How to Create Classic Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches
Chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches are a delicious treat that combines two amazing desserts: chocolate chip cookies and rich, creamy ice cream. These sandwiches are perfect for a party, family gathering, or just treating yourself on a sunny day. Best of all, they’re easy to make at home with just a few simple steps. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to make your own classic chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need:
Before diving into the recipe, here’s what you’ll need:
For the cookies:
– 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ¾ cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the ice cream sandwiches:
– 1 to 1.5 quarts of vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
– Plastic wrap or parchment paper
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Chip Cookies
The foundation of these sandwiches is the chocolate chip cookies. Homemade cookies taste the best, but feel free to use store-bought ones if you’re short on time!
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Prepare the Oven and Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly. -
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. Once the dough forms, fold in the chocolate chips. -
Scoop and Bake:
Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to drop scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between cookies to allow them to spread. They should be roughly the same size for uniform sandwiches. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. -
Cool Completely:
Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets or transfer them to a wire rack. Warm cookies will melt the ice cream, so cooling is essential.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream
While your cookies are cooling, it’s time to get the ice cream ready.
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Soften the Ice Cream:
Take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes. It should be soft enough to scoop but not melted. -
Add Extra Flavor (Optional):
If you want to mix things up, stir in crushed candies, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles into the softened ice cream for added texture and flavor. -
Scoop the Ice Cream:
Scoop the ice cream into generous portions. Depending on how big your cookies are, each sandwich will need about ¼ to ½ cup of ice cream. If you’re making multiple sandwiches, you can portion the scoops ahead of time to save effort.
Step 3: Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Now comes the fun part — putting everything together!
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Pair the Cookies:
Match pairs of cookies that are roughly the same size. This will help your sandwiches look neat and even. -
Fill with Ice Cream:
Place a scoop of ice cream on the flat (bottom) side of one cookie. Then gently press the flat side of another cookie on top, sandwiching the ice cream between the two cookies. Be careful not to press too hard — you want the ice cream to stay in place without squeezing out the sides. -
Wrap for Freezing (Optional):
If you’re not eating the sandwiches right away, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up. This helps them hold their shape and makes them less messy to eat.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Treat!
Congrats! You’ve made your very own chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches. Serve them immediately for a soft, gooey texture, or keep them frozen for a firmer treat.
For an extra-fancy touch, you can roll the edges of the ice cream in toppings like mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts. This makes each sandwich look colorful and adds a fun crunch.
Tips for Perfect Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Choose Sturdy Cookies: Softer cookies work best because they’re easier to bite through, but they should still be firm enough to hold the ice cream without crumbling.
- Experiment with Ice Cream Flavors: Vanilla is a classic choice, but you can try chocolate, mint chip, or even strawberry. Feel free to mix and match flavors!
- Make-Ahead Option: Ice cream sandwiches can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Final Thoughts
These homemade chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches are a fun and easy dessert that anyone can make. Whether you stick with the classic version or add your own twist, the combination of buttery cookies and creamy ice cream is guaranteed to be a hit. The next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the store-bought version and try making your own!
Get creative, share your sandwiches with loved ones, and, most importantly, enjoy every bite!
