Craving a sweet treat that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious? Look no further! This homemade choc chip ice cream sandwich recipe is the perfect solution for a quick dessert, satisfying snack, or even a fun activity for the whole family. Forget those store-bought versions – making your own is surprisingly simple and lets you control the ingredients for a healthier, more customizable experience. Get ready to dive into a world of creamy, chocolatey goodness!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
For the Ice Cream:
- Your favorite brand of chocolate chip ice cream (about 1 pint)
Instructions:
Step 1: Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Stir in the chocolate chips.
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before assembling the sandwiches.
Step 2: Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Once the cookies have cooled, scoop a generous amount of chocolate chip ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich. If your ice cream is very soft, you might want to freeze it for 15-20 minutes before assembling to make it easier to handle.
Step 3: Freezing (Optional)
For perfectly firm ice cream sandwiches, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until the ice cream is solid. This step is especially recommended if you're making them ahead of time.
Tips for Success:
- Soft Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for perfectly textured cookies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the cookie dough will develop the gluten and result in tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Get Creative with Ice Cream: Experiment with different ice cream flavors! Mint chocolate chip, strawberry, or even a caramel swirl would be delicious.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for extra crunch.
- Double Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips in addition to (or instead of) milk chocolate chips.
- Mini Sandwiches: Use a cookie cutter to make smaller, bite-sized sandwiches.
Nutritional Information (per sandwich, approximate):
This will vary greatly depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For a general idea, a typical choc chip ice cream sandwich might contain around 300-400 calories, with varying amounts of fat, sugar, and protein. Using healthier ingredients like whole wheat flour in your cookies can help to improve the nutritional profile.
This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious homemade treat. The combination of warm, chewy cookies and cool, creamy ice cream is irresistible! Enjoy!