Dairyhäus Partners with Golden Apple Foundation to Launch New Cookie Butter Ice Cream Honoring Local Teachers

Dairyhäus owner Brent Murray introduced a new fall flavor with a purpose: Cookie Butter by Golden Apple Foundation, created to celebrate and support exceptional educators across the Stateline.

The collaboration was inspired by former Dairyhäus employee Allie Rhyner, who received the prestigious Golden Apple Award in 2025. Rhyner, a Dairyhäus alum from 2011 to 2015, left a lasting mark on the shop before pursuing her education career.

“Allie… really put the stamp on the shop,” Murray said. “She came in as a young person, learned to work at the Dairyhäus, made waffle cones, scooped for customers, and by the end she was making ice cream with us, too.”

Rhyner now works at Donald C. Parker Center, supporting students in development education. When she earned the Golden Apple Award, Murray said it felt natural to celebrate her achievement — and the teachers who follow — with a special flavor.

A Flavor Inspired by a Former Employee

Although “Golden Apple” might suggest an apple‑based ice cream, Rhyner had another idea.

“I reached out to Allie and said, ‘What ice cream should we make for you?’” Murray recalled. “She said she’s always been a fan of cookie butter.”

Murray and his team experimented with ingredients, invited Rhyner back into the kitchen for tastings, and eventually perfected a rich speculoos‑based ice cream. The collaboration brought Rhyner full circle, returning to the shop where she once learned to dip cones and craft batches.

“We nailed the flavor,” Murray said. “It was a lot of fun to get her back in the kitchen.”

Check out the full interview with Dairyhaus owner Brent Murray below.

Strong Community Response

The new flavor debuted Wednesday evening during a 5–7 p.m. event at Dairyhäus, where visitors met Golden Apple representatives and nominated their favorite teachers. Murray said the online response was immediate.

“The initial drop was huge,” he said. “People replying back… ‘What’s that flavor going to be?’ and ‘When is it available?’”

A portion of every scoop or pint sold — whether purchased at Dairyhäus or at local retailers including Schnucks, Woodman’s, Main Street Meats, and other pop‑up partners — will be donated directly to the Golden Apple Foundation.

Open Through Halloween — and All Winter

Dairyhäus will maintain its regular hours through October 31, fulfilling Murray’s long‑held dream of running an ice cream shop on Halloween. Winter hours begin November 1, with the shop open daily from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Murray said year‑round grocery store sales have allowed him to retain a dedicated adult staff, strengthening the shop’s operations beyond the seasonal model.

How Long Will the Flavor Last?

Murray expects Cookie Butter by Golden Apple Foundation to remain available for several weeks.

“As an ice cream connoisseur, it’s a really, really good ice cream,” he said. “To knock it off our menu immediately would be a silly move.”

More Community Collaborations Ahead

This isn’t Dairyhäus’s first partnership. Earlier this summer, the shop created Rock Yard Lavender Blueberry for Go Rockford’s Rock Yard Festival, featuring a handmade white‑chocolate stracciatella technique.

Murray said collaborations like these highlight organizations making a difference.

“To get to celebrate that with ice cream is crazy,” he said.

A Sweet Reflection of Community Spirit

Murray credits his team — and the community — for the shop’s continued success.

“You bring good vibes, and then you get good vibes sent back to you,” he said. “It’s absolutely wonderful that I get to do this career.”

The Golden Apple flavor is now available at Dairyhäus and participating retailers across the Stateline.