Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe

Heavy cream: Provides a rich and creamy base for the ice cream.

Whole milk: Adds a smooth texture to the ice cream mixture.

Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and cookie dough.

Peppermint extract: Gives the ice cream its refreshing mint flavor.

Mini chocolate chips: Adds a delightful crunch and chocolatey goodness to the ice cream.

Gluten-free flour: Ensures the cookies are safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Cocoa powder: Provides a rich chocolate flavor to the cookies.

Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavors in both the ice cream and cookies.

Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the cookie dough together.

Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper sweetness to the cookies.

White sugar: Balances the sweetness in the cookies.

Eggs: Provides structure and moisture to the cookie dough.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

When making the ice cream, ensure that the heavy cream and whole milk are very cold before mixing. This helps the sugar dissolve more easily and results in a creamier texture. For the cookies, make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right consistency in the dough. When folding in the mini chocolate chips into the churned ice cream, do it gently to avoid deflating the mixture.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy cream and is a great dairy-free alternative.

• whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a popular dairy-free option that works well in ice cream recipes.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• peppermint extract - Substitute with fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint leaves can be steeped in the milk to infuse a natural mint flavor.

• mini chocolate chips - Substitute with dairy-free chocolate chips: Dairy-free chocolate chips are suitable for those avoiding dairy.

• gluten-free flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a nutritious, gluten-free alternative that adds a slightly nutty flavor.

• cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is a caffeine-free alternative to cocoa powder with a similar taste.

• baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used if you adjust the quantity, as it contains an acid and a base.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a more natural flavor and contains trace minerals.

• softened butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a great dairy-free alternative that provides a similar texture.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich flavor and is a natural sweetener.

• white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that can replace white sugar.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative made by mixing ground flaxseed with water.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste provides a more intense vanilla flavor and includes the seeds from the vanilla pod.

• Ensure the ice cream sandwiches are completely frozen before storing to prevent them from sticking together.
• Wrap each ice cream sandwich individually in parchment paper or wax paper to maintain their shape and prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag. This will help keep them fresh and avoid absorbing any unwanted odors from the freezer.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness. Ice cream sandwiches can typically be stored for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, allow the sandwiches to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier eating.
• For longer storage, consider using a vacuum sealer to remove all air from the packaging, which can extend the shelf life and preserve the flavor and texture of the ice cream sandwiches.
• If you notice any ice crystals forming on the sandwiches, it’s best to consume them sooner rather than later to avoid a decline in quality.

• Room Temperature Method:

  • Remove the mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches from the freezer.
  • Let them sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the ice cream to soften slightly, making it easier to bite into without melting too quickly.

• Microwave Method:

  • Place the ice cream sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Microwave on the lowest power setting for 5-10 seconds. This will slightly soften the cookies and the ice cream without melting it too much.
  • Check the texture and repeat if necessary, but be cautious not to overheat.

• Oven Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
  • Place the ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Warm in the oven for about 2-3 minutes. This method is ideal for slightly warming the cookies while keeping the ice cream cold.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  • Set your toaster oven to its lowest setting.
  • Place the ice cream sandwich on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray.
  • Warm for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the ice cream doesn’t melt too much.

• Hot Water Method:

  • Fill a bowl with hot water.
  • Quickly dip the ice cream sandwich (still wrapped) into the hot water for about 1-2 seconds.
  • This will slightly soften the cookies without affecting the ice cream inside.

• Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients such as heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and peppermint extract.

• Whisk: Essential for whisking together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and peppermint extract until the sugar is dissolved.

• Ice cream maker: Necessary for churning the ice cream mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Spatula: Useful for folding in mini chocolate chips into the churned ice cream.

• Container: Needed for transferring the churned ice cream to freeze for at least 2 hours.

• Baking sheet: Required for lining with parchment paper and baking the cookies.

• Parchment paper: Used to line the baking sheet to prevent cookies from sticking.

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the cookies.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, gluten-free flour, and cocoa powder.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like peppermint extract, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.

• Electric mixer: Useful for beating together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until creamy, and for mixing in eggs and vanilla extract.

• Scoop: Handy for scooping the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

• Cooling rack: Important for letting the baked cookies cool completely.

• Ice cream scoop: Needed for placing a scoop of ice cream between two cookies during assembly.

• Freezer: Used for freezing the assembled ice cream sandwiches for another hour before serving.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and organize all ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth workflow and saves time.

Use store-bought ice cream: If you're in a hurry, use store-bought mint chocolate chip ice cream instead of making it from scratch.

Chill dough: Prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and chill it. This makes it easier to handle and speeds up the baking process.

Batch baking: Bake multiple cookies at once by using multiple baking sheets. This reduces overall baking time.

Pre-scoop ice cream: Pre-scoop the ice cream and freeze the scoops on a tray. This makes assembly faster and easier.