Ultimate Homemade Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Your Essential Summer Dessert
There’s nothing quite like the blissful combination of soft, chewy chocolate cookies embracing a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream to define the perfect summertime treat. These homemade chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches are not just a dessert; they’re an experience, a nostalgic journey back to simpler days, and an absolute must-have for beating the heat in the most delicious way possible. The rich cocoa flavor of the cookies perfectly complements the cool, sweet vanilla, creating a symphony of taste and texture that is utterly irresistible. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a casual family gathering, or simply seeking a personal moment of cool indulgence, these delightful sandwiches are the ideal solution.
Embracing the Summer Heat with Delicious Frozen Delights
As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to soar, especially in places like Moab where summer truly brings the heat, our thoughts inevitably turn to ways to stay cool and refreshed. For many, that means one thing: ice cream. And for me, that means stocking the freezer to the brim with all sorts of frozen delights, ensuring a constant supply of icy relief. There’s simply no more delicious or satisfying method to combat the summer warmth than with a spoonful (or a bite!) of your favorite ice cream. Last year, I had the perfect “excuse” for my daily ice cream indulgence – I was pregnant, a universally accepted reason for all sorts of cravings. This year, while the same convenient justification isn’t available, rest assured, I’ll find another reason to enjoy these delightful frozen treats. After all, isn’t the sheer joy of summer and the inherent need for a cooling, sweet escape reason enough? These homemade ice cream sandwiches are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of summer, a culinary act of defiance against the sweltering sun, and a promise of pure, unadulterated pleasure with every bite.
A Childhood Classic: The Irresistible Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
For many of us, ice cream sandwiches hold a special place in our hearts, especially as a cherished summertime staple from our childhood. There’s a particular kind of magic in biting into a treat that instantly transports you back to carefree days. These particular chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches are built upon a foundation of pure deliciousness: my mom’s famous soft and chewy chocolate cookies. These cookies, renowned for their perfect texture and rich, deep cocoa flavor, provide the ideal bookends for the creamy filling. Most often, we’d fill them with classic, store-bought vanilla ice cream – a testament to the simplicity and timeless appeal of this combination. The beauty lies in their straightforward preparation and the immediate, profound satisfaction they deliver on a sweltering afternoon. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly chilled sandwich, the soft cookie yielding gently to the cool, melting ice cream, creating an exquisite textural dance in your mouth. Yes, they are absolutely, unequivocally worth the delightfully sticky fingers that are an inevitable part of the experience. It’s not just a snack; it’s a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that defines summer relaxation, a simple pleasure that never gets old.
Unleash Your Creativity: Ice Cream Flavor Adventures and Fun Toppings
While classic vanilla ice cream offers a comforting and universally loved experience, the beauty of these homemade chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches truly lies in their versatility. Feel free to unleash your inner dessert artist and experiment with any ice cream flavor that tickles your fancy. Imagine the vibrant sweetness of a homemade roasted strawberry and vanilla bean frozen yogurt, the adventurous mix of a rich dark chocolate rocky road with hazelnuts, or the refreshing coolness of a creamy mint chocolate chip ice cream nestled between those rich chocolate cookies. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to customize each sandwich to individual preferences or themed occasions. You can certainly keep it simple and convenient by picking up your favorite pint or half-gallon from the store, or for those who enjoy a bit more culinary adventure, embrace your inner chef and make your own gourmet ice cream from scratch. This personal touch can elevate your ice cream sandwiches to an even higher level of bespoke deliciousness, making them truly unique.
And let’s not forget the sprinkles! While technically optional, they are highly, highly recommended for a reason. A roll in a vibrant mix of rainbow sprinkles instantly transforms these delightful treats into something even more special, adding a playful burst of color, a hint of extra texture, and an undeniable element of fun. Sprinkles always seem to amplify the festive and celebratory mood, don’t you think? They turn a simple dessert into a mini-party, perfectly aligning with the joyous spirit of summer. After all, summertime is not just a season; it’s a reason to celebrate life’s sweet moments, the long days, and the warm evenings. These homemade chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches, especially when adorned with a cascade of colorful sprinkles, are the perfect way to do just that – making every bite a cause for celebration.
