Jose Mier scours the net from Sun Valley, CA in search of unique offerings for his readers. One such is an easy yet astounding recipe for edible cookie dough ice cream sandwiches (originally by Dana Pollack) but listed on the Pioneer Woman website.
Cookie dough ice cream and ice cream sandwiches are beloved treats that combine the rich, comforting flavors of cookies with the creamy indulgence of ice cream. These desserts have become staples in the ice cream world, offering a delicious way to satisfy cravings for both cookies and ice cream. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history, varieties, and recipes of cookie dough ice cream and ice cream sandwiches. Additionally, we will provide detailed instructions on how to make safe, edible cookie dough to ensure your homemade treats are both delicious and free from harmful bacteria.
Cookie Dough Ice Cream
History and Popularity
Cookie dough ice cream emerged as a favorite flavor in the late 20th century, largely popularized by the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s in the early 1990s. The idea of combining raw cookie dough pieces with vanilla ice cream captured the imagination of dessert lovers and quickly became a sensation. The nostalgic appeal of sneaking bites of raw cookie dough during the baking process, combined with the creamy texture of ice cream, made this flavor an instant hit.
Varieties of Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Cookie dough ice cream has evolved over the years, with many variations and innovations:
- Classic Cookie Dough Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream mixed with chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough.
- Double Chocolate Cookie Dough Ice Cream: Chocolate ice cream with chocolate chip cookie dough pieces.
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Ice Cream: Peanut butter ice cream combined with peanut butter cookie dough.
- Gluten-Free Cookie Dough Ice Cream: Vanilla or other flavored ice cream mixed with gluten-free cookie dough.
- Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream: Made with non-dairy ice cream and egg-free, dairy-free cookie dough.
Making Cookie Dough Ice Cream
To make cookie dough ice cream at home, follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- For the ice cream base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the edible cookie dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Heat-Treat the Flour: To make the flour safe for consumption, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it cool completely.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and milk, and mix well. Gradually add the heat-treated flour and salt, mixing until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Add the Cookie Dough: Gently fold in the cookie dough chunks into the churned ice cream.
- Freeze: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
History and Popularity
Ice cream sandwiches have a long history, dating back to the early 20th century. Initially popularized by street vendors in New York City, they quickly became a favorite summer treat. The classic ice cream sandwich features vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two rectangular chocolate cookies, but over the years, numerous variations have emerged, including different ice cream flavors, cookie types, and even cake or brownie bases.
Varieties of Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches come in many forms, catering to diverse tastes and preferences:
- Classic Ice Cream Sandwich: Vanilla ice cream between two chocolate wafer cookies.
- Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwiches: High-quality, artisanal ice cream paired with gourmet cookies, often featuring unique flavors like salted caramel, matcha, or espresso.
- Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Rich, fudgy brownies used instead of cookies, with various ice cream flavors.
- Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches: French macarons filled with ice cream, offering a delicate and elegant twist.
- Gluten-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches: Made with gluten-free cookies or wafers.
- Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches: Using dairy-free ice cream and vegan cookies.
Making Ice Cream Sandwiches
To make delicious ice cream sandwiches at home, follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the ice cream:
- 1 quart of your favorite ice cream, slightly softened
Instructions:
- Make the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Bake the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each scoop slightly with your hand. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place a scoop of softened ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down, pressing gently to spread the ice cream evenly between the cookies. Repeat with the remaining cookies and ice cream.
- Freeze: Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap or parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Making Edible Cookie Dough
Raw cookie dough is a delicious treat, but traditional recipes often include raw eggs and untreated flour, which can pose health risks due to potential bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. To safely enjoy cookie dough, it’s important to make it without these risks.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Heat-Treat the Flour: Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it cool completely.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and milk, and mix well. Gradually add the heat-treated flour and salt, mixing until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Enjoy: The edible cookie dough can be enjoyed on its own, used in recipes like cookie dough ice cream, or incorporated into other desserts.
Advanced Recipes
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- For the ice cream base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- For the edible cookie dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Heat-Treat the Flour: Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it cool completely.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and milk, and mix well. Gradually add the heat-treated flour and salt, mixing until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and peanut butter until smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Add the Cookie Dough: Gently fold in the cookie dough chunks into the churned ice cream.
- Freeze: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- For the ice cream:
- 1 quart mint chocolate chip ice cream, slightly softened
Instructions:
- Make the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
- Bake the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each scoop slightly with your hand. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place a scoop of softened mint chocolate chip ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down, pressing gently to spread the ice cream evenly between the cookies. Repeat with the remaining cookies and ice cream.
- Freeze: Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap or parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- For the ice cream base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the edible cookie dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Heat-Treat the Flour: Spread the gluten-free flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it cool completely.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and milk, and mix well. Gradually add the heat-treated gluten-free flour and salt, mixing until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Add the Cookie Dough: Gently fold in the cookie dough chunks into the churned ice cream.
- Freeze: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Conclusion
Cookie dough ice cream and ice cream sandwiches are delightful treats that offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you enjoy the nostalgic taste of raw cookie dough in creamy ice cream or the satisfying combination of cookies and ice cream in a sandwich, these desserts are sure to bring joy to any occasion. By following the recipes and tips provided in this guide, you can create these delicious treats at home, ensuring they are both safe and delectable. So, grab your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and indulge in the wonderful world of cookie dough ice cream and ice cream sandwiches.