The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: cookies and ice cream! These homemade Peppermint Christmas Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a festive and delicious way to spread holiday cheer. If you’re like me and believe that ice cream is a year-round indulgence, then this recipe is perfect for you. These aren’t just any ice cream sandwiches; they’re crafted with homemade chocolate peppermint sugar cookies, offering a unique and irresistible flavor combination.
The star of these ice cream sandwiches is undoubtedly the homemade chocolate peppermint sugar cookies. Cut into charming scalloped circles, these cookies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly flavorful. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a delightful balance that perfectly complements the creamy ice cream filling. And speaking of the filling, the possibilities are endless! While I suggest trying traditional vanilla or cookies & cream ice cream for classic combos, feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors to create your own signature ice cream sandwich.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! To add an extra layer of flavor and texture, the finished ice cream sandwiches are rolled in crushed peppermint candies. This not only enhances the peppermint flavor but also adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies and creamy ice cream. These Peppermint Christmas Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a feast for the senses, offering a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and visual appeal.
Let’s dive into the details of making these delectable treats. The chocolate peppermint sugar cookies are surprisingly easy to make, but they pack a serious flavor punch. While they’re delicious on their own, they truly shine when paired with ice cream. The key to achieving perfectly shaped cookies is to refrigerate the cut dough before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading and ensures that they maintain their shape, creating a solid and stable base for your ice cream sandwiches.
When it comes to assembling the ice cream sandwiches, using softened ice cream is essential. Allowing the ice cream to sit out for a few minutes before scooping makes it easier to work with and prevents a sticky mess. While a little mess can be part of the fun, especially when baking with kids, using softened ice cream will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable sandwich-making experience.
Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create your own batch of these festive treats? Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through each step of the process:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- Ice cream, desired flavor (vanilla, cookies & cream, or peppermint recommended)
- Peppermint candies, crushed
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar, oil, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt. Beat the ingredients together until just smooth, being careful not to over-cream them. Over-creaming can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Add the egg and mix until just combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the cornstarch, cocoa powder, and flour to the mixing bowl all at once. Mix on low speed to combine, scraping the bowl as needed. Continue mixing until the dough comes together in one lump, but remains slightly sticky. This sticky texture is essential for creating soft and chewy cookies.
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make it easier to remove them after baking. Roll out the dough on a piece of parchment or wax paper until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough and place them on the lined cookie sheet. Scalloped circles are a festive choice for these Christmas-themed ice cream sandwiches, but feel free to use any shapes you desire.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the cut-out cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading during baking. Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up, which helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Once heated, bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Avoid overbaking the cookies, as this can make them dry and brittle. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before assembling the ice cream sandwiches.
Step 6: Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Once the cookies are completely cooled, carefully sandwich them with your desired ice cream. For best results, allow the ice cream to soften slightly before scooping. Roll the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in crushed peppermint candies for added flavor and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy! These ice cream sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, as the cookies can become soggy if stored for too long.
These Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches are the perfect holiday treat for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, enjoying them as a cozy dessert on a cold winter night, or even leaving a few extra cookies for Santa, these ice cream sandwiches are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Beyond being a delightful dessert, these ice cream sandwiches offer a wonderful opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Experiment with different ice cream flavors, cookie shapes, and toppings to create your own unique variations. Consider using different extracts to flavor the cookies, such as almond or orange extract, or adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough. The possibilities are endless!
These Peppermint Christmas Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches are more than just a dessert; they’re a symbol of holiday cheer, a delicious way to celebrate the season, and a reminder of the simple joys in life. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday music, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible treats that will bring joy to everyone who tries them.
Embrace the spirit of the season and share these delightful ice cream sandwiches with your loved ones. They’re the perfect way to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories. Happy baking and happy holidays!
The rich flavors of chocolate and peppermint combined with the cool creaminess of your favorite ice cream make these sandwiches the perfect way to indulge during the holidays. Plus, the easy-to-follow recipe makes them a fun activity to do with family and friends. The recipe uses common ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it a cost-effective and simple way to create a memorable dessert. It’s an especially great activity if you’re looking for a way to spend quality time together during the busy holiday season. From making the cookies to choosing the perfect ice cream flavor and rolling them in crushed peppermint, every step involves creativity and fun. So, why not make this holiday season extra special by trying this recipe? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more!
Why settle for ordinary holiday desserts when you can have something extraordinary? With these peppermint Christmas cookie ice cream sandwiches, you’re not just making a dessert; you’re creating an experience. Imagine the look on your loved ones’ faces as they bite into the perfect combination of flavors and textures. These sandwiches are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. The vibrant colors of the crushed peppermint candies against the chocolate cookies create a festive and inviting look that adds to the holiday spirit. So, this year, elevate your dessert game and make these unforgettable peppermint Christmas cookie ice cream sandwiches. They’re sure to be a hit and will become a cherished holiday tradition for years to come.