Why These Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches Are Your New Summer Obsession
Beyond their simple charm and nostalgic appeal, there are countless reasons why these chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches are destined to become your go-to summer dessert. First, it’s the unparalleled texture combination: the exquisite chewiness of the chocolate cookie perfectly contrasts with the smooth, yielding creaminess of the ice cream. This delightful mouthfeel is something store-bought versions often fail to achieve, lacking the fresh-baked softness that truly makes a difference. Second, the rich, deep cocoa flavor of the homemade cookies, which have just the right amount of sweetness, perfectly complements the cool, sweet ice cream, creating a symphony of tastes that is both comforting and exhilarating. Third, their versatility is unmatched; whether you stick to classic vanilla, opt for a sophisticated espresso flavor, or venture into adventurous fruit-based ice creams, these sandwiches can be tailored to any palate or occasion. Fourth, they are surprisingly easy to make, especially if you opt for quality store-bought ice cream, making them an accessible treat for even novice bakers looking to impress. Finally, they are a fantastic make-ahead dessert, perfect for summer gatherings, backyard BBQs, or simply having a stash ready in the freezer for whenever a craving strikes. These aren’t just ice cream sandwiches; they’re little parcels of joy, meticulously crafted to bring a smile to every face and a burst of cool sweetness to every summer day.
Crafting the Perfect Cookie: Tips for Success
The secret to an exceptional ice cream sandwich lies undoubtedly in the cookies. For these chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches, we aim for a specific texture: soft, delightfully chewy, and with just a slight crispness around the edges. To achieve this, a few key baking tips are essential. Always ensure your unsalted butter is at true room temperature – soft enough to indent easily with a finger but not melted or greasy. This allows it to cream properly with the granulated sugar, incorporating air for a lighter, more tender cookie texture. When adding the large eggs, do so one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure proper emulsification, which contributes to a stable and uniform dough. Sifting your dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt – is crucial for a smooth, lump-free dough and ensures an even distribution of leavening agents, leading to consistent results. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added; mix only until just combined to prevent excessive gluten development, which can lead to tough, dense cookies. Using a rounded tablespoon for scooping ensures uniform cookie size, which is important for matching up your sandwich halves neatly. Finally, and crucially, don’t overbake! The cookies should be set at the edges but still appear slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to set and firm up as they cool on the pan and then on a wire rack, leading to that coveted soft and chewy interior that makes these chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches so utterly irresistible.
Assembling Your Dream Ice Cream Sandwich
Once your delectable chocolate cookies have cooled completely – patience is a virtue here, as warm cookies will melt your ice cream instantly – the fun part begins: assembly! The key to perfectly scoopable ice cream and easy assembly is to let your half gallon of vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This brief period allows it to soften just enough to be pliable and easy to scoop, without becoming a melty mess. A large ice cream scoop is your best friend here, ensuring a generous filling that makes each bite substantial and satisfying. Place a hearty scoop of softened ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently top it with another cookie, pressing down just enough to spread the ice cream to the edges. Don’t press too hard, or you risk breaking the cookie or squeezing out too much precious ice cream. If you’re opting for sprinkles – and seriously, why wouldn’t you? – gently roll the edges of your freshly assembled sandwich in a shallow dish filled with your favorite rainbow sprinkles. The slightly soft ice cream will act as a perfect adhesive, allowing the sprinkles to cling beautifully. Once assembled, these heavenly treats can be served immediately for instant gratification or, better yet, frozen for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the ice cream to firm up again and the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more stable and less messy experience, ready for any impromptu summer craving. These homemade chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches are truly a labor of love that pays off with every single delightful bite, a perfect symphony of textures and flavors that embodies the joy of summer.
Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter , at room temperature (170 grams)
- 1 ½ cup granulated sugar (300 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (60 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 half gallon of vanilla ice cream
- Rainbow sprinkles , optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium high speed until light and creamy, about 4 minutes.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Add the vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the mixer and mix until just combined.
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Scoop by the rounded tablespoon onto the prepared sheet pan.
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Bake until edges are crisp, about 9 minutes. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Repeat with remaining cookie dough.
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Let vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes to soften. Place a large scoop of ice cream on 1 cookie. Top with another cookie and gently press together. Roll in sprinkles, if using.
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Freeze until ready to serve or serve immediately. Ice cream sandwiches will keep in the fridge for a few days (see Note).
Notes
NOTES
- If storing in the freezer for longer than one day, I recommend wrapping each sandwich in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
This delightful recipe for homemade chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches was originally published in September 2009. The photos and accompanying textual content have been lovingly updated to bring you an even richer experience, ensuring these timeless treats remain a favorite for years to come. Enjoy the ultimate summer indulgence!