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If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the nostalgia of cookie dough combined with the cool creaminess of ice cream, you are going to adore this Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe. It’s the ultimate treat where chewy chocolate chip cookies hug rich homemade cookie dough ice cream, creating a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With every bite, you’ll get that perfect balance of textures and deep vanilla and chocolate flavors, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients come together to form a dessert that’s magical in every sense. Each item plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, from the creamy richness of the half-and-half to the gentle sweetness of brown sugar that enhances the cookie dough’s flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 stick, softened): Provides a creamy base that helps the cookie dough achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Adds subtle sweetness and helps with the dough’s structure.
- Brown sugar (â…“ cup, packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like flavor that makes the cookie dough irresistible.
- Whole milk (2 tbsp): Keeps the dough moist and soft for easy mixing and more tender bites.
- Vanilla extract (3 tsp total): Infuses warmth and depth into both the dough and ice cream base.
- Flour (1 ¼ cups): The foundation that holds the cookie dough together without making it tough.
- Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the sweet flavors perfectly—don’t skip it!
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 â…“ cups, divided): These pockets of chocolate add bursts of melty goodness and texture contrast.
- Half-and-half (4 cups): Delivers the silky, creamy base for the luscious ice cream.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces): Sweetens and thickens the ice cream, giving it that irresistible richness.
- Chocolate chip cookies (36 total): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade cookies to sandwich the ice cream in style.
How to Make Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy—a perfect base for that signature cookie dough flavor. Then add the milk and vanilla extract to bring the dough to life with moisture and a fragrant aroma. Finally, fold in the flour and kosher salt until just combined for that tender but sturdy texture.
Step 2: Prepare and Freeze Cookie Dough for Ice Cream Chunks
Divide your dough thoughtfully: freeze one third of it without any chocolate chips so it can be melted later for the ice cream base. Stir the remaining dough with â…“ cup of chocolate chips, then freeze the plain dough portion on a sheet, cutting it into small squares once solid. These will become delightful chunks to mix into your ice cream, delivering the chewy joy in every bite.
Step 3: Create the Ice Cream Base
Warm the plain cookie dough you set aside by melting it gently in the microwave. Combining this with the creamy half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract creates the velvety smooth ice cream base that captures every bit of classic cookie dough flavor beautifully. Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions to churn this mixture until it starts to firm up.
Step 4: Add Cookie Dough Chunks and Chocolate Chips
Just one minute before your ice cream finishes churning, stir in the frozen cookie dough chunks and the remaining chocolate chips. This step ensures every spoonful will have bursts of cookie dough pieces and rich, melty chocolate, making the ice cream an even more decadent experience.
Step 5: Freeze the Ice Cream Fully
Transfer the now-churned ice cream to a pan, generously topping it with extra chunks of cookie dough and more chocolate chips for an indulgent finishing touch. Let it freeze for 4 to 6 hours or overnight to set perfectly, allowing those flavors to meld and textures to settle into creamy, dreamy harmony.
Step 6: Assemble Your Ice Cream Sandwiches
Scoop about ⅓ cup of that luscious cookie dough ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies. Gently press together, making sure your sandwich isn’t too tight so you still get a soft, creamy bite every time without the cookies breaking.
Step 7: Freeze the Sandwiches
Place the assembled sandwiches back into the freezer for 1 to 2 hours. This step solidifies the ice cream, keeps everything nicely nestled, and readies your Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe for serving anytime you want a cool, sweet treat.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few sprinkles, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or some crushed nuts around your serving plate can elevate your Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe with extra texture, flavor, and a splash of color that makes it feel extra special. Whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cookies can add a fun, elegant touch too.
Side Dishes
Since these sandwiches are rich and full of flavor, pairing them with a light fruit salad or a small bowl of mixed berries can provide a refreshing balance. The fruity contrast complements the sweet, creamy ice cream and cookie combo perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful presentation, serve your sandwiches on a wooden board with a scoop of extra cookie dough ice cream on the side, sprinkled with mini chocolate chips for effect. Wrapping sandwiches individually in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a charming treat for parties or gift giving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cookie dough ice cream sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain their best texture and flavor. This keeps them fresh for up to a week, perfect for when you want a quick dessert fix later.
