8 Common Mistakes To Avoid At Cold Stone Creamery

When you're seeking an ice cream delight that goes beyond a grocery store pint, you can find Cold Stone Creamery locations all across the country; it even has hundreds of stores internationally, from Cambodia to Cameroon. Whether it's your first visit or you just want to ensure a better experience, I have compiled a few mistakes customers often make along the way.

After all, I have fond memories of visiting Cold Stone Creamery for decades. As a kid, my sister and I would share a concoction or, on rare occasions, each get one. It was thrilling to select an ice cream, an add-in, and watch it be made before your very eyes — a plain ice cream transformed with colors and swirls from whatever mix-in I picked at the time. Luckily, one can still have a similar experience in the modern ages.

The times haven't changed in that regard, and you can still get that energetic buzz of essentially making your own ice cream flavor. Additionally, there are other options at the ice cream shop if you prefer to go another direction. So, keep reading if you want to learn about a few mistakes to consider or things you might be forgetting during your visit. I will occasionally include prices for context to illustrate how prices change and how to fix some of these blunders; prices are based on Cold Stone Creamery's Coronado, CA location. Ready? I'll give you the full scoop.

Prices are as of the date of publication and may vary by location.

If you prefer a thicker cookie crunch or like larger brownie chunks in your ice cream, you need to be proactive. When you make your selection, be sure to tell the employee that you just want them to be lightly mixed. Otherwise, that cookie turns into cookie dust within a few mixes. Not to mention, they might actively smash it down to better incorporate it in the ice cream. This is more for those who like heftier pieces, which lets you taste your Cold Stone ice cream flavor of choice and the mix-in separately. 

If you want a fully incorporated DIY cookies and cream ice cream using Oreo cookies and your desired ice cream flavor, feel free to do so. That said, the mistake doesn't apply to every mix-in the company has, as some things are better fully combined — nuts, chocolate chips, and sprinkles are much better completely blended into your creation. You don't want sprinkles in a concentrated area; you want them in every bite. Things like a brownie, chocolate chip cookie dough, and Oreo cookies can be better and more texturally interesting if mixed lightly.

Whether you are looking at the Signature Creations or want to craft your own, it can be hard to determine what size to get. The price of a large is typically only a couple of dollars more than that of a small, so it might seem like a good deal to get a large based on quantity. But hold your horses there, partner. It can be a mistake to order a large for a few reasons. 

If it's your first time, I wouldn't recommend getting a large of something you've never had before. They can be big and difficult to finish, which is money down the drain if you end up tossing the leftovers. Cold Stone treats are best enjoyed right away, and it can be difficult to get home soon enough to refreeze them before they melt (unless you live very close). 

So, stick with a smaller size unless you're sharing. Additionally, a Gotta Have It (aka large) size Create Your Own Creation costs $12.55 and includes only one mix-in. That's a lot to spend if you aren't sure about the flavors or can't finish it. Not to mention, there are added costs for additional mix-ins or a waffle cone. All of a sudden, your cheeky treat turns into a $15+ expense.

I definitely think it's entertaining to make your own ice cream; it's like a science experiment. However, the Signature Creations are often a better deal since the do-it-yourself one only includes one mix-in; Signature options can have multiple for barely a $1 difference. For example, Berry Berry Berry Good uses sweet cream ice cream mixed with raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries for $10.55 for the smallest size. But if you did the Create Your Own Creation's smallest option, you're looking at $9.55 to start, then added fees for the toppings, and now it's even more expensive. 

The price of the Signature Creations may seem limiting, but if you plan to add two or more toppings, it's a better offer. Of course, the caveat is that you cannot choose the ice cream flavor or mix-ins; it's a set deal. But there are more than 25 options, so perhaps you can find something that sounds particularly enticing. If you can live with that, I think this is a great option and an easily rectifiable mistake.

If you're spending over $15 on ice cream, might I suggest getting the Mix & Go Create Your Own Creation? It comes in three sizes with various price points. I think this is a fantastic way to go if you want to get the family some sweet treats, since buying three or four separate ice creams can get pricey. If you can miraculously agree, Mix & Go Create Your Own Creation is a wonderful fit. And if not, it's perfectly acceptable to buy one for yourself to keep in the freezer for whenever you want a cold dessert. 

