Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches are the ultimate treat for those who crave the perfect combination of chewy cookies and creamy ice cream. These delicious, indulgent sandwiches are a fun and refreshing dessert option that can be enjoyed year-round. With a homemade chocolate chip cookie as the base and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle, these ice cream sandwiches strike the ideal balance of flavor and texture. The cookies are soft and slightly crispy on the edges, while the ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast.

Making these ice cream sandwiches is not only easy but also a fun activity to share with family and friends. Whether it’s a hot summer day or you simply want to impress your guests at a gathering, these homemade treats are guaranteed to be a hit. And the best part? You can customize them by using different types of ice cream or adding fun toppings like sprinkles or chocolate chips to the edges. Once assembled, they can be frozen for an easy grab-and-go dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches are a sweet combination of everything you love about cookies and ice cream. The soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies are made from scratch, giving them a homemade touch that store-bought cookies simply can’t match. The addition of creamy vanilla ice cream creates the ultimate dessert experience, satisfying both cookie lovers and ice cream enthusiasts.

Not only is this dessert a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also highly customizable. You can swap out the vanilla ice cream for your favorite flavor, whether it’s chocolate, mint, or strawberry, and even add extra chocolate chips or candy bits to the cookies. These ice cream sandwiches are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to summer barbecues, and they’re easy to make ahead and store for later enjoyment. This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Semisweet chocolate chips
• Vanilla ice cream

Variations

1. Different Ice Cream Flavors: Swap the vanilla ice cream for chocolate, mint chocolate chip, or even cookies and cream for a fun twist on the classic.
2. Add-Ins to the Cookies: You can add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the cookie dough for extra crunch and flavor.
3. Different Cookie Types: For a unique spin, use oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, or even blondies instead of traditional chocolate chip cookies.
4. Coated Edges: Roll the finished ice cream sandwiches in mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts for added texture and flair.
5. Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and non-dairy ice cream to make this dessert suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This process should take about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Portion the Dough

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches

Once the cookies are fully cooled, scoop a generous amount of vanilla ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to sandwich the ice cream in between.

Step 10: Freeze the Sandwiches

Wrap each ice cream sandwich individually in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. Allow them to freeze for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Chill the Cookie Dough: If you have time, refrigerate the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
2. Scoop Even Dough: Use a cookie scoop to ensure each cookie is the same size for uniform ice cream sandwiches.
3. Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so be careful not to overbake them. A soft, chewy center is key to the perfect cookie sandwich.
4. Use Good Quality Ice Cream: Since the ice cream is a main component of the sandwich, opt for a high-quality vanilla ice cream for the best taste and texture.
5. Work Quickly with Ice Cream: Ice cream can melt quickly, so assemble the sandwiches in batches and return the unassembled sandwiches to the freezer if necessary.

How to Serve

Serve these ice cream sandwiches directly from the freezer for a cool and refreshing treat. For a fun presentation, you can drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the top or sprinkle with extra chocolate chips or nuts. These sandwiches are perfect for birthday parties, barbecues, or any occasion where a sweet and crowd-pleasing dessert is needed. You can even make them mini-sized for a bite-sized indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These ice cream sandwiches can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks, individually wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Freezing

Once assembled, wrap each ice cream sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. Let them freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm. They can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating

There is no need to reheat these ice cream sandwiches. Simply remove them from the freezer and serve immediately.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla with your favorite ice cream flavor, such as chocolate, strawberry, or mint chocolate chip.

2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these ice cream sandwiches can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks.

4. Can I use store-bought cookies?

While homemade cookies are best, you can use store-bought cookies in a pinch if you’re short on time.

5. How long do the ice cream sandwiches need to freeze?

The ice cream sandwiches should freeze for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm enough to hold their shape.

6. Can I make these with gluten-free cookies?

Yes, you can use gluten-free cookie dough in place of the regular dough to make these ice cream sandwiches gluten-free.

7. How do I prevent the ice cream from melting while assembling?

Work quickly when assembling the sandwiches, and return the unassembled sandwiches to the freezer if needed.

8. Can I add mix-ins to the ice cream?

Yes, you can mix in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or sprinkles to the ice cream before assembling the sandwiches.

9. How do I store the leftover sandwiches?

Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks.

10. Can I use other cookie types?

Absolutely! You can use oatmeal, peanut butter, or even sugar cookies in place of chocolate chip cookies.

Conclusion

Chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches are a delicious and fun way to enjoy two beloved treats in one. With soft, chewy cookies and smooth, creamy ice cream, they are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. This recipe is easy to customize and perfect for any occasion, from casual summer parties to special celebrations. Prepare them ahead of time, and you’ll always have a sweet, frozen treat ready to serve when you need it. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or share them with friends and family, these ice cream sandwiches are sure to be a hit!

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