Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches offer a delightful fusion of creamy, dreamy ice cream and soft, chewy cookie dough, making them the ultimate treat for dessert lovers. These indulgent sandwiches are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion, from casual weekend gatherings to birthday parties and everything in between. With a combination of flavors and textures, each bite promises a sweet escape that’s hard to resist.
Creating these Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches is easier than you might think, requiring some basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The process involves making cookie dough loaded with chocolate chips and whipping up a luscious ice cream mixture that you’ll layer between the dough. When frozen, it results in a delectable dessert that can be enjoyed right out of the freezer. Pair these treats with a glass of milk, and you’ll have an irresistible combination that everyone will love.
Why make this recipe
Making Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches at home allows you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients, ensuring a fresh and tasty treat. Plus, the homemade aspect adds to the joy of creating something special that can be shared with family and friends. There’s something uniquely satisfying about serving up a dessert that you made yourself, especially when it comes to something as nostalgic and fun as cookie dough ice cream sandwiches.
These sandwiches offer a chance to get creative in the kitchen. You can easily modify them by incorporating various mix-ins or flavors, from different types of chocolate to nuts or even sprinkles. Each creation can reflect your personal taste, making them a perfect project for those who enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors. They also make a great activity for kids, turning dessert preparation into a fun family bonding experience.
How to make Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
To create these incredible ice cream sandwiches, you start by preparing the cookie dough. This involves whisking together softened butter, sugars, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth, then incorporating the flour and mini chocolate chips. The dough is then rolled out and cut into shapes. Freezing these shapes briefly helps them maintain their structure when assembled with creamy ice cream.
Next, you’ll whip up the ice cream mixture, blending sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and half-and-half into a smooth base before folding in whipped heavy cream. This lightens the mixture and provides a fluffy texture reminiscent of traditional ice cream. After evenly spreading the ice cream into lined pans, it needs to freeze until firm.
Once both dough and ice cream are prepared, it’s time to assemble. Using the same cutter you used for the cookie dough, cut out the ice cream into matching shapes, and layer it between pieces of cookie dough. After lightly pressing to seal the sandwich, the fun part begins: dipping or drizzling melted semi-sweet chocolate over half of each sandwich. Chill for a brief moment to set the chocolate, and you’ll be ready to indulge in a truly delightful dessert!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz / 414 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, stir the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, then mix until fully combined.
- Stir in the flour, then fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Place the dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper and roll it to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut into squares or circles, place on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze for 1 hour until firm.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and half-and-half until smooth. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form, about 60 to 90 seconds.
- Gently fold the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream until smooth and evenly blended.
- Line 2 pans (about 8 inches each) with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides for easy lifting later.
- Divide the ice cream mixture between the pans and spread it evenly to a thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
- Freeze uncovered for 3 to 5 hours, or until very firm.
- To assemble, work in small batches so everything stays frozen.
- Take out 6 cookie dough pieces and 1 pan of ice cream at a time.
- Using the same cutter, cut the ice cream into matching shapes and sandwich each piece between 2 frozen cookie dough layers.
- Press lightly, then return the sandwiches to the freezer.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for about 60 seconds, stirring until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the melted chocolate over about half of each sandwich.
- Chill the finished sandwiches for 10 minutes, then serve.
- Keep leftovers in a covered container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Baking Time: 0 minutes
• Chilling Time: 4 to 6 hours
• Rising Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 to 7 hours
• Servings: 12 sandwiches
How to serve Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
When serving Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches, presentation can elevate the experience. Arrange them neatly on a platter, perhaps garnishing the plate with some fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added flair. You might also consider serving them with a side of your favorite ice cream or a chilled glass of milk, which perfectly complements the flavors of the sandwich.
Each sandwich can be warmed slightly in the microwave for a few seconds, just to soften the cookie dough while keeping the ice cream firm, offering a slightly different texture that many find irresistible. This can be an exciting surprise for guests and family alike. Always remember to serve them while they are still cold from the freezer to enjoy that perfect mix of creamy and chewy.
How to store Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
To keep your Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container. This is vital to prevent freezer burn and preserve the integrity of both the cookie dough and the ice cream. If you have individually wrapped them, stack them neatly in the container to save space. Stored properly in the freezer, these treats can last for up to two weeks, although they are likely to be devoured long before then!
When you’re ready for a treat, simply pull a sandwich from the freezer and enjoy without having to wait for any thawing. If you notice any ice crystals forming on the sandwiches while they’re stored, it may mean they were not sealed tightly enough, so be sure to check that they are fully covered to maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
Tips to make Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
For the best results with your Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches, make sure your butter is adequately softened before mixing. This will help create a creamy dough that’s easy to combine with the other ingredients. Using mini chocolate chips in the cookie dough will ensure that there’s plenty of chocolate in every bite, giving you that satisfying sweetness.
While the recipe specifies heavy cream for the ice cream, feel free to experiment with different flavors such as coffee, mint, or fruit purees mixed into the ice cream base. Additionally, don’t hesitate to switch up the type of chocolate chips used in the cookie dough or ice cream. Dark chocolate or even white chocolate chunks could contribute delightful variations to the final product.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
A: Yes, using store-bought cookie dough can save time, though it may alter the flavor profile slightly.
Q: How long can I freeze these sandwiches?
A: They can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks if properly sealed.
Q: Can I make a dairy-free version?
A: Absolutely! Substitute dairy ingredients with appropriate alternatives like coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened Ensure butter is adequately softened
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips Using mini chocolate chips ensures chocolate in every bite
For the Ice Cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream Whipped until stiff peaks form
For Assembly and Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Melted for dipping or drizzling
Instructions
Preparation of Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, stir the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, then mix until fully combined.
- Stir in the flour, then fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Place the dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper and roll it to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut into squares or circles, place on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze for 1 hour until firm.
Preparation of Ice Cream
- In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and half-and-half until smooth. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form, about 60 to 90 seconds.
- Gently fold the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream until smooth and evenly blended.
- Line 2 pans (about 8 inches each) with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides for easy lifting later.
- Divide the ice cream mixture between the pans and spread it evenly to a thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
- Freeze uncovered for 3 to 5 hours, or until very firm.
Assembly and Final Steps
- To assemble, work in small batches so everything stays frozen.
- Take out 6 cookie dough pieces and 1 pan of ice cream at a time.
- Using the same cutter, cut the ice cream into matching shapes and sandwich each piece between 2 frozen cookie dough layers.
- Press lightly, then return the sandwiches to the freezer.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for about 60 seconds, stirring until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the melted chocolate over about half of each sandwich.
- Chill the finished sandwiches for 10 minutes, then serve.
