How to make Double Chocolate and Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients:
For the Cookies
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
For the Ice Cream Filling
2 cups chocolate ice cream
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together until well mixed.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes with a spatula.
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers remain soft.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Ice Cream: While the cookies cool, soften the chocolate ice cream slightly in a bowl and mix in the peppermint extract.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the cookies are cool, take one cookie, place a scoop of peppermint chocolate ice cream on it, and top with another cookie. Press down gently.
Freeze: Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Why You’ll Love This Double Chocolate and Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies
These cookies combine the rich flavors of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint, making them a delightful treat, especially during the holiday season. The soft and chewy cookies paired with creamy ice cream create an indulgent dessert that everyone will love. They are perfect for sharing at parties, giving as gifts, or enjoying at home on cozy evenings.
Nutriments benefits
Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and may improve heart health.
Peppermint: Peppermint can soothe digestive issues and offers a refreshing flavor.
Sugar: While high in sugar, moderation is key. A small treat can still fit into a balanced diet.
What to Serve With Double Chocolate and Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies
Consider serving these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a festive punch. They can also be a nice addition to a dessert platter at a holiday gathering, paired with other treats like brownies, pies, or seasonal fruits.
How to store Double Chocolate and Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies
To store your ice cream sandwich cookies, wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep them in an airtight container in the freezer. They should last about two weeks, but they’re likely to disappear much faster!
Tips and mistakes to avoid
Do not overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugars.
Monitor baking time: Each oven can vary. Keep an eye on the cookies to prevent overbaking. They should look set but still soft in the center.
Variation
You can customize your ice cream sandwiches by using different flavors of ice cream. Vanilla, mint, or even cookie dough could be delicious alternatives. For a different twist, you could add in other mix-ins like nuts or use different flavored extracts in the ice cream.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookies and freeze them before baking. Once you’re ready to enjoy them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
2. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Make sure your butter is not too soft; it should be just softened. Chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading.
3. What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
For the best experience, serve the ice cream sandwiches immediately after assembling. If they are firm from the freezer, let them sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften slightly before serving.