Cookies And Cream Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Hey guys! Who doesn't love a cool, creamy, and utterly delightful ice cream sandwich? And when you combine it with the iconic cookies and cream flavor? Oh man, it's a match made in dessert heaven! Today, I'm super excited to share with you my take on the classic Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Sandwich. This recipe is not just about slapping some ice cream between two cookies; it's about creating an experience. We're talking about that perfect bite where the soft, chewy cookie meets the rich, decadent ice cream, sending your taste buds into a frenzy of joy. Trust me, once you try this, you might never go back to store-bought ice cream sandwiches again!

Why This Recipe Rocks

Okay, so why should you bother making these at home when you can just grab one from the store? Let me tell you, the homemade difference is HUGE. First off, you get to control the quality of ingredients. We're talking real vanilla extract, premium cookies and cream ice cream, and absolutely no weird additives or preservatives. Plus, you can customize it to your heart's content! Want extra cookies in your ice cream? Go for it! Prefer a different type of cookie? Be my guest! The possibilities are endless. But most importantly, it's just plain fun! There's something incredibly satisfying about creating something delicious with your own two hands. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let's get baking (and freezing!). You will get the perfect summer dessert and you'll be so proud of yourself. Get ready for a dessert experience that's way beyond anything you can buy in a store. It's about the joy of creating, the satisfaction of customizing, and the pure delight of sharing something homemade with your friends and family. This recipe gives you not just an ice cream sandwich; it gives you a memory.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's gather our ingredients. Here’s what you'll need to whip up these amazing Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Sandwiches:

  • For the Cookies:
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is properly softened! This is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and that lovely crispness around the edges.
    • ¾ cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a chewy texture that's just irresistible.
    • 2 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add richness.
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use the good stuff! Real vanilla extract makes a world of difference.
    • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookies.
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda: For that perfect rise and soft texture.
    • 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
    • 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos): The star of our cookies and cream cookies! Don't be shy with the cookies; the more, the merrier.
  • For the Ice Cream:
    • 1 quart cookies and cream ice cream, softened slightly: I recommend using a high-quality brand for the best flavor and texture. Softening the ice cream slightly makes it easier to spread.

Ingredient Tips and Tricks:

  • Butter: Using softened butter is key to a smooth cookie dough. If your butter is too cold, it will be hard to cream; if it's too melted, your cookies will spread too thin.
  • Vanilla Extract: Splurge on a good quality vanilla extract. The flavor difference is worth it.
  • Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of chocolate sandwich cookies. Golden Oreos or even chocolate-filled cookies would be delicious.
  • Ice Cream: If you can't find cookies and cream ice cream, vanilla ice cream with crushed Oreos mixed in works great too!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, now for the fun part! Let's get baking and assembling these delightful ice cream sandwiches. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be enjoying your homemade treats in no time.

  1. Make the Cookies:
    • Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined.
    • Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
    • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
    • Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
    • Stir in Crushed Cookies: Fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
    • Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  2. Bake the Cookies:
    • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
    • Scoop Dough: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
    • Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
    • Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
    • Soften Ice Cream: Allow the cookies and cream ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to spread.
    • Spread Ice Cream: Place a scoop of softened ice cream on the bottom of one cookie and spread it evenly to the edges.
    • Top with Another Cookie: Top with another cookie, gently pressing down to create a sandwich.
    • Freeze: Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 1 hour to allow the ice cream to firm up.

Tips for Success:

  • Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and brittle. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown.
  • Cool Completely: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before assembling the ice cream sandwiches. Warm cookies will melt the ice cream.
  • Wrap Tightly: Wrapping the ice cream sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap will prevent freezer burn.

Variations and Add-ins

The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Different Cookies: Use different types of cookies, such as chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, or even gingerbread cookies.
  • Different Ice Cream: Experiment with different flavors of ice cream. Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or even coffee ice cream would be delicious.
  • Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or mini marshmallows into the ice cream for added texture and flavor.
  • Dipped Edges: Dip the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in melted chocolate or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Serving and Storage

These Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Sandwiches are best served cold, straight from the freezer. They're perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat on a hot day. To store, wrap each ice cream sandwich individually in plastic wrap and keep them in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If they last that long!

FAQs

  • Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Can I use store-bought cookies?
    • Absolutely! If you're short on time, feel free to use store-bought cookies. Just make sure they're soft and chewy.
  • Can I use a different type of ice cream?
    • Of course! Feel free to use any flavor of ice cream you like.
  • How long do the ice cream sandwiches last in the freezer?
    • The ice cream sandwiches will last for up to 2 weeks in the freezer, if properly wrapped.

Conclusion

So there you have it – my recipe for the ultimate Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Sandwiches! I hope you guys enjoyed it and give it a try. Trust me, once you taste these homemade delights, you'll never go back to store-bought again. They’re perfect for summer, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Plus, they're so much fun to customize! So go ahead, get creative and make them your own. And don't forget to share your creations with me – I can't wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking (and freezing)!