Freezing
Freezing is key to this recipe’s success. Once you’ve assembled your sandwiches, a 1-2 hour freeze ensures they stay intact and the ice cream stays deliciously firm. For longer storage, wrap each sandwich individually before placing in a sealed bag or container.
Reheating
Unlike most desserts, these sandwiches are best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your ice cream sandwiches become too hard, simply let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before enjoying to soften slightly without losing structure.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of making my own?
Yes, you can! Store-bought dough works perfectly for this recipe and can save you time. Just be sure to pick a good-quality dough without eggs, so it’s safe to eat raw in the ice cream.
What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
You can still enjoy the Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe by freezing the ice cream base in a shallow container and stirring it every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it’s smooth and frozen.
Can I substitute half-and-half with another dairy?
Absolutely! Whole milk and heavy cream combined in equal parts can replicate half-and-half’s richness if needed. Just be careful to keep the proportions right for the best creamy texture.
How do I make this recipe nut-free?
The recipe is naturally nut-free, but always check your chocolate chips and cookies carefully to ensure they haven’t been processed with nuts if allergies are a concern.
Is it okay to use store-bought cookies for the sandwiches?
Definitely! Using store-bought cookies is a great shortcut and works wonderfully, especially if you pick a cookie with a soft, chewy texture that won’t crumble when pressed with the ice cream.
Final Thoughts
This Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe is one of those magical desserts that brings pure joy with every bite. It’s a little bit nostalgic, a little bit elegant, and totally delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just because you deserve a sweet treat, I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe close. Give it a try, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories!
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Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (melting and mixing time)
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes (including freezing and assembling)
- Yield: 18 servings (18 ice cream sandwiches)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich recipe combines homemade cookie dough pieces with creamy vanilla ice cream and classic chocolate chip cookies to create a deliciously indulgent treat. You’ll first prepare a soft cookie dough, some of which is melted into the ice cream base while other parts are frozen and chopped into chunks to mix back into the ice cream. The final step sandwiches scoops of this flavorful ice cream between chocolate chip cookies for the perfect handheld dessert.
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 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
- Cookie dough from above
Assembly
- 36 chocolate chip cookies (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Cookie Dough Preparation: Cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the whole milk and vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate the flour and kosher salt into the wet ingredients until fully combined to form a soft cookie dough.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough for Ice Cream: Divide the dough into portions. Take one third of the dough and freeze it without any chocolate chips. Stir â…“ cup of chocolate chips into the remaining dough, then also freeze the dough without the chocolate chips on a flat sheet. Once frozen, cut this dough into small squares and set aside to use as chunks in the ice cream.
- Make the Ice Cream Base: Melt the frozen portion of cookie dough without chocolate chips in the microwave until soft and smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine this melted cookie dough with the half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until smooth and fully combined. Freeze the mixture according to the instructions of your ice cream maker, churning it until it’s almost done.
- Add Cookie Dough Chunks: One minute before the ice cream finishes churning, add the frozen cookie dough chunks and the remaining chocolate chips into the ice cream. Allow the machine to mix these in evenly.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe pan and top with additional cookie dough chunks and chocolate chips for extra texture. Freeze the ice cream for 4 to 6 hours or overnight to firm up completely.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Scoop about one-third cup of the finished cookie dough ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies. Gently press the cookies together to form a sandwich without squeezing out the ice cream.
- Freeze the Sandwiches: Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches in the freezer and chill them for 1 to 2 hours. This ensures the ice cream becomes firm and the sandwich holds together nicely when served.
Notes
- You can use store-bought chocolate chip cookies or homemade ones, depending on your preference.
- Make sure to freeze the cookie dough chunks solid before adding to the ice cream to prevent melting the base.
- Churning times will vary based on your ice cream maker model; follow manufacturer guidelines.
- The ice cream should be thoroughly frozen before assembling sandwiches to avoid soggy cookies.
- For easier scooping, allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature before making sandwiches.
- Store finished sandwiches in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