The number of mix-ins varies by size, but it's a terrific way to get more flavor. Even the smallest Mine pint size includes up to three toppings, while the Everybody's triple pint size includes up to six. Some say they do the largest one just because they live far away and it lasts longer in the freezer that way. If you plan ahead, these are an economical option, and it's a blunder to overlook them. The Mix & Go option is perfect if you want to create your own secret menu flavor at Cold Stone. It's fun, tasty, and a missed opportunity if you don't order one at least once.

I had Cold Stone's ice cream cakes for a couple of my birthdays growing up; I remember it being a delicious and unique way to celebrate as a kid. There are loads of ice cream cake options at this treat chain, whether you want something specifically geared to children or prefer an elegant, smaller cake. Don't worry; it's not dated with old designs. There's even a Bluey character cake, which of course did not exist three decades ago when I had it as a birthday dessert. 

If you're doing a custom cake, make sure to visit your local store to finalize the details. The cakes layer ice cream and actual cake, creating a delicious, memorable sweet. The servings vary based on the cake, as does the pricing, but it's a mistake not to consider them for your next gathering (or worse yet, forget that they exist entirely). People love these cakes, so it's worth buying, given how many options you can choose from.

Believe me, I've made the mistake of adding mix-ins to ice cream willy-nilly, especially when I was but a carefree college student. I recall standing at the counter, and I suddenly heard five mix-ins calling to me. I couldn't choose, so I said, "What the heck, let's do it," and regretted it on the first bite. Let's not even discuss the obscene cost — I've already touched on that — but instead focus on the flavors. Unless you're going for a classic flavor combination (vanilla with chocolate chips, for example), you truly have no idea how your concoction will turn out. 

The flavors and textures might not mesh. You can choose one or two ice cream flavors to start. Those two flavors might not incorporate well together — cotton candy and mint? Perhaps not. Then you have to consider the add-ins. Gummy bears mixed in with Heath bars? I don't know about that one, especially since both of those ingredients can get ultra-hard and chewy when cold. 

You have to be a bit strategic with your creations. If you want to get inventive, it might be more cost-effective to do it at home — buy a pint of ice cream from a grocery store brand and then get your own toppings. Otherwise, stick to one or two add-ins or classic tried-and-true combos at Cold Stone. 

Different Cold Stone stores have various favorites that customers like to get. This is clearly visible on the website: As you look at the menu, you'll see an entire Local Favorites section. It will show you the three most-ordered menu items and can help educate you on popular items. It can be a bit of an error not to at least consider it for your next order. 

One location might have Peanut Butter Cup Perfection as a top-ordered option, while another location has Cup & Cookie Chaos. Typically, the Create Your Own is No. 1, but it often has a Signature Creation as the second or third pick or sometimes even an ice cream cake. I find the favorites by location are pretty interesting, since they vary greatly. If you're having a difficult time deciding what to purchase, go with one of the beloved options you know locals enjoy. I think this is helpful given how many flavors there are.

I've covered the ice cream selection pretty extensively and even touched on the delicious ice cream cakes, but as those late-night infomercials say, "But wait! There's more." Cold Stone Creamery is a popular dessert and treat chain, but people often forget about the other desserts — that's a big blunder! You may spot some sorbets; they're a bit lighter and more refreshing since they are fruit-forward and dairy-free. You can expect flavors like tangerine or watermelon, but it may vary by location. 

There are also drinks like smoothies and shakes if you prefer something you can slurp. The smoothies are fruit-based, while the shakes have richer profiles like the Milk & Oreo Cookies or Cake Batter 'N Shake options. I think that the ice cream tacos (which are ideal if you want to fill the Chaco Taco void), pies, and cupcakes are stand-out options; they're fun, tasty, and eye-catching, since you don't always see them in your average grocery store. You can even get a DIY 6-Pack Ice Cream Cupcake Kit to decorate them yourself — fantastic for birthday parties or a fun family activity. Cold Stone is the perfect place to grab a chilly treat, no matter what kind you get.