Craving a delightful treat that combines your love for both cookies and ice cream? Chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches are the perfect indulgence to cool you down on a hot day or to serve at your next party. Not only are these frozen treats universally loved, but they also offer a fun and creative way to enjoy a classic dessert duo. This article will guide you through making homemade chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches, ensuring you achieve that irresistible combination of chewy cookies and creamy ice cream.
Ingredients Needed:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet and/or milk chocolate chips
- Ice Cream
- About 1 quart of your favorite ice cream flavor (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, etc.)
Equipment:
- Baking sheets
- Ice cream scoop
- Mixer (stand or handheld)
- Wax paper or plastic wrap
Directions:
- Prepare the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.
- In a larger bowl, combine the butter with both sugars; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Reduce speed to low and add the salt, vanilla, and eggs. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute.
- Add the flour mixture gradually until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough about 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake until cookies are golden around the edges, but still soft in the center, about 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven, and let cool on baking sheet 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Let your ice cream soften slightly so it’s easy to scoop.
- Place one scoop of ice cream between two cookies. Press cookies lightly to distribute the ice cream evenly.
- If desired, roll the edges of the ice cream in mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts for an extra touch.
- Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, and freeze until firm, at least 1 hour.
- Serving and Storage:
- Serve the sandwiches immediately after removing from the freezer to ensure they are firm yet slightly softened for easy eating.
- If storing, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or wax paper and keep them in the freezer inside an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 1 month.
Tips for the Perfect Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich:
- Cookie Consistency: Make sure your cookies are chewy rather than crispy. Chewy cookies tend to freeze better and make eating the ice cream sandwich easier.
- Cookie Size: Keep your cookies uniform in size so each sandwich is even.
- Ice Cream Variations: Experiment with different ice cream flavors or even combine two different flavors in one sandwich for a unique twist.
Conclusion
Chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches are a fantastic treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or simply a special treat for yourself, these ice cream sandwiches offer a delightful escape into a world of chocolatey, creamy goodness. Enjoy crafting your homemade delicacies and watch them disappear before your eyes!
Serving and Storage Tips for Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Making chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches is not just about crafting a delicious treat; it’s also about ensuring they remain in perfect condition until they’re ready to be enjoyed. Here are some essential tips on serving and storing these delightful desserts to maintain their quality and flavor.
Serving Tips:
- Timing is Key: Ice cream sandwiches are best served immediately after they come out of the freezer. This way, the ice cream is firm enough to not ooze out, but the cookies have had a moment to thaw slightly, making them easier to bite into.
- Pre-Cut Options: For parties or gatherings, consider pre-cutting the sandwiches. Use a sharp knife to halve or quarter them while they are still firm. This makes them easier to handle, especially for children, and adds a touch of elegance to your presentation.
- Serve Cold: Always serve your ice cream sandwiches directly from the freezer. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature for too long to prevent the ice cream from melting and the cookies from becoming too soft.
- Accompaniments: Offer a variety of toppings and side treats such as syrups, sprinkles, or whipped cream that guests can use to customize their ice cream sandwich experience.
Storage Tips:
- Wrap Individually: After assembling the sandwiches and initially freezing them until solid, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their shape, prevents freezer burn, and keeps the flavors intact.
- Airtight Containers: For added protection, place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container. This double layer of protection is especially helpful if you’re storing them for more than a few days.
- Keep Them Cold: Ensure your freezer is at the correct temperature, ideally at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. This keeps the ice cream sandwiches perfectly frozen and ready to serve at any time.
- Label and Date: If you’re making multiple batches or different flavors, label each package with the type and the date they were made. This helps you keep track of freshness and enjoy them at their best.
- Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage: While chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches can be stored in the freezer for up to a month without losing much of their quality, they are best enjoyed within the first week or two. The longer they are stored, the more likely they are to develop ice crystals and experience changes in texture.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches are always as enjoyable as when they were first made. Whether you’re preparing them for a special event or as a cool treat to enjoy on a warm day, these tips will help keep your sandwiches delicious and delightful.
FAQ 1: Can I use store-bought cookies instead of homemade?
Answer: Yes, you can definitely use store-bought chocolate chip cookies to make ice cream sandwiches. Choose cookies that are chewy rather than crispy to ensure they don’t become too hard when frozen. Also, make sure the cookies are roughly the same size for consistent sandwiches.
FAQ 2: How do I prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly when serving?
Answer: To keep the ice cream from melting too quickly, ensure the sandwiches are very cold before serving. Keep them in the freezer until just before you’re ready to serve. Additionally, you can pre-cut the sandwiches while they’re still hard from the freezer, which helps maintain their shape and prevents them from getting messy as they begin to thaw.
FAQ 3: What are some creative flavor combinations for cookie ice cream sandwiches?
Answer: The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavor combinations for your ice cream sandwiches. Some popular ideas include:
- Mint chocolate chip ice cream with double chocolate cookies
- Strawberry ice cream with white chocolate chip cookies
- Coffee ice cream with chocolate chip oatmeal cookies
- Peanut butter ice cream with chocolate chocolate chip cookies
Feel free to experiment with seasonal ice cream flavors and different types of cookies to find your favorite mix.
FAQ 4: How do I make my ice cream sandwiches look as good as they taste?
Answer: For aesthetically pleasing ice cream sandwiches, ensure your cookies are uniform in size and neatly rounded. Use an ice cream scoop to get a perfect circle of ice cream, and press down slightly to spread. For an extra touch, roll the edges of the ice cream in toppings like mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or colorful sprinkles. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also introduces a variety of textures.