Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Your Ultimate Guide to Sweet Bliss
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for Ice Cream!” This timeless jingle, first captivating audiences in 1925, perfectly encapsulates the universal joy that a scoop (or two!) of creamy, cold ice cream brings. I recently stumbled upon the original tune on YouTube, and it’s quite catchy, instantly transporting me to simpler, happier times. While I plan to delve into all the lyrics eventually, for now, the phrase itself is enough to ignite a craving for that delightful frozen treat. And what do I enjoy even more than this nostalgic song? Homemade Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
There’s an undeniable magic in the creamy, sweet texture of cold ice cream melting on my tongue. Whether it’s served in a cone, a cup, or a generously heaped bowl, each bite makes me feel like a child again, filled with pure, unadulterated happiness. I truly hope you experience that same delightful sensation. This feeling of childlike wonder is something I cherish, and it’s a big part of why I love making and sharing desserts.
Embracing Nostalgia with Every Bite
I’m quite a nostalgic person, and my childhood was undeniably filled with wonderful memories. Fortunately, I’m actively creating even more joyous moments as an adult. One day, I look forward to having children and witnessing the sheer delight that ice cream, especially a homemade treat, brings to their faces. It’s a simple pleasure that connects generations, a sweet tradition passed down through families.
For this particular culinary adventure, I decided to pair one of my tried-and-true homemade chocolate chip cookie recipes with a generous scoop of store-bought vanilla ice cream. The result? A truly irresistible Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich that’s both comforting and exciting. While I typically gravitate towards my absolute favorite — pistachio ice cream — I opted for vanilla this time for its classic appeal and excellent “optics” (it just looks so good in photos!). But don’t let my choice limit you; the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Next time, it’s definitely going to be pistachio’s turn!
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Dry ingredients mixed together -
Wet ingredients mixed together -
Wet and Dry ingredients combined
Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
3.1 from 23 votes
9
servings
15
minutes
12
minutes
Ingredients
- For the Chocolate Chip Cookies:
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2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup butter, softened
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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3/4 cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- For the Ice Cream:
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2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
Directions
- To Make the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a medium sized bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
- Next, in a large bowl, mix together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract and eggs.
- Next, add the flour mixture and mix well. Add the chocolate chips.
- Use a tablespoon to drop the batter on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before moving to a plate or cooling rack to cool completely.
- To Make the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Place a heaping tablespoon of ice cream between 2 cookies. Use an offset spatula or knife to smooth out the sides. Enjoy!
The Allure of Ice Cream Flavors: A World of Choices
If you’re anything like me, almost any ice cream flavor is a welcome delight. From the rich indulgence of chocolate and the refreshing sweetness of strawberry, to the nutty crunch of butter pecan, the classic comfort of chocolate chip, or the tart burst of black cherry – the options are truly endless. Just thinking about them brings a smile to my face! Baskin Robbins famously boasts 31 flavors, but I’m confident that if we took the time, we could easily list far more, each with its own unique charm and appeal. The world of ice cream is a culinary playground, inviting us to explore and savor.
Speaking of unique flavors, I vividly remember discovering “Cookie Monster” ice cream about a decade ago at my cousin’s birthday party, and I’ve been utterly hooked ever since. It’s a striking, vibrant blue, generously loaded with crushed Oreos and delightful chunks of chocolate chip cookie pieces. It’s an absolute explosion of textures and flavors – truly sinful, in the best possible way. Consider yourself warned; once you try it, there’s no going back! This specific flavor perfectly encapsulates the joy of combining cookies and ice cream, making it a natural fit for our homemade sandwich adventure.
Crafting Your Perfect Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
The process of creating these delectable homemade ice cream sandwiches is both simple and deeply satisfying. I adore merging two perfectly baked chocolate chip cookies, one for the top and one for the bottom, and then generously filling the inside with softened ice cream. The key to a neat and professional-looking sandwich is using an offset spatula or a knife to gently smooth out the sides of the ice cream filling. This not only makes it look great but also helps to create a uniform bite.
After assembly, I highly recommend placing each cookie sandwich into a freezer bag and returning it to the freezer for at least an hour, or until it becomes firm. While this step is completely optional if you’re eager to dig in immediately, it significantly improves the eating experience. A firm sandwich is less messy, easier to handle, and allows the flavors and textures to meld beautifully. You’ll thank yourself for the extra chill time!
The Foundation: Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies
One of the many reasons I love this recipe is that a chocolate chip cookie is one of the easiest and most forgiving cookies you can make. The joy of baking these classic treats from scratch is unparalleled. You can follow my reliable recipe provided below, or, for an extra touch of nostalgia, use your grandma’s cherished version – because sometimes, nothing beats a family recipe. The goal is a cookie that’s chewy enough to complement the creamy ice cream without becoming too brittle or crumbly when frozen.
I firmly believe that most of us already have the essential baking ingredients on hand for these cookies. I tend to keep butter, eggs, and various sugars well-stocked in my pantry at all times. This habit helps me curtail my grocery store trips as much as possible, which in turn saves me time, money, and, amusingly, added calories! I say “added calories” because I can be quite impulsive in the supermarket. Everything looks tempting, especially the myriad of ice cream flavors and delectable cookies practically begging me to take them home.
Sometimes, I don’t quite trust myself not to cave in to those tempting aisles. Perhaps you possess superior grocery store self-control, and if so, kudos to you! For me, a trip down the ice cream aisle is often accompanied by an internal chorus of: “I scream, you scream, we ALL scream for Ice cream!” And with these homemade chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches, you can satisfy that craving with a personal touch.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Ice Cream Sandwich
Making the perfect homemade ice cream sandwich is all about a few simple tricks that can elevate your dessert from good to absolutely divine. First, ensure your cookies are completely cooled before assembling. Warm cookies will quickly melt the ice cream, leading to a soupy mess. Ideally, you want a cookie that’s soft and chewy, not overly crisp, as this will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy filling and hold up better when frozen.
When selecting your ice cream, let it soften on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before scooping. This makes it much easier to spread evenly without tearing your cookies. You can even experiment with different cookie types – beyond chocolate chip, consider oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, or even snickerdoodles for unique flavor combinations. For extra flair, once assembled and slightly chilled, roll the edges of your sandwiches in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even shredded coconut for an added layer of texture and visual appeal.
Storage and Serving
Proper storage is key to enjoying your DIY ice cream sandwiches for days to come. After their initial firming in the freezer, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or a large freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to two weeks. This way, you always have a delightful treat ready to grab and enjoy whenever a craving strikes, or when unexpected guests drop by.
These homemade treats are perfect for virtually any occasion. They make fantastic summer desserts for backyard barbecues, refreshing after-school snacks for kids (and adults!), or a simple, indulgent treat to unwind with after a long day. The portability of an ice cream sandwich makes it ideal for picnics or any event where you want a delicious, mess-free dessert.
The Irresistible Charm of Homemade
Ultimately, the beauty of making these homemade chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches lies in the personal touch. You control the quality of the ingredients, the chewiness of the cookies, and the richness of the ice cream. It’s a simple act of love, whether for yourself, your family, or friends. There’s a special satisfaction that comes from creating something so delicious from scratch, knowing every ingredient that goes into it.
So, the next time that familiar craving for a cool, sweet treat hits, remember the enchanting combination of soft cookies and creamy ice cream. Gather your ingredients, follow this easy recipe, and prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey. Whether it’s a quick indulgence or a planned party dessert, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit. Go ahead, make some memories, and enjoy every single bite. After all, “I scream, you scream, we ALL scream for Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches!” Enjoy!