Choose a cone when you want a crisp edible vessel and a showy presentation, and choose a cup when you want more toppings, easier portion control, or a dessert to go. We explain the differences, what to expect from each option at our shop, and how to pick what works best for your group or event.
What we mean by cone and cup choices
When customers ask about cone and cup choices they are deciding three things at once: the edible or disposable vessel, the portion size, and how toppings and mix ins will be served. Cones add texture and make the ice cream part of the experience. Cups simplify eating and let us layer more toppings and swirls without melting over a cone.
Common cone types we serve
- Waffle cone. Crispy and aromatic, holds chunky mix ins and larger scoops for a showy presentation.
- Sugar cone. Crunchy and slightly sweet, a good middle ground for texture and strength.
- Plain wafer cone. Light and crisp, a simple option for kids and small servings.
- Dipped cone. Waffle or sugar cones dipped in chocolate or other coatings for extra flavor.
Cup options and materials
Cups at our shop come in several portion sizes and are sturdy enough for sundaes, shakes served in takeout cups, and layered desserts. We use disposable cups for takeout and biodegradable options when requested for events.
Why cone or cup choice matters in Bluffdale
Choice affects your visit in practical ways and in how your guests experience dessert. Weather, travel time, age of guests, and whether you are pairing ice cream with a cake or taking dessert to a party all change what works best.
- Heat and travel. On warm days or when you need to drive, a cup holds up better for takeout and catering.
- Kids and ease of eating. Cups reduce spills and are easier for younger children to handle.
- Presentation for celebrations. Cones look festive for walk up treats and birthday photos at our colonial style shop with costumed staff.
- Pairing with cakes. When picking up a cake for a party we often recommend cups if you plan to serve scoops alongside the cake away from the shop.
Pick the vessel that matches the occasion. For family outings and photo moments choose a cone. For party deliveries, larger groups, or messy toppings choose a cup.
Key concepts to consider
- Texture and richness. Chunky mix ins and swirls can weigh down thin cones, so match bold flavors with sturdy waffle or dipped cones, or serve in a cup. See our topic on Texture And Richness for more on pairing textures.
- Portion and scoop sizes. If you need precise portions for a group order pick cup sizes or consult our Scoop Sizes page to plan quantities.
- Toppings and build complexity. Sundae toppings, hot sauces, and extra swirls stack better in cups. See Sundae Toppings for popular combinations.
- Dietary needs. Cups are the usual choice for dairy free options when layering non dairy bases, and our Dairy Free Options topic explains substitutions.
Quick decision checklist
- Are you staying in the shop and taking photos Yes choose a cone.
- Are you serving a group or transporting desserts Yes choose cups for stability.
- Do you want extra toppings and sauces Yes choose a cup.
- Is the flavor heavy with mix ins Yes choose a sturdy cone or a cup.
| Attribute | Cone | Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | High visual appeal | Functional, easy to layer |
| Stability for toppings | Medium, depends on cone type | High, ideal for sundaes |
| Takeout friendliness | Lower | Higher |
| Best for kids | Depends on age | Generally better |
Common questions and quick answers
- Will waffle cones hold chunky mix ins. Yes, waffle cones are best for dense mix ins and larger scoops.
- Do cups melt faster than cones. No, cups contain melted ice cream more reliably and reduce dripping.
- Can I get a dipped cone year round. Yes, we offer dipped cones that add a crisp shell for extra flavor.
- Which is more eco friendly. We offer biodegradable cup options and compostable cones on request for events.
Pro tip: For parties order a mix of cups and cones so guests can choose, and consult our cake pickup guidance when coordinating desserts for the same event.
Related services we provide
We serve families and groups at the shop and support parties and events with custom cakes and large dessert orders. When choosing cones or cups you might also consider these services.
- Ice Cream, including our chunky, swirly flavors served by the scoop or as sundaes.
- Sundaes, which often perform better in cups for layered toppings.
- Milkshakes, served in sturdy cups designed for transport when needed.
- Cakes, our custom cakes pair with scooped ice cream and we recommend cup options when cake and scoops travel together.
Related locations and where customers come from
Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream proudly serves Bluffdale and nearby communities including Draper, Sandy, Riverton, South Jordan, Herriman, Lehi and Salt Lake City. Many guests choose cones for a walk up treat at our colonial style shop, and choose cups when they pick up desserts for parties or planned gatherings around the valley.
For details about our location and other places we serve see our Locations hub.
Helpful resources and deeper reads
- Ice Cream Flavors, on matching vessel to flavor intensity.
- Scoop Sizes, to plan how many servings you need for a party.
- Cake Pickup Tips, when combining cakes and scooped desserts for events.
- Build Your Own Sundae, if you want to plan a create your own station with cups.
Key takeaway
Cones add crunch and visual fun, cups add stability and flexibility. Match the vessel to the occasion, the flavor intensity, and how the dessert will travel. If you are planning a party or cake pickup we can advise on the best mix for your group.
Frequently asked questions
Which cone holds the most ice cream.
Waffle cones hold the most because of their shape and sturdier texture. Dipped waffle cones offer added strength for heavy mix ins.
Are cups better for large groups.
Yes, cups are easier to portion, easier to transport, and better for layered sundaes with multiple toppings.
Can I get dairy free ice cream in a cone.
Yes, dairy free bases can be served in cones. For parties we often recommend cups to reduce cross contamination risk when guests have varied dietary needs. See our Dairy Free Options page for details.
Do you offer compostable cups.
We offer biodegradable and compostable cup options for events on request. Ask our team when you place a party order.
What should I order for a birthday with kids.
For younger kids choose cups to reduce spills. Offer a mix of plain wafer cones and small cups so everyone can pick what they like. Our Sundae Party Ideas page has suggestions for kid friendly setups.
How do cone choices affect cake pickups.
If you are picking up a custom cake for a party and bringing scoops for guests we usually recommend cups for the scoops to simplify serving and to avoid cone breakage during transport. See Cake Pickup Tips for coordination notes.
Find us and learn more
Read customer reviews and get directions on our Google Business Profile, and explore related pages on our site to plan your dessert for any occasion.