Are you ready to treat yourself? Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches are a dream come true! With soft cookies and creamy ice cream, they bring pure joy in every bite. This delightful dessert is easy to make right at home. In this post, I’ll guide you through the ingredients, steps, and tips to create the ultimate sandwich. Let’s dive into the sweet world of cookie dough ice cream sandwiches together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of cookie dough and ice cream creates an indulgent treat that satisfies every sweet tooth.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the ice cream flavor or add different mix-ins to the cookie dough for a unique twist.
- Fun to Make: This recipe is perfect for family bonding, allowing everyone to join in on the fun of assembling their own sandwiches.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy winter night, these sandwiches are a delightful dessert for any gathering.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these cookie dough ice cream sandwiches:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
– 1 cup mini chocolate chips
– 2 cups vanilla ice cream (or your preferred flavor)
– Sea salt flakes (optional)
These ingredients create a rich cookie dough with a sweet, creamy filling. The butter gives a nice texture, while the sugars add sweetness. Using room-temperature eggs helps the dough blend smoothly. The flour and baking soda are key to the cookies’ soft and chewy nature. Mini chocolate chips add delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite. You can choose any ice cream flavor you love for the filling. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt gives a nice contrast to the sweet ice cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pre-baking Preparation
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This step keeps cookies from sticking.
Mixing the Dough
– Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Use a mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.
– Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract. Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
Baking the Cookies
– Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together.
– Add dry mixture to wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
– Fold in chocolate chips gently. Ensure they are evenly spread through the dough.
– Scoop dough onto sheets. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop, leaving space for spreading.
– Bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. Cookies should remain soft in the center.
Assembling the Sandwiches
– Cool cookies completely. Let them sit on wire racks for even cooling.
– Assemble using ice cream. Place a scoop of ice cream on one cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down.
– Optionally sprinkle with sea salt. This adds a delightful flavor.
– Freeze assembled sandwiches for 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cookie Dough
To make the best cookie dough, start with room temperature ingredients. This helps the butter cream well with the sugars. Room temperature eggs also mix better, giving you a smooth dough.
Avoid overmixing the dough. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough. You want a soft, chewy texture.
Customizing Your Ice Cream Sandwiches
You can switch up the cookie types for fun! Try peanut butter cookies or oatmeal cookies instead. Each type adds a new twist to your sandwich.
For ice cream flavors, the sky’s the limit. Vanilla is classic, but you can use chocolate, mint, or even fruity flavors. Each choice brings a unique taste to your dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your ice cream sandwiches on colorful plates. This adds a fun touch to your dessert. You can drizzle chocolate syrup or sprinkle extra chocolate chips around the plate for a nice finish.
Consider adding toppings too. Crushed cookies or nuts can add crunch. A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the sweet flavors and give a gourmet touch. Enjoy your creative dessert!
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
- Use Quality Ice Cream: Choose high-quality ice cream for the best flavor and texture in your sandwiches. Experiment with unique flavors to elevate your dessert.
- Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a personalized touch.
- Serve Fresh: For the best experience, serve the ice cream sandwiches immediately after assembly. If making ahead, store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Variations
Alternative Cookie Recipes
You can switch up your cookie base for fun. Here are two great choices:
– Peanut butter cookies: Use creamy peanut butter instead of butter. It adds a rich, nutty flavor.
– Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies: Mix oats with chocolate chips. This gives a chewy texture and a heartier bite.
Both options make tasty ice cream sandwiches. They offer unique flavors that stand out.
Ice Cream Flavor Ideas
The ice cream you choose can change everything. Explore these flavors for variety:
– Mint chocolate chip: This adds a refreshing twist. The mint cools your mouth while the chocolate satisfies.
– Cookies and cream: This classic flavor blends cookie bits in creamy vanilla. It pairs well with any cookie.
– Strawberry or fruit sorbets: These fruity options bring a light feel. They contrast nicely with rich cookies.
Mix and match to find your favorite combo!
Healthier Options
Want a guilt-free treat? Try these healthier alternatives:
– Gluten-free cookie dough: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the fun.
– Dairy-free ice cream alternatives: Choose almond or coconut milk ice cream. These options are creamy without the dairy.
These choices let you enjoy your ice cream sandwich while sticking to your dietary needs.
Storage Info
Storing Ice Cream Sandwiches
To keep your ice cream sandwiches fresh, freeze them right after making. Place each sandwich in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra protection. This helps prevent freezer burn. For best taste, enjoy your sandwiches within one month. They will stay good in the freezer for up to three months.
Defrosting Instructions
When you’re ready to eat, take a sandwich from the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the ice cream soften a bit. If you want a quicker method, you can microwave it for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to melt the ice cream too much. Enjoy your cookie dough ice cream sandwich once it’s soft enough to bite into!
FAQs
How do I make cookie dough ice cream sandwiches from scratch?
To make cookie dough ice cream sandwiches, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking.
2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat until creamy.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly add to the wet mix.
5. Fold in chocolate chips: Gently mix in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
6. Scoop the dough: Use a scoop to drop dough balls onto your baking sheets, spacing them apart.
7. Bake the cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are soft. Let them cool.
8. Assemble the sandwiches: Once cool, put a scoop of ice cream on one cookie, then top with another cookie. Press gently.
9. Freeze the sandwiches: Place the sandwiches on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought cookie dough.
Pros:
– Saves time and effort.
– Consistent results each time.
Cons:
– May lack the same flavor as homemade dough.
– Limited customization options for flavors or mix-ins.
How long do homemade ice cream sandwiches last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream sandwiches last about 2-3 weeks in the freezer. For best results, wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents freezer burn.
Can I make these sandwiches in advance?
Yes, you can make these sandwiches in advance. To prepare ahead of time:
– Bake the cookies and let them cool.
– Assemble the sandwiches and freeze them.
– You can store them for up to 3 weeks, making them perfect for parties or quick treats.
Making ice cream sandwiches is fun and easy. We covered the key steps, from gathering ingredients to baking cookies. I shared tips to make your dough perfect and ideas for tasty variations. Remember that using fresh ingredients and careful baking leads to great results. Store your sandwiches well for tasty treats later. Whether you’re a novice or expert, enjoy creating delicious desserts your friends and family will lov
