Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of cookie dough and ice cream. When you bring them together in a sandwich, it’s a match made in dessert heaven. Imagine biting into a thick chocolate chip cookie, only to find luscious, creamy ice cream nestled between two layers of cookie goodness. It’s a treat that celebrates indulgence and nostalgia, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches, a recipe that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. This recipe is a must for several reasons:
- Decadent Flavor: The blend of rich, creamy ice cream and sweet, chewy cookie dough creates a flavor explosion.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the ice cream flavor or the type of chocolate chips to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s a hot summer day or a cozy winter night, these sandwiches hit the spot.
- Impressive Presentation: They look as good as they taste, making them perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
What We’re Using
To create these delightful Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches, we need a few key ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided: This will give our ice cream a rich and creamy texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and balances the richness of the heavy cream.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture to the ice cream base.
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a hint of caramel.
- Pinch fine sea salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 4 large egg yolks: Creates a custard base for the ice cream, enriching its texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the dessert.
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature: Essential for the cookie dough, creating a soft and chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough.
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Deepens the flavor of the cookies.
- 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar: Enhances the chewiness of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-have for flavoring the cookie dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness in the cookie dough.
- 1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) all-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookie dough.
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream: To help bring the dough together.
- 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips: The classic addition that makes cookie dough irresistible.
Hardware & Gadgets
Before we start, let’s gather the necessary tools to make this delicious treat:
- Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
- Whisk: Essential for beating the egg yolks and mixing the ice cream base.
- Double boiler or saucepan: For cooking the custard base for the ice cream.
- Ice cream maker: This will churn our ice cream to a creamy consistency.
- Baking sheet: For baking the cookies.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: For portioning out the cookie dough.
- Spatula: To mix and scoop the cookie dough.
Cooking Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches: The Process
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these delicious Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Step 1: Make the Ice Cream Base
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, whole milk, light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until the sugars dissolve.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Gradually add about 1 cup of the warm cream mixture to the egg yolks while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
3. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream and the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
2. Add the flour, sea salt, and milk or cream to the mixture. Stir until just combined.
3. Gently fold in the mini semisweet chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear slightly underbaked.
4. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
1. Once the ice cream base is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
2. Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
1. Once the cookies are completely cooled and the ice cream is firm, scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie.
2. Top with another cookie, flat side down, pressing gently to sandwich the ice cream between the cookies.
3. Repeat this process until all cookies are used.
Step 6: Freeze the Sandwiches
1. Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the ice cream is very firm.
2. Enjoy your Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches straight from the freezer!
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
If you have dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches! Here are some alternatives:
- Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Use coconut milk or almond milk-based ice cream instead of traditional ice cream.
- Vegan Butter: Substitute with a plant-based butter for the cookie dough.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Nut Milk: Replace whole milk with a nut milk of your choice, such as almond or oat milk.
Chef’s Rationale
Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of textures—from the chewy cookies to the creamy ice cream—creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. Each layer brings something unique to the table, making every bite a little adventure. Plus, the ability to customize both the cookie dough and ice cream flavors means you can make this recipe your own, ensuring it fits perfectly into your dessert repertoire.
Best Ways to Store
To keep your Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Freezer Storage: Keep them in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Consume Within a Month: For the best flavor and texture, aim to enjoy your sandwiches within a month of making them.
- Thawing: If frozen solid, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying for the best texture.
Questions People Ask
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought cookie dough if you want to save time. Just make sure it’s a flavor you enjoy!
What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
You can make no-churn ice cream by whipping the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then folding it into the sweetened condensed milk and flavoring mixture. Freeze until firm.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be golden around the edges but slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I add other mix-ins to the ice cream?
Absolutely! You can add crushed cookies, nuts, or even swirls of chocolate or caramel sauce to make it even more exciting.
Let’s Eat
Now that you’ve mastered the art of Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches, it’s time to gather your friends and family for a sweet treat that’s sure to delight. These sandwiches are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that bring joy to every bite. So grab your favorite ice cream, whip up a batch of cookies, and indulge in this delicious creation. You’ll quickly find that Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches will become a cherished favorite in your dessert collection. Enjoy!
Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, whole milk, light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until the sugars dissolve.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Gradually add about 1 cup of the warm cream mixture to the egg yolks while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
- Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream and the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour, sea salt, and milk or cream to the mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mini semisweet chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the ice cream base is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled and the ice cream is firm, scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Top with another cookie, flat side down, pressing gently to sandwich the ice cream between the cookies.
- Repeat this process until all cookies are used.
- Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the ice cream is very firm.
- Enjoy your Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches straight from the freezer!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut or almond milk-based ice cream.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
- Allow sandwiches to sit at room temperature for a few minutes for the best texture before serving.
