Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dessert that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Then get ready to dive into the wonderfully wacky world of Fried Ice Cream Cookies! This recipe takes the beloved concept of fried ice cream and transforms it into a bite-sized, cookie-based masterpiece. Forget complicated techniques – this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a fun weekend baking project. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and delicious homemade cooking creation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate ice cream, slightly softened
- 1/2 cup crushed pretzels (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Cinnamon sugar, for coating (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar 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. Don't overmix!
Step 2: Incorporate the Ice Cream
Gently fold in the slightly softened chocolate ice cream. If desired, add crushed pretzels and/or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. The ice cream will create a marbled effect in the dough – embrace the beautiful imperfections!
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 4: The "Frying" Process (Optional)
While these are technically baked ice cream cookies, you can achieve a delightful fried-like texture by lightly frying them in hot vegetable oil for about 30 seconds per side. This adds a crispy outer layer. Carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. If frying, immediately dust with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. These are best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Fried Ice Cream Cookies:
- Soften that butter: Make sure your butter is truly soft, almost creamy, for optimal mixing.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Ice cream consistency: Slightly softened ice cream is key. It should be scoopable but not completely melted.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies. They’re done when the edges are golden brown.
- Get creative with add-ins: Experiment with different types of ice cream, nuts, candies, or sprinkles!
Variations:
- Vanilla Bean Delight: Use vanilla ice cream and add vanilla bean paste to the dough.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Magic: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream and add some crushed Andes mints.
- Fruity Fun: Try strawberry or raspberry ice cream and add chopped nuts.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250 (depending on add-ins and frying)
- Fat: Around 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 25-30g
- Protein: Around 3-4g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe for delicious fried ice cream cookies is a fantastic addition to any dessert repertoire. The combination of warm cookie and cool ice cream is truly irresistible, making these perfect for satisfying a sweet craving quickly. Enjoy your baking adventure!