Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches
Highlighted under: Sweet Treats
I absolutely adore making homemade desserts, and nothing brings me more joy than these Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches. With soft, chewy cookies and creamy ice cream tucked in between, they are a perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and I love being able to customize them with different ice cream flavors. Trust me, once you try making these at home, you'll never want to buy store-bought ones again!
When I first decided to make these Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches, I wanted to create a recipe that would remind me of my childhood summers. Each step was a delightful experience, especially when I scooped the ice cream onto those freshly baked cookies. I quickly realized that the best part was letting the sandwiches chill in the freezer for a while; this allowed the flavors to meld beautifully together.
One of my favorite tips is to make the cookie dough a day ahead and let it rest in the fridge. This enhances the flavors and gives the cookies a chewier texture. I love experimenting with different types of chocolate chips or even adding nuts to the cookies for an extra crunch!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy cookies with a touch of brown sugar
- Creamy ice cream that complements the warm cookies perfectly
- Customizable with various flavors and mix-ins
Perfecting the Cookie Texture
To achieve the ideal soft and chewy cookie for your ice cream sandwiches, it's crucial to not overmix the dough once you incorporate the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined ensures that you maintain a light texture. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies. Additionally, the balance of brown sugar to granulated sugar aids in moisture retention, giving you that chewy bite. Aim for that perfect golden brown edge with a soft center, which typically takes about 9-11 minutes in the oven.
Chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking is a great technique to enhance flavor and structure. It allows the flour to hydrate fully and helps control spread during baking. If you find yourself short on time, even a quick chill can make a significant difference. If your dough appears too sticky to handle, a light dusting of flour on your hands can ensure easy shaping without altering the dough's moisture balance.
Choosing the Right Ice Cream
The choice of ice cream is crucial for your chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches. Opt for high-quality ice creams that have a higher fat content; this will make the texture creamy and rich, balancing perfectly against the soft cookies. Whether you go for classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or refreshing mint, using a premium brand can elevate your dessert from good to exceptional. You can also consider non-dairy options like coconut or almond milk-based ice creams for dietary preferences.
If you want to get creative, you can whip up a quick homemade ice cream using a base of heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and your favorite mix-ins. This quick recipe doesn’t require an ice cream maker and can be customized with flavors like coffee, strawberry, or even cookie dough itself. Just let it freeze for about 4-6 hours before assembling your sandwiches for the best texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Ice Cream Filling
- 1 quart of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or mint)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing well.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool the Cookies
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Once the cookies are completely cool, scoop about 1/4 cup of ice cream onto the bottom of one cookie. Place a second cookie on top, pressing down gently to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
Freeze and Enjoy
Place the assembled sandwiches in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up the ice cream. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For a tasty twist, try using cookie dough ice cream or adding crushed nuts and candies to the ice cream for texture.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
These chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for parties or summer gatherings. After assembling, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to one month. For serving, pull them out of the freezer about 5-10 minutes before you plan to enjoy them. This will allow the ice cream to soften slightly, making it easier to bite into without melting everywhere.
If you're looking to keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last up to a week, but keep in mind that refrigeration can dry them out, so it's best not to refrigerate them if you're planning to enjoy them soon.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to experiment with mix-ins in your cookie dough. Adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even butterscotch chips can give your cookies an extra flavor boost. If you enjoy a little crunch, try sprinkling some sea salt on top of the assembled ice cream sandwiches for a sweet and salty flavor combination that elevates the whole dessert.
For a fun twist, consider using different sandwich shapes. Using cookie cutters, you can create themed sandwiches for holidays or special occasions. Rolling the edges of your sandwiches in mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or sprinkles can provide a decorative and tasty finish that makes these treats even more irresistible.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought cookie dough works well and saves time.
→ How can I make them dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free ice cream.
→ Can I freeze these sandwiches?
Yes! They freeze well. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.
→ What's the best way to thaw them?
Simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches
I absolutely adore making homemade desserts, and nothing brings me more joy than these Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches. With soft, chewy cookies and creamy ice cream tucked in between, they are a perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and I love being able to customize them with different ice cream flavors. Trust me, once you try making these at home, you'll never want to buy store-bought ones again!
What You'll Need
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Ice Cream Filling
- 1 quart of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or mint)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing well.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Once the cookies are completely cool, scoop about 1/4 cup of ice cream onto the bottom of one cookie. Place a second cookie on top, pressing down gently to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
Place the assembled sandwiches in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up the ice cream. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For a tasty twist, try using cookie dough ice cream or adding crushed nuts and candies to the ice cream for texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g