Cookout Ice Cream menu: Flavours, Prices, and Secrets

Whether you are a North Carolina local or a first-timer on a road trip, navigating the Cook Out “Fancy Milkshakes” and frozen treats menu is an art form. With over 40 base flavours and endless customization, here is everything you need to know about the best dessert value in the South.

Cook Out doesn’t serve traditional “scooped” ice cream. Instead, they specialize in Double-Thick Fancy Milkshakes and soft-serve treats. Many fans searching for authentic Cook Out ice cream are surprised to find a menu focused entirely on these ultra-dense shakes.

  • The Spoon Test: These shakes are so thick you physically cannot use a straw for the first 10 minutes.
  • The Tray Swap: For about $1.00, you can swap your drink in a “Cook Out Tray” for a premium milkshake.
  • Real Ingredients: They use actual slices of cheesecake, fresh-cut bananas, and real fruit—not just flavored syrups.

CLASSIC COOKOUT ICE-CREAM MENU SCOOPS

butter pecan

$3.99 | 35 oz

Chocolate cone

$3.99 | 35 oz

vanilla

$3.99 | 35 oz

mint chocolate chip

$3.99 | 35 oz

strawberry cone

$3.99 | 35 oz

cookie and cream

$3.99 | 35 oz

While the signs may say “Milkshakes,” the base is high-quality Cook Out ice cream mix. You can mix and match any of these toppings into a single cup at no extra charge.

CategoryTop FlavorsPro Tip
The ClassicsVanilla, Hershey’s Chocolate, StrawberryThe Strawberry uses real fruit chunks.
Cookie & CandyOreo, Reese’s Cup, Heath Toffee, M&MAsk for “Double Oreo” for a thicker crunch.
Southern ComfortBanana Pudding, Peach CobblerBanana Pudding features real Nilla Wafers.
CheesecakeStrawberry, Caramel, Choc. ChipThey blend a literal slice of cheesecake into the cup.
Nutty & RichPeanut Butter Fudge, Walnut, MaltPeanut Butter Fudge is the richest option on the menu.

If you aren’t in the mood for a shake, the chain offers “solid” dessert options. To get a classic sundae experience, you have to know how to navigate the Cookout ice cream customizations.

You can order a firm, cold slice of cheesecake plain or topped with any milkshake ingredient (Caramel, Fudge, or Fruit).

Made with vanilla soft-serve and your choice of soda.

  • The Legend: The Cheerwine Float (using the iconic NC wild cherry soda).

While Cook Out does not have ice cream cones, you can get a cup of their premium vanilla soft-serve.

PRO TIP: Order a Soft Serve Cup and ask for “Toppings on top” (not blended) to create a DIY custom sundae using the standard Cook Out ice cream base.


Because the brand uses fresh ingredients, some of the most famous Cook Out ice cream flavors are only available for a few weeks a year.

  • July – August: Fresh Watermelon. Hand-cut chunks of actual watermelon. It is their most famous seasonal drop.
  • September – November: Pumpkin Pie. Contains actual pieces of pumpkin pie (crust included) blended in.
  • December: Fresh Eggnog and Peppermint Chip. The ultimate holiday comfort treats.

Since you can mix any flavors, try these fan-favorite “Hacks” to experience the full potential of Cook Out ice cream:

  1. The “Birthday Cake”: Oreo + Cheesecake + Strawberry.
  2. The “Reese’s Extreme”: Reese’s Cup + Chocolate Malt + Peanut Butter.
  3. The “Walk in the Woods”: Chocolate + Walnut + Banana.
  4. The “Minty Oreo”: Oreo + Mint (The “Grasshopper”).
  5. The “Turtle”: Caramel + Walnut + Chocolate Chip.

  1. Does Cook Out have ice cream cones?

No. Due to the thickness of their soft-serve and the complexity of their mix-ins, they only serve treats in cups with spoons.

  1. How many calories are in a Cook Out milkshake?

Most shakes range from 550 to 950+ calories, depending on the mix-ins. Cheesecake and Peanut Butter flavours sit at the higher end.

  1. Can I mix more than two flavors?

Yes! Most locations allow you to mix 2, 3, or even 4 flavours. Just be mindful that the more you add, the thinner the consistency might become.