Create a special menu pairing each specialty cone flavor with complementary ice creams and toppings and sell these gourmet sweet treats at a premium. Whether you want to create a playful twist on a classic flavor or introduce customers to something completely new, these cones provide a canvas for culinary innovation and can help you showcase your creativity.

 

Restaurant Equipment

11. Jacketed Cone

Jacketed cones come with a protective sleeve or jacket around the cone. The primary purpose of these jackets is to keep customers' hands clean while they enjoy their ice cream. By providing a barrier between the ice cream and the customer's hands, jacketed cones help maintain a hygienic serving environment. It also helps prevent cross-contamination while your staff prepares the customers' ice cream. 

Jacketed cones come in various types, such as waffle, cake, or sugar cones, offering versatility for different preferences. They offer the opportunity for customization. Businesses can add their logo to the sleeve, enhancing brand awareness and promoting their business to customers. Jacketed cones provide customers with a clean and enjoyable ice cream experience, showcase your commitment to sanitation, and advertise your business.

Ice Cream Cone Accessories

Easily store, display, and dispense your assortment of ice cream cones with ice cream cone holders and dispensers. Invest in ice cream cone accessories to keep customers' hands clean and maintain efficiency in your ice cream parlor.

Ice Cream Cone Size Chart

Use the following ice cream size chart to understand the scale of different ice cream cones.

Ice Cream Size Chart
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