Introduction
Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors and textures with our Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches! This recipe is a delightful union of cool, refreshing mint ice cream studded with rich chocolate chips, sandwiched between two delectable chocolate cookies. Perfect for a sunny day treat or a special dessert to impress guests, these ice cream sandwiches are an absolute delight for both kids and adults alike.
Who Will Love This Recipe?
This recipe caters to anyone seeking a delightful twist on a classic dessert. It’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth craving a refreshing and indulgent treat. Whether you’re a seasoned dessert enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen looking to impress, these ice cream sandwiches are simple to make and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
Why It’s Great
The beauty of these Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches lies not just in their incredible taste but also in their versatility. You can easily customize them by using different types of cookies or swapping the ice cream flavor to suit your preferences. Additionally, this recipe allows for creativity, making it an ideal project to involve kids in the kitchen. It’s an enjoyable way to spend time together while creating something delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
Making the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until set. Let the cookies cool completely.
Making the Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, peppermint extract, and green food coloring (if using) until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- During the last few minutes of churning, add in the chocolate chips and continue until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.
Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Once the cookies and ice cream are completely cooled and set, scoop a generous amount of mint chocolate chip ice cream onto the bottom side of a cookie.
- Place another cookie on top and gently press down to create a sandwich.
- Repeat with the remaining cookies and ice cream.
- For neater edges, roll the sides of the ice cream sandwiches in additional chocolate chips or sprinkles if desired.
- Individually wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper and freeze for at least an hour before serving.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixer (handheld or stand)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Ice cream maker
- Freezer-safe container
Storing Leftovers
If there happen to be any leftovers (which is quite rare with these delicious treats!), wrap each ice cream sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They should keep well for up to a week.
Food Pairings
Pair these delightful Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot chocolate for an ultimate indulgent experience. For a more adventurous pairing, try a scoop of these sandwiches alongside a shot of espresso for a contrasting flavor experience.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought cookies for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade cookies add a special touch, you can definitely use your favorite store-bought chocolate cookies to simplify the process.
Can I make the ice cream without an ice cream maker?
While an ice cream maker yields the creamiest results, you can still make a no-churn version by whipping the cream until stiff peaks form and then folding in sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract before freezing.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with fresh mint leaves?
Yes, you can infuse the cream with fresh mint leaves by heating it gently, then straining out the leaves before chilling the mixture.
Conclusion
Experience the delightful harmony of refreshing mint and rich chocolate with these homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches. Whether enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a sweet ending to a meal, these treats are sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more delightful culinary adventures!