Craving a cool and satisfying dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This Coffee Ice Cream Sandwich recipe is the perfect blend of rich, creamy coffee ice cream and the satisfying crunch of homemade chocolate cookies. It's a delightful treat perfect for a hot summer day, a casual gathering, or simply a delicious end to your evening. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow recipe for a homemade dessert that tastes like it came from the best ice cream parlor in town! This recipe offers quick dinner ideas, perfect for those busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate 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
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- 1 pint coffee ice cream, slightly softened
Instructions:
Making the Chocolate Cookies:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Coffee: Stir in the cooled coffee until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Soften Ice Cream: Let your coffee ice cream soften slightly for easier spreading.
- Assemble: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of softened coffee ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Top with Cookie: Top with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
- Freeze (Optional): For firmer sandwiches, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Strong Coffee: Use a strong brew of coffee for the most intense coffee flavor in both the cookies and the ice cream.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Keep a close eye on them while they bake.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming.
Variations:
- Different Ice Cream: Experiment with other ice cream flavors, such as vanilla bean or chocolate chip.
- Add-ins: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or espresso powder to the cookie dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Glaze: Drizzle melted chocolate or a coffee glaze over the finished sandwiches for an extra touch of decadence.
Nutritional Information (per sandwich, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 (This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)
This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes and healthy meals that don't require extensive cooking skills. It’s a perfect example of homemade cooking at its best, offering simple yet satisfying results. Enjoy your homemade Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches!