The combination of a cold, creamy scoop of ice cream nestled between two soft, chewy cookies is a match made in heaven. Ice cream sandwiches are a classic summer treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While store-bought ice cream sandwiches are convenient, making them from scratch allows you to customize the flavors and textures to your liking. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making ice cream sandwiches from scratch, from churning your own ice cream to baking the perfect cookies.
Choosing Your Ice Cream Flavor
The first step in making ice cream sandwiches is to choose your ice cream flavor. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on just one. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your options:
- Consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. Do you want something classic and simple, or something more unique and adventurous?
- Think about the type of cookies you want to pair with your ice cream. For example, if you’re making chocolate chip cookies, you may want to choose a flavor like vanilla or coffee that will complement the chocolate.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out new flavor combinations. Some unique ice cream flavors that pair well with cookies include matcha, lavender, and strawberry balsamic.
Basic Ice Cream Recipe
Once you’ve chosen your flavor, it’s time to start churning. Here’s a basic ice cream recipe that you can customize to your liking:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once the ice cream is churned, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours.
Customizing Your Ice Cream Flavor
Now that you have a basic ice cream recipe, it’s time to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ways you can mix things up:
- Add-ins: Introduce new textures and flavors to your ice cream by adding in mix-ins like nuts, candy pieces, or fruit.
- Extracts: Add a few drops of extract, such as almond or peppermint, to give your ice cream a unique flavor.
- Cocoa powder or melted chocolate: Add a spoonful of cocoa powder or melted chocolate to give your ice cream a chocolatey twist.
Baking the Perfect Cookies
While the ice cream is the star of the show, the cookies are the perfect complement. Here are a few tips for baking the perfect cookies for your ice cream sandwiches:
- Choose a cookie that will hold up to the ice cream. You want a cookie that is sturdy enough to hold its shape, but still soft and chewy.
- Consider the flavor profile of your cookies. You want the cookies to complement the ice cream, not overpower it.
- Don’t overbake the cookies. You want them to be lightly golden and still soft in the center.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Here’s a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe that pairs perfectly with ice cream:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Now that you have your ice cream and cookies, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure the cookies are completely cool before assembling the sandwiches. You don’t want the cookies to be too soft or fragile.
- Scoop the ice cream into balls that are slightly smaller than the cookies. You want the ice cream to be fully enclosed by the cookies.
- Place a scoop of ice cream between two cookies and press gently to adhere. Repeat with the remaining cookies and ice cream.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to take your ice cream sandwiches to the next level:
- Use different types of cookies, such as oatmeal raisin or peanut butter cookies, to change up the flavor and texture.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of honey to the top of the ice cream sandwich for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough and ensure that the cookies are all the same size.
- Experiment with different ice cream flavors and mix-ins to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making ice cream sandwiches:
- Overmixing the cookie dough, which can result in tough, dense cookies.
- Underbaking the cookies, which can result in cookies that are too soft and fragile.
- Overchurning the ice cream, which can result in ice cream that is too dense and icy.
- Assembling the sandwiches too soon after the cookies have been baked, which can result in cookies that are too soft and fragile.
By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create delicious ice cream sandwiches that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a classic vanilla and chocolate chip cookie fan or an adventurous matcha and strawberry balsamic lover, making ice cream sandwiches from scratch is a fun and rewarding process that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
What are the essential ingredients for making ice cream sandwiches from scratch?
The essential ingredients for making ice cream sandwiches from scratch include high-quality ice cream base ingredients such as cream, sugar, and flavorings, as well as ingredients for the cookies, such as butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and any desired mix-ins. You will also need a few pantry staples, such as baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
When selecting ingredients, choose the best quality you can find, as this will directly impact the flavor and texture of your ice cream sandwiches. For example, using farm-fresh eggs and real vanilla extract will give your cookies a richer flavor, while using high-quality cocoa powder will give your ice cream a deeper, more complex flavor.
What type of cookies are best suited for ice cream sandwiches?
The best type of cookies for ice cream sandwiches are those that are sturdy enough to hold their shape and support the weight of the ice cream, but still soft and chewy enough to provide a pleasant texture contrast. Some popular options include chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, and peanut butter cookies.
When choosing a cookie type, consider the flavor and texture you want to achieve. For example, if you’re making a bright and fruity ice cream, a sweet and crunchy cookie like a snickerdoodle might be a good match. On the other hand, if you’re making a rich and creamy ice cream, a denser and chewier cookie like a chocolate chip cookie might be a better choice.
How do I ensure that my cookies are the right size for my ice cream sandwiches?
To ensure that your cookies are the right size for your ice cream sandwiches, use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough into balls of a uniform size. You can also use a ruler or other measuring device to check the size of the cookies as they bake.
As a general rule, you want your cookies to be slightly larger than the scoop of ice cream you plan to use. This will give you a little extra room to work with when assembling the sandwiches, and will help prevent the ice cream from oozing out the sides.
What is the best way to store ice cream sandwiches to keep them fresh?
The best way to store ice cream sandwiches is in an airtight container in the freezer. You can wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in a single layer in a container and cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
When storing ice cream sandwiches, it’s essential to keep them cold and prevent them from coming into contact with warm air or other flavors. This will help prevent the ice cream from melting or becoming icy, and will keep the cookies fresh and chewy.
Can I customize my ice cream sandwiches with different flavors and mix-ins?
Yes, you can customize your ice cream sandwiches with different flavors and mix-ins. Some ideas for customization include using different types of ice cream, such as strawberry or mint chip, or adding mix-ins like nuts, candy pieces, or sprinkles to the cookies or ice cream.
When customizing your ice cream sandwiches, consider the flavor and texture you want to achieve. For example, if you’re making a bright and fruity ice cream, you might want to add some colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts to the cookies for extra flavor and texture.
How far in advance can I make the components of my ice cream sandwiches?
You can make the components of your ice cream sandwiches, including the cookies and ice cream, up to a few days in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving, as this will help prevent the cookies from becoming soggy or the ice cream from melting.
When making the components in advance, be sure to store them properly to keep them fresh. For example, you can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer.
Are ice cream sandwiches suitable for special diets, such as gluten-free or vegan?
Yes, ice cream sandwiches can be suitable for special diets, such as gluten-free or vegan. To make gluten-free ice cream sandwiches, use gluten-free flours like almond flour or coconut flour to make the cookies, and choose a gluten-free ice cream.
To make vegan ice cream sandwiches, use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or soy milk to make the ice cream, and choose a vegan-friendly cookie recipe that uses a non-dairy milk and vegan-friendly mix-ins. You can also use vegan-friendly ice cream alternatives like coconut milk ice cream or cashew cream ice cream.