Making homemade ice cream sandwich cookies is a fun and delicious treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create the best ice cream sandwich cookies at home.
Ingredients for Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies
For the Cookies:
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup packed brown sugar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for added texture)
For the Ice Cream:
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1 quart of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or any flavor you prefer)
Additional Toppings (optional):
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Sprinkles
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Mini chocolate chips
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Crushed nuts (like peanuts, almonds, or pistachios)
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Shredded coconut
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup much easier.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
2. Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each ball. You can slightly flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon to encourage an even baking process.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they appear set and a bit firm around the edges. They may look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before handling.
3. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Once the cookies are fully cooled, it’s time to assemble your ice cream sandwiches. Choose your ice cream flavor and let it sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to spread between the cookies.
Turn one cookie upside down, place a scoop of softened ice cream on top, and gently press another cookie onto the ice cream to form a sandwich. If the ice cream oozes out, simply use a spatula to clean up the edges.
4. Roll and Freeze
For an extra special touch, roll the edges of the ice cream sandwich in toppings like mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts. This step is optional but adds an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Once all sandwiches are assembled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours or until the ice cream is firm. This step is crucial for making sure the sandwiches hold together well when you serve them.
5. Serve and Enjoy
After the ice cream has fully frozen and the cookies are firm, your homemade ice cream sandwich cookies are ready to serve. Take them out of the freezer and enjoy them immediately, or keep them stored in the freezer for later indulgence.
Tips for the Perfect Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies
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Cookie Size: Ensure that the cookies are uniform in size so that each sandwich has equal amounts of ice cream. Use a cookie scoop for consistent results.
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Ice Cream Flavor: Feel free to get creative with your ice cream flavors. You can mix and match or even use different ice cream for each sandwich to add variety.
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Cookie Texture: If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by a minute or two.
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Soften the Ice Cream: Let your ice cream soften a bit before assembling the sandwiches. This will help you get an even spread without cracking the cookies.
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Freeze for Best Results: Freezing the sandwiches ensures that the ice cream doesn’t melt too quickly when you serve them, keeping the texture just right.
Variations and Flavor Combinations
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Classic Vanilla and Chocolate Chip: Use vanilla ice cream and chocolate chip cookies for a nostalgic and simple treat.
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Mint Chocolate Chip Delight: Pair mint chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate cookies for a refreshing twist.
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Fruit Fusion: Use fruit-flavored ice creams, such as strawberry or mango, paired with sugar or lemon cookies for a tangy treat.
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Nutty Cravings: Add crushed nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the dough for an extra crunchy texture, or roll the sandwiches in nuts for a gourmet touch.
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S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches: Incorporate marshmallow ice cream and graham cracker cookies to create a campfire-inspired flavor.
Why Homemade Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies Are Better
Making ice cream sandwich cookies at home not only allows you to customize them to your taste, but it also guarantees a fresher, more delicious dessert. Store-bought ice cream sandwiches often contain preservatives and artificial flavors, while homemade versions are free from unnecessary additives. Plus, you can use premium ice cream flavors and combine them with freshly baked, warm cookies for an unbeatable combination.
Whether you’re preparing these treats for a party, a family gathering, or a quiet night in, homemade ice cream sandwich cookies are always a hit. By following this simple recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy the best ice cream sandwiches with perfectly baked cookies and your favorite ice cream flavors.