Cold Stone Creamery is a chain that mixes ice cream on a frozen stone in front of you

Cold Stone Creamery operates as a franchise ice cream shop where employees blend your chosen ice cream flavor with mix-ins on a sub-zero granite stone. You pick a base ice cream flavor, choose mix-ins from a menu (candy, fruit, cookies, nuts, brownie pieces), and watch the staff member use two metal spatulas to fold everything together on the cold stone until it reaches the texture you want. The whole process takes about two to three minutes from order to cone or cup.

The chain started in 1988 in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has grown to over 1,000 locations worldwide, with most in the United States. Each location is independently owned and operated as a franchise, so menu items, pricing, and hours vary by store. You can find Cold Stone Creamery locations in shopping centers, malls, and standalone storefronts in most U.S. states.

Key Takeaways

  • Cold Stone Creamery charges more than standard ice cream shops because you pay for the custom mixing service and the mix-in ingredients you choose.
  • You select both a base flavor and mix-ins separately, so the final price depends on how many add-ons you pick and which size you order.
  • The stone-mixing process is the defining feature — it's not faster than a regular scoop shop, but it creates a different texture and blends flavors throughout.
  • Most locations also sell packaged ice cream by the pint, ice cream cakes, and smoothies alongside the made-to-order stone-mixed options.

How pricing works at Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery prices are higher than chain competitors like Dairy Queen or local ice cream shops because you're paying for labor (the mixing process) plus the cost of mix-in ingredients. A small cup of ice cream mixed with one or two mix-ins typically costs between $6 and $9, depending on your location and which mix-ins you choose. A large size with multiple mix-ins can reach $12 to $15.

The base ice cream flavor itself has a set price for each size. Mix-ins are usually charged per item or grouped into price tiers — for example, candy pieces might cost less than brownie chunks or fresh fruit. Some locations offer combo deals that bundle a small ice cream with a drink or waffle cone at a discount. Prices vary significantly by franchise location, so two Cold Stone Creamery shops in different cities may charge different amounts for the same order.

What mix-ins are available and how to choose

Cold Stone Creamery displays mix-in options in refrigerated cases and on menu boards. Common categories include candy (M&Ms, Reese's pieces, gummy bears), cookies and brownies (crushed Oreos, brownie chunks, cookie dough), nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas), and sauces (caramel, chocolate, peanut butter). Some locations rotate seasonal or limited-time mix-ins.

You can choose as many or as few mix-ins as you want, though each one adds to the final price. The staff member will ask how many mix-ins you'd like before they start mixing, or you can point to items in the case. If you're unsure what combinations work well, staff can suggest popular pairings — for example, vanilla ice cream with brownie chunks and caramel sauce, or chocolate ice cream with crushed Oreos and peanut butter sauce.

The difference between stone-mixed and regular ice cream

The frozen granite stone creates a colder, denser texture than a standard ice cream scoop because the stone is kept at a much lower temperature than a freezer case. As the staff member mixes your ice cream and mix-ins on the stone, the cold surface breaks down the ice cream slightly and incorporates the add-ons more thoroughly than stirring alone would. This results in a smoother, more uniform blend where the flavors are distributed throughout rather than sitting in pockets.

The process is not faster than ordering from a regular ice cream counter — it takes longer because of the mixing step. However, the texture and flavor integration are noticeably different. Some people prefer the stone-mixed result; others find the difference minor enough not to justify the higher price. This is largely a matter of personal preference and whether you value the novelty and customization of the experience.

Other products Cold Stone Creamery sells beyond stone-mixed ice cream

Most Cold Stone Creamery locations sell pint-sized containers of their ice cream flavors to take home, similar to Ben & Jerry's or Häagen-Dazs. These are pre-made and not mixed on the stone. Many franchises also offer ice cream cakes for birthdays and events, which can be ordered ahead and customized with mix-ins or toppings.

Smoothies are another common menu item — blended drinks made with ice cream, fruit, and yogurt. Some locations sell waffle cones, waffle bowls, or brownie bowls as serving vessels. A few franchises have added items like frozen yogurt or sorbet, though these vary by location. Check your local Cold Stone Creamery's menu online or by phone to see what's available beyond the signature stone-mixed ice cream.

How to order and what to expect in-store

When you enter a Cold Stone Creamery, you'll see the ice cream flavors displayed in a case and mix-in options in separate refrigerated sections or on shelves. You approach the counter and tell the staff member your size (small, medium, large) and base ice cream flavor. They'll ask how many mix-ins you want, and you either point to items in the case or name them from the menu board.

The staff member will scoop your ice cream onto the cold stone and begin mixing with two metal spatulas, folding in your mix-ins as you watch. You can ask them to mix longer if you want the ingredients more thoroughly combined, or stop sooner if you prefer a chunkier texture. Once they're done, they'll place the ice cream in a cup or cone and hand it to you. Payment happens at the register, either before or after the mixing depending on the location's setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Cold Stone Creamery ice cream cake for a party?

Yes, most locations sell ice cream cakes that can be ordered ahead. You typically need to order at least a day or two in advance. Call your local franchise or check their website to see cake sizes, flavors, and customization options available. Pricing depends on size and mix-ins, usually ranging from $25 to $60.

What if I don't like my mix-in choices after they start mixing?

Tell the staff member before they finish — they can stop and adjust. Once the ice cream is in your cup or cone and you've paid, most locations won't remake it. It's fine to ask questions about mix-in combinations before ordering if you're unsure what you want.

Do Cold Stone Creamery locations have dairy-free or vegan options?

Some franchises offer non-dairy ice cream bases, but availability varies widely by location. Call ahead or check the website for your nearest store to confirm whether they stock vegan ice cream. Mix-ins are usually dairy-free, but sauces and toppings may contain dairy.

Is Cold Stone Creamery more expensive than other ice cream chains?

Yes, Cold Stone Creamery typically costs more than Dairy Queen, McDonald's, or local ice cream shops because you're paying for the custom mixing service and individual mix-in ingredients. A small stone-mixed ice cream usually costs $2 to $4 more than a comparable scoop from a standard ice cream counter.

Can I order Cold Stone Creamery online or through delivery apps?

Many franchises accept orders through their website or third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, though the stone-mixed ice cream may melt during delivery. Some locations recommend ordering pints or cakes for delivery instead. Check your local store's website to see which ordering methods they support.