The combination of a cold, creamy ice cream filling and crunchy cookies or wafers is a match made in heaven. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making ice cream sandwiches from scratch, including baking your own cookies and churning your own ice cream.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. The type of cookies and ice cream you choose will greatly impact the overall flavor and texture of your ice cream sandwiches.
Cookies
For the cookies, you’ll want to choose a type that’s sturdy enough to hold up to the ice cream filling without getting too soggy. Some popular options include:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Oatmeal raisin cookies
- Peanut butter cookies
- Snickerdoodles
- Wafers (such as Nilla wafers or chocolate wafers)
You can either use store-bought cookies or bake your own from scratch. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even try making your own wafers from scratch.
Ice Cream
For the ice cream, you can either use store-bought or make your own from scratch. If you’re making your own ice cream, you’ll need to choose a flavor that complements the cookies you’ve chosen. Some popular ice cream flavors include:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Cookies and cream
- Mint chocolate chip
If you’re using store-bought ice cream, make sure to choose a high-quality brand that’s made with real cream and natural ingredients.
Baking the Cookies
If you’re baking your own cookies from scratch, here’s a basic recipe you can follow:
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 white granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 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.
- If desired, stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins.
- 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 brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Churning the Ice Cream
If you’re making your own ice cream from scratch, here’s a basic recipe you can follow:
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the vanilla extract and whisk to combine.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and pour it into an ice cream maker.
- Churn the ice cream 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.
Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Now that you have your cookies and ice cream, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches.
Step 1: Scoop the Ice Cream
Use an ice cream scoop or a spoon to scoop the ice cream into balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. You’ll want to make sure the ice cream is firm enough to hold its shape, but still soft enough to be pliable.
Step 2: Place the Ice Cream on a Cookie
Place a scoop of ice cream on one half of a cookie. You can either place the ice cream in the center of the cookie or slightly off-center, depending on the shape of the cookie.
Step 3: Top with Another Cookie
Place another cookie on top of the ice cream, creating a sandwich. Press down gently on the top cookie to adhere it to the ice cream.
Step 4: Repeat and Freeze
Repeat the process with the remaining cookies and ice cream. Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer to harden for at least 30 minutes.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your ice cream sandwiches to the next level:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The type of cookies and ice cream you use will greatly impact the overall flavor and texture of your ice cream sandwiches. Choose high-quality ingredients that are made with real cream and natural ingredients.
- Experiment with different flavors: Don’t be afraid to try out different flavor combinations, such as mint chocolate chip cookies with strawberry ice cream or peanut butter cookies with chocolate ice cream.
- Add mix-ins: Consider adding mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, candy pieces, or sprinkles, to your ice cream for added texture and flavor.
- Use a variety of cookies: Don’t be limited to just one type of cookie. Try using a variety of cookies, such as chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and peanut butter, to create a unique flavor combination.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect ice cream sandwiches. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or adventurous combinations, there’s an ice cream sandwich out there for everyone. So go ahead, get creative, and indulge in the sweet treat that’s perfect for hot summer days.
What are the essential ingredients and equipment needed to make ice cream sandwiches?
To make ice cream sandwiches, you will need a few essential ingredients, including your favorite ice cream flavors, cookies or wafers for the sandwich “buns,” and any desired mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles. You will also need some basic kitchen equipment, including a medium-sized bowl, a spoon or scoop for portioning out the ice cream, and a flat surface for assembling the sandwiches. If you want to get creative with your cookie flavors or make your own wafers from scratch, you may also need a mixer, baking sheets, and an oven.
In addition to these basics, it’s also a good idea to have some parchment paper or a silicone mat on hand to help prevent the cookies from sticking to the surface as you assemble the sandwiches. You may also want to have some wax paper or plastic wrap available to wrap the finished sandwiches in, if you plan to store them in the freezer for later. With these ingredients and equipment, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious ice cream sandwiches at home.
How do I choose the perfect cookies for my ice cream sandwiches?
