If you have a soft spot for cookie dough and ice cream, then get ready to fall head over heels, because The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe is here to brighten your dessert game. Imagine the perfect chewy chocolate chip cookie hugging a cool, creamy ice cream packed with chunks of cookie dough and melty chocolate chips—each bite is a heavenly dance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or craving a cozy night treat, this dessert is easy to make and delivers indulgence like no other, combining nostalgic cookie dough goodness with refreshing ice cream in one unforgettable package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that rich, creamy texture and mouthwatering flavor. From the butter that keeps the cookie dough soft to the sweetened condensed milk that lends the ice cream its luxuriously smooth character, every component is essential.
- Unsalted butter: Provides the creamy fat base that keeps the cookie dough tender and rich.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with the light, fluffy texture.
- Brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Whole milk: Balances the dough’s consistency and enhances creaminess.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates all flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- Flour: Gives structure to the cookie dough, ensuring just the right chewiness.
- Kosher salt: Amplifies sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- Semisweet chocolate chips or disks: Provide melty pockets of chocolate throughout both dough and ice cream.
- Half-and-half: Creates creamy, smooth ice cream texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a luscious, velvety body to the ice cream.
- Chocolate chip cookies: The perfect vehicle for your ice cream; homemade or store-bought works beautifully.
How to Make The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Whip up the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—it’s the secret to that delicate texture we all love. Then, stir in the milk and vanilla extract to make it smooth and fragrant. Finish by mixing in the flour and kosher salt carefully, combining everything into a perfect cookie dough base.
Step 2: Freeze and Prep the Dough Chunks
Here comes a clever trick: separate one-third of the dough and freeze it without any chocolate chips. For the remaining dough, fold in a third cup of semisweet chocolate chips and freeze this mixture on a sheet until solid. Once frozen, cut the chocolate chip-free dough into tiny cubes—these chunks will be the delightful bits that surprise you inside the ice cream.
Step 3: Make the Ice Cream Base
Now, gently melt the chocolate chip-free cookie dough in the microwave, just enough to loosen it up. Mix this melted dough with half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Pour the mix into your ice cream maker and churn following the manufacturer’s directions—this is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 4: Add the Cookie Dough and Chocolate Chips
As your ice cream nears completion, about a minute before it’s done churning, fold in the frozen cookie dough chunks along with the remaining chocolate chips. These mix-ins add that irresistible chewy and chocolate-packed texture that makes this ice cream so special.
Step 5: Freeze and Layer
Transfer your freshly churned ice cream to a pan, and don’t be shy about topping it with a few extra cookie dough pieces and chocolate chips. Freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours or overnight; this step helps the flavors meld and the ice cream set to the perfect scoopable consistency.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
To build your masterpiece, scoop roughly one-third cup of ice cream and sandwich it gently between two chocolate chip cookies. Take your time pressing them together; you want just enough pressure to hold the ice cream in place without squishing it all out.
Step 7: Final Freeze to Set
Pop your assembled sandwiches back into the freezer for 1 to 2 hours. This ensures the ice cream firms up nicely and that your sandwiches don’t fall apart at the first tempting bite—patience here pays off big time!
How to Serve The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
While these sandwiches are glorious on their own, why not add a little flair? Sprinkle a dusting of mini chocolate chips, flaky sea salt, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for that extra wow factor. Fresh mint leaves or a few crushed nuts can add texture and color, turning simple treats into showstoppers.
Side Dishes
Pairing is fun! Serve your cookie dough ice cream sandwiches alongside a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. For parties, consider fresh fruit skewers or a light berry compote, which brings a juicy contrast that complements the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by stacking the sandwiches on a rustic wooden board or arranging them in individual cups lined with colorful parchment paper. For an interactive twist, set out a toppings bar with sprinkles, crushed candies, or shredded coconut, inviting everyone to customize their own creations—because The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe is all about joy and indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’ll want to keep these delicious sandwiches fresh and ready for later enjoyment. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture beautifully for up to a week.
Freezing
If you plan to make batches ahead of time, freezing is your best friend. Assemble the sandwiches as instructed, then lay them flat on a baking sheet before transferring to a container to freeze fully. This helps maintain their shape and keeps every bite as perfect as day one.
Reheating
Since this is an ice cream-based dessert, reheating isn’t really necessary. However, if you prefer softer cookies, let the sandwiches thaw at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before digging in, so the cookie bites melt slightly into the ice cream for a luscious texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Using store-bought cookie dough is a great shortcut to save time without sacrificing deliciousness. Just be sure to choose a good quality dough with a balanced sweetness and ample chocolate chips for the best results.
What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
No ice cream maker? No problem. You can freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir it every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours to break up ice crystals and mimic the creamy texture of churned ice cream.
Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Definitely. For a dairy-free version, swap half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk, and use vegan butter in the cookie dough. Gluten-free flour blends also work well if you have gluten sensitivities.
How long should I freeze the sandwiches before serving?
It’s best to freeze your ice cream sandwiches for at least 1 to 2 hours. This step helps the ice cream to firm up inside the cookies, making them easier to handle and more enjoyable to eat.
Can I add other mix-ins to the ice cream?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. Nuts, toffee bits, or even a swirl of caramel or fudge sauce can add exciting flavors and textures to your already incredible ice cream sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
With its rich layers of cookie dough, creamy ice cream, and melty chocolate, The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe is a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. It’s fun, customizable, and downright irresistible. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, treat yourself and your loved ones to this incredible delight—you won’t regret it!
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The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 6h
- Cook Time: 0m
- Total Time: 6h 15m
- Yield: 18 sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the dreamy fusion of cookie dough and creamy ice cream with these Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches. Featuring homemade chocolate chip cookie dough chunks swirled into rich, homemade ice cream and nestled between classic chocolate chip cookies, this dessert is an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- â…“ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 â…“ cups semisweet chocolate chips or disks, divided
Ice Cream Base
- 4 cups half-and-half
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Assembly
- 36 chocolate chip cookies (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Make the cookie dough: Cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the whole milk and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the flour and kosher salt until fully combined, forming a smooth dough.
- Prepare dough portions: Divide the dough into two portions. Take one-third of the dough and freeze it without adding chocolate chips. Stir â…“ cup chocolate chips into the remaining two-thirds of the dough, and spread the plain dough (without chips) onto a sheet to freeze. Once frozen, cut the plain cookie dough into small squares and set aside.
- Mix the ice cream base: Melt the frozen plain cookie dough squares in the microwave until softened. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted cookie dough, half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Pour this mixture into your ice cream maker and begin churning according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Add mix-ins: One minute before the ice cream finishes churning, add the frozen cookie dough chunks and the remaining chocolate chips. Allow them to incorporate evenly into the ice cream.
- Freeze the ice cream: Transfer the churned ice cream into a pan, topping it with extra cookie dough pieces and chocolate chips for added texture. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to achieve a firm consistency.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Scoop about â…“ cup of your homemade cookie dough ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies. Gently press the cookies together to form a sandwich.
- Set the sandwiches: Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours to ensure the ice cream firms up, keeping the sandwich intact when served.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie dough without chocolate chips is frozen thoroughly before cutting into chunks to prevent sticking and ensure easy incorporation into the ice cream.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, try freezing the ice cream base in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes until thickened.
- Store the assembled ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week for best freshness.
- For softer cookies, warm them slightly before assembling the sandwiches.
