Ice cream cookie dough sandwiches…the name alone evokes a feeling of pure joy, doesn’t it? It’s the perfect marriage of chewy, chocolate chip cookie dough and cool, creamy ice cream – a classic treat that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and transport you back to childhood. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you can whip up a batch of these delightful ice cream cookie dough sandwiches right in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a hot summer day or you’re simply craving a delicious dessert, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Gathering Your Ice Cream Sandwich Ingredients
The key to a perfect ice cream cookie dough sandwich lies in the quality of your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
For the Ice Cream:
- 1.5 quarts of your favorite ice cream, softened (Vanilla bean, chocolate, or even strawberry work wonderfully!)
Optional Extras:
- Sprinkles (because, why not?)
- Chocolate sauce for drizzling
Tools of the Trade
Before we embark on our ice cream sandwich adventure, let’s gather our kitchen essentials:
- 2 baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Ice cream scoop
Let’s Get Down to Business: Making Your Ice Cream Sandwiches
1. Creating the Cookie Dough Base
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Beat in the vanilla extract until it’s well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula.
2. Baking the Cookie Dough
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Scoop the Dough: Scoop heaping tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before moving on to the next step.
3. Assembling Your Masterpieces
- Soften the Ice Cream: Let your chosen ice cream soften slightly at room temperature. You want it scoopable but not melting.
- Build Your Sandwiches: Place half of the cooled cookies bottom-side up. Scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto each cookie. Top with the remaining cookies, pressing down gently to create a sandwich.
- Freeze for Later: For best results, freeze the assembled ice cream sandwiches for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help them firm up and prevent messy drips.
Tips for Ice Cream Cookie Dough Sandwich Success
- Room Temperature Butter is Key: Using softened butter is crucial for achieving that perfectly chewy cookie dough texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough: If your cookie dough feels too soft to handle, cover and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Get Creative with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ice cream flavors and mix-ins!
Presentation is Everything
While these ice cream cookie dough sandwiches are already incredibly delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to elevate their presentation:
- Roll the Edges in Sprinkles: While the ice cream is still soft, roll the edges of the sandwiches in your favorite sprinkles for an extra pop of color and crunch.
- Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: A simple drizzle of chocolate sauce can add a touch of elegance and decadence.
- Serve with Fresh Berries: For a refreshing twist, serve your ice cream sandwiches alongside a bowl of fresh berries.
