Making ice cream cookies is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth while impressing friends and family. These tasty treats combine the best of both worlds—soft, chewy cookies filled with creamy ice cream. Whether you’re looking for a fun project to do with kids or a quick treat after dinner, ice cream cookies are the perfect choice. You can customize them to suit any occasion, making them a favorite indulgence for everyone.
Why We Love This How to Make Ice Cream Cookies Easily
Ice cream cookies stand out as a versatile dessert that brings joy to any occasion. They are easy to make, allowing you to whip up delicious treats without complicated steps. You can personalize them with your favorite cookie and ice cream flavors, making it possible for no two batches to be the same. This flexibility means that whether you’re preparing for a summer party or cozying up on a chilly evening, these cookies will surely hit the spot. The delightful combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream creates a unique texture and temperature contrast that makes each bite an experience. Plus, they are simple enough for anyone to make at home, making ice cream cookies a beloved recipe across various age groups.
Ingredients for How to Make Ice Cream Cookies Easily
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins)
- 2 cups ice cream, slightly softened (any flavor)
Directions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or your chosen mix-ins.
- Scoop about two tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your hand.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are cool, take a scoop of softened ice cream and place it on the bottom of one cookie. Top it with another cookie, and gently press down. Repeat this process until all cookies are filled with ice cream.
- If you like, you can roll the edges of the ice cream cookie sandwiches in sprinkles, nuts, or extra chocolate chips for added texture and flair.
- Place the ice cream cookies on a plate or baking sheet and put them in the freezer for at least an hour to allow the ice cream to firm up.
How to Serve How to Make Ice Cream Cookies Easily
Serving ice cream cookies is all about presentation and enjoyment. Once the ice cream cookies have chilled in the freezer, you can stack them on a beautiful platter or arrange them on a decorative plate. To add a touch of fun, consider drizzling some warm chocolate sauce or caramel over the top. This will create an inviting look and enhance the flavors of the cookies. You can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit or whipped cream to balance the sweetness. For gatherings, providing an assortment of flavors allows guests to build their own ice cream cookie sandwiches. This DIY element makes it not only delicious but a fun activity too! Lastly, pair each serving with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or coffee, depending on the occasion, for a delicious and complete dessert experience.
Expert Tips for How to Make Ice Cream Cookies Easily
To take your ice cream cookies to the next level, try these expert tips. First, make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture. If you don’t have time to soften the butter naturally, you can cut it into smaller pieces and microwave it for a few seconds at low power. When mixing your cookie dough, avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. For even baking, rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This is especially important if you are using two sheets simultaneously. To achieve perfect cookie shapes, consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilled dough will spread less and hold its shape better during baking. Lastly, experiment with different ice cream flavors and mix-ins; you can even try layering two or three flavors of ice cream for a unique treat.
How to Store How to Make Ice Cream Cookies Easily
Proper storage of ice cream cookies ensures they stay fresh and delicious. After assembling your cookies and freezing them, wrap each ice cream cookie sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. If you stack them, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store them in the freezer, where they can last up to two weeks without losing quality. For best results, consume them within the first week while the flavors are fresh. If the cookies start to harden or become icy, a brief sit at room temperature can make them easier to bite into. Remember, the key to keeping these treats delicious is minimizing air exposure and keeping them cold.
Variations of How to Make Ice Cream Cookies Easily
One of the best aspects of making ice cream cookies is the endless possibilities for variations. You can start with different types of cookies, such as oatmeal, sugar cookies, or even snickerdoodles. Each base cookie brings a new twist to your dessert. When it comes to ice cream, the flavor choices are vast. Consider fruity flavors like strawberry or mango for a refreshing twist, or opt for classic choices like vanilla or chocolate. You can also add additional mix-ins such as toffee bits, nuts, or even candies to enhance your cookie sandwiches. Another fun option is to switch up the toppings—try coating the edges of your ice cream cookies in chocolate or sprinkles, or add a drizzle of caramel or fudge on top before serving. You can even create themed treats by using seasonal flavors or colors to celebrate holidays or special events.
FAQ about How to Make Ice Cream Cookies Easily
What is the best type of cookie to use for ice cream cookies?
The best type of cookie for ice cream cookies varies based on personal preference, but soft and chewy options like chocolate chip, sugar cookies, or oatmeal raisin are popular choices. They hold up well and provide a delightful contrast to the cold ice cream.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to thaw it before baking.
How long can I keep ice cream cookies in the freezer?
Ice cream cookies can stay fresh in the freezer for up to two weeks. Be sure to store them properly in airtight wrapping or a container to preserve their texture.
Can I use dairy-free ice cream?
Yes, you can absolutely use dairy-free ice cream if you want to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. There are many tasty varieties available today that work just as well in your ice cream cookies.
How can I make my ice cream cookies stackable?
To ensure your ice cream cookies are stackable, use slightly firmer ice cream and less filling in each cookie sandwich. This will help maintain their shape and make them easier to handle and serve.
Ice Cream Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened At room temperature for best texture
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins)
- 2 cups ice cream, slightly softened (any flavor)
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or your chosen mix-ins.
Baking
- Scoop about two tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your hand.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembly
- Once the cookies are cool, take a scoop of softened ice cream and place it on the bottom of one cookie. Top it with another cookie, and gently press down. Repeat this process until all cookies are filled with ice cream.
- Optional: Roll the edges of the ice cream cookie sandwiches in sprinkles, nuts, or extra chocolate chips for added texture and flair.
- Place the ice cream cookies on a plate or baking sheet and put them in the freezer for at least an hour to allow the ice cream to firm up.
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