Welcome to a world of sweet delight! Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat to make and enjoy. Creamy, cool mint ice cream hugs soft, chewy cookies for a perfect dessert. In this post, I’ll guide you through simple steps, ingredient swaps, and even some tasty variations. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive in and create this delicious treat together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The refreshing taste of mint paired with rich chocolate creates a delightful and indulgent treat that everyone loves.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and can be whipped up in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These ice cream sandwiches are a fun dessert for parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat on a hot day!
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different ice cream flavors or mix-ins to create your own unique version of this classic dessert.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches, you will need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups mint chocolate chip ice cream
Measurement Conversions
If you need to convert measurements, here are some quick tips:
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
- 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
- 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters
- 1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients if needed:
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor.
- If you don’t have peppermint extract, use extra vanilla extract instead.
- For a gluten-free version, try almond flour or gluten-free flour blends.
These tips help make your mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches fun and easy to create!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick and makes cleanup easy.
Combining Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set this aside. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until it's light and fluffy. This step adds air to the mix, which helps the cookies rise. Next, beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix, stirring until just combined. Finally, gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Baking and Cooling Instructions
Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Once the cookies are cool, take 2 cookies and scoop a generous amount of mint chocolate chip ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top it with another cookie, flat side down. Gently press them together to form a sandwich. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours to set. Enjoy your tasty mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Best Texture
To get the best texture for your cookies, follow these steps:
- Use softened butter: This helps create a light and fluffy dough.
- Do not overmix: Mix until just combined to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions
For a fun and tasty presentation, serve your ice cream sandwiches like this:
- Place them on a colorful platter for a bright look.
- Add crushed chocolate mint candies around the sandwiches for extra flair.
- Consider drizzling chocolate sauce on top for an extra treat.
Timing for Ice Cream Sandwich Assembly
Timing is key for making tasty ice cream sandwiches:
- Wait until the cookies cool completely before adding ice cream.
- Scoop the ice cream onto the flat side of the cookie for even spreading.
- Assemble the sandwiches quickly to keep the ice cream from melting.
- Freeze the sandwiches for at least 2 hours to help them set properly.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: Before baking, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors and achieve a chewier texture.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor that complements the mint ice cream.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Experiment with Ice Cream: Try different flavors of ice cream, such as vanilla or cookies and cream, for a unique twist on this classic treat.
Variations
Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches
You can make these sandwiches vegan! Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. For the egg, try a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, and let it sit for a few minutes. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and your favorite vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream. Follow the same steps for baking and assembly. You’ll enjoy a tasty, plant-based treat!
Gluten-Free Options
Want a gluten-free version? Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends made with rice flour or almond flour. Check that your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free, too. Many brands are safe for gluten-free diets. Keep everything else the same, and you’ll have a delicious treat for all!
Flavor Customizations
Feel free to get creative with flavors! Instead of mint, try other extracts like almond or orange. You can also add mix-ins like crushed Oreos or sprinkles. If you like a crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts into the dough. Play with different ice cream flavors too. Chocolate or vanilla ice cream works great with these cookies! Enjoy your unique twist on this classic treat.
Storage Info
How to Store Ice Cream Sandwiches
Store your mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches in the freezer. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps the ice cream from getting icy. You can also put them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove any extra air from the bag. This helps them stay fresh longer.
Freezing Tips
Freeze your sandwiches for at least 2 hours after making them. This helps the ice cream firm up. If you want to serve them later, freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure they're well wrapped. You can take them out and let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating. This makes them easier to bite into.
Shelf Life and Quality
Mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches taste best within a week. After that, they may start to lose flavor. The cookies can get a bit hard, too. If stored properly, they can last up to a month in the freezer. However, the quality may decline. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste!
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of ice cream?
Yes, you can use any ice cream flavor you like. Vanilla, chocolate, or cookies and cream work well. Just make sure the flavors go well with the cookies. Mixing flavors can create fun combinations. For example, try mixing mint chocolate chip with cookie dough.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent cookies from spreading, chill the dough before baking. After mixing the dough, cover it and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up. Also, make sure to follow the recipe closely. Using the right amount of flour is key.
What are some store-bought alternatives?
You have many options if you prefer store-bought items. Look for ready-made cookies at the store. You can also find various ice cream flavors. Some brands even offer ice cream sandwiches. Check for flavors that include mint or chocolate for a tasty match.
This blog post covered how to make ice cream sandwiches from start to finish. We discussed ingredients, measurements, and substitutions. You learned the steps to bake, cool, and assemble. Tips helped you get the best textures, while variations inspired unique flavors. We also shared storage tips for fresh sandwiches.
Remember, you can always customize flavors and make it your own. Now it’s your turn to enjoy making and sharing these sweet treats!