Choosing the right cookies for your ice cream sandwiches is crucial, as they provide the foundation for the entire treat. Look for cookies that are sturdy enough to hold up to the ice cream without getting too soggy or falling apart. Some popular options include chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, peanut butter cookies, and even wafers or biscuits. You can also experiment with different flavors and textures, such as snickerdoodles, gingerbread, or even brownies.
When selecting cookies, consider the flavor and texture of the ice cream you’ll be using, as well as any mix-ins or toppings you plan to add. For example, if you’re using a bright, fruity ice cream flavor, you may want to choose a cookie that provides a nice contrast in texture and flavor, such as a crunchy peanut butter cookie. On the other hand, if you’re using a rich, chocolatey ice cream, you may want to choose a cookie that complements those flavors, such as a chocolate chip cookie or a brownie.
How do I scoop and portion out the ice cream for my sandwiches?
Scooping and portioning out the ice cream is a crucial step in making ice cream sandwiches. You’ll want to use a spoon or ice cream scoop to portion out the ice cream into balls or scoops that are roughly the same size as your cookies. This will help ensure that each sandwich has the right amount of ice cream and that they’re all roughly the same size. If you’re using a particularly hard or dense ice cream, you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.
As you scoop the ice cream, try to work quickly and gently to avoid introducing too much air into the mixture. This can cause the ice cream to become too soft or even melt, which can make it difficult to work with. If you find that your ice cream is too soft or melty, you can try placing it back in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up before continuing. Once you’ve scooped out the ice cream, you can place the balls or scoops onto a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat to await assembly.
How do I assemble the ice cream sandwiches?
Assembling the ice cream sandwiches is the fun part! To start, place a cookie on a flat surface in front of you. Next, take a scoop of ice cream and place it on top of the cookie. You can use a little bit of pressure to gently press the ice cream onto the cookie, making sure it’s centered and evenly distributed. Finally, place another cookie on top of the ice cream, pressing down gently to create a sandwich.
As you assemble the sandwiches, be careful not to press too hard on the cookies, as this can cause them to break or become misshapen. You can also experiment with different assembly techniques, such as using a small amount of ice cream and placing it off-center on the cookie, or using a large scoop of ice cream and placing it in the center of the cookie. Once you’ve assembled the sandwiches, you can place them on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat and store them in the freezer to firm up before serving.
How do I store and serve my ice cream sandwiches?
Once you’ve assembled your ice cream sandwiches, you’ll want to store them in the freezer to firm up before serving. You can place the sandwiches on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. If you plan to store the sandwiches for an extended period of time, you may want to consider wrapping each sandwich individually in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together.
When you’re ready to serve the sandwiches, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. You can serve the sandwiches as-is, or get creative with toppings and mix-ins, such as whipped cream, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even caramel sauce. Just be sure to serve the sandwiches quickly, as they can start to melt and become messy if they sit out for too long.
Can I customize my ice cream sandwiches with different flavors and mix-ins?
Absolutely! One of the best things about making ice cream sandwiches at home is the ability to customize them with your favorite flavors and mix-ins. You can experiment with different ice cream flavors, such as mint chip, rocky road, or strawberry, and pair them with complementary cookie flavors, such as chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or peanut butter. You can also add mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or candy pieces, to the ice cream for added texture and flavor.
In addition to customizing the ice cream and cookies, you can also get creative with the assembly process. For example, you can use a small amount of ice cream and place it off-center on the cookie, or use a large scoop of ice cream and place it in the center of the cookie. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes of cookies, such as using a cookie cutter to create fun shapes or using a large cookie to make a giant ice cream sandwich.
Are there any tips for making ice cream sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, there are several tips for making ice cream sandwiches ahead of time. One of the most important things to keep in mind is to assemble the sandwiches just before serving, as the cookies can become soggy if they sit out for too long. However, you can make the cookies and scoop the ice cream ahead of time, and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Another tip is to use a high-quality ice cream that will hold up well to freezing and reheating. You can also experiment with different types of cookies, such as cookies that are specifically designed to be frozen, to help keep the sandwiches fresh for longer. Finally, be sure to store the assembled sandwiches in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent them from getting freezer burn or absorbing odors from other foods in the freezer.