Craving a cool, chocolatey treat? These Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches are a refreshing twist on classic chocolate dessert recipes, offering a delightful combination of rich chocolate and cool mint. You’ll love how easy they are to make, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-purpose flour: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if preferred.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Dark cocoa powder works for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: Maple syrup or coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar in a pinch, but the texture might vary slightly.
- Unsalted butter: Margarine or a plant-based butter alternative can be used.
- Mint chocolate chip ice cream: Any flavor of ice cream you enjoy will work! Vanilla or chocolate are great alternatives.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ quarts mint chocolate chip ice cream, slightly softened
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 sandwiches
- Tools Needed: Baking sheets, parchment paper, electric mixer, 2-inch round cookie cutter, airtight container.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Cookie Dough
Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In a separate, larger bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. The dough for these chocolate dessert recipes should be soft but not sticky.
3. Chill the Dough
Divide the cookie dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for easy handling and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
4. Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out cookies, placing them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches
Once the cookies are completely cool, place a scoop of slightly softened mint chocolate chip ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Gently top with another cookie, pressing down slightly to spread the ice cream to the edges.
6. Freeze for Firmness
Immediately place the assembled ice cream sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This ensures your chocolate dessert recipes hold their shape beautifully.
Variation Ideas:
- Different Ice Cream Flavors: Try vanilla bean, strawberry, or coffee ice cream.
- Add Sprinkles: Roll the edges of the assembled sandwiches in colorful sprinkles or mini chocolate chips before freezing.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Once frozen, you can dip half of each sandwich in melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches individually wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in an airtight container in the freezer. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, ready for a quick, cool treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Why do I need to chill the cookie dough? Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! These ice cream sandwiches are perfect for making in advance and storing in the freezer.
- My cookies are too hard, what went wrong? Overbaking can lead to hard cookies. Watch them carefully and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set.
- Can I use store-bought cookies? Yes, you can! Use your favorite store-bought chocolate cookies for an even quicker assembly.
- What if I don’t have a round cookie cutter? You can use the rim of a glass or even cut the dough into squares with a knife.
- How do I prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly during assembly? Work quickly and freeze the assembled sandwiches immediately. You can also place the softened ice cream back in the freezer for a few minutes if it gets too soft.