Name: Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches: A Cool & Festive Treat
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 360 min
Yield: 12-16 ice cream sandwiches
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional); 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; ½ cup crushed peppermint candies (plus more for rolling the sandwiches); Optional: a few drops of red food coloring (for a pinker hue)

Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches: Prepare to be transported to a winter wonderland with every delightful bite! Imagine the cool, refreshing burst of peppermint ice cream nestled between two chewy, homemade chocolate cookies. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. This isn't just a dessert; it's an experience.

While the exact origins of the ice cream sandwich are debated, its popularity soared in the early 20th century, becoming a beloved treat enjoyed by generations. Adding peppermint, a flavor often associated with the holiday season, elevates this classic to a festive and unforgettable indulgence. The combination of cool peppermint and rich chocolate is a timeless pairing that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

What makes Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of creamy, minty coolness and the satisfying chewiness of the cookies. They are incredibly easy to customize, allowing you to experiment with different cookie flavors or add-ins to the ice cream. Plus, they're a fantastic make-ahead dessert, perfect for parties or simply keeping on hand for a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes. Get ready to create a batch of these delightful sandwiches and spread some holiday cheer (or enjoy them year-round – we won't judge!).

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cookies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

For the Peppermint Ice Cream:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
½ cup crushed peppermint candies (plus more for rolling the sandwiches)
Optional: a few drops of red food coloring (for a pinker hue)

Making the Chocolate Cookies:

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture, which is important for proper leavening and flavor.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a less tender cookie.
Stir in Chocolate Chips (Optional): If using chocolate chips, gently stir them into the cookie dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and also allows the flavors to meld together. You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Scoop and Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to bake slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Peppermint Ice Cream:

Combine Cream, Milk, Sugar, and Salt: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt.
Heat and Dissolve Sugar: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not boil. You just want the sugar to dissolve completely.
Chill the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling period is crucial for the ice cream to churn properly and develop a smooth texture.
Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
Add Peppermint Extract and Crushed Peppermint Candies: During the last few minutes of churning, add the peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candies. Also, add red food coloring if you desire a pinker ice cream.
Transfer to Container and Freeze: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm. This allows the ice cream to harden completely.

Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches:

Soften Ice Cream Slightly: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to spread.
Assemble Sandwiches: Place a scoop of ice cream on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down, and gently press together to create a sandwich.
Smooth Edges: Use a knife or spatula to smooth the edges of the ice cream sandwich.
Roll in Crushed Peppermint Candies: Roll the edges of the ice cream sandwich in crushed peppermint candies. This adds a festive touch and extra peppermint flavor.
Freeze: Wrap each ice cream sandwich individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This will prevent them from becoming too soft and messy.
Serve: Serve the ice cream sandwiches frozen. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your ice cream sandwiches. Use good quality butter, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract.
Don't Overmix the Cookie Dough: Overmixing the cookie dough will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Chill the Cookie Dough: Chilling the cookie dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Chill the Ice Cream Base: Chilling the ice cream base is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
Don't Overchurn the Ice Cream: Overchurning the ice cream can result in a grainy texture. Churn until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Work Quickly When Assembling: Work quickly when assembling the ice cream sandwiches to prevent the ice cream from melting too much.
Freeze the Sandwiches: Freezing the sandwiches after assembly is important for firming them up and preventing them from becoming too soft.
Storage: Store the ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Wrap them individually to prevent freezer burn.

Variations:

Different Cookie Flavors: Experiment with different cookie flavors, such as gingerbread, sugar cookies, or peanut butter cookies.
Different Ice Cream Flavors: Try different ice cream flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, or coffee.
Different Toppings: Roll the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in different toppings, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips.
Add a Chocolate Coating: Dip the assembled ice cream sandwiches in melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
Use Different Extracts: Instead of peppermint extract, try using vanilla extract, almond extract, or orange extract.

Troubleshooting:

Cookies are too flat: Make sure you are using the correct amount of flour and that your butter is not too soft. Also, chilling the dough for a longer period of time can help.
Cookies are too dry: Make sure you are not overbaking the cookies. Also, adding a tablespoon or two of milk to the dough can help.
Ice cream is grainy: Make sure you are chilling the ice cream base for a sufficient amount of time. Also, avoid overchurning the ice cream.
Ice cream is too hard: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. Also, adding a tablespoon or two of vodka to the ice cream base can help prevent it from freezing too hard.
Sandwiches are falling apart: Make sure you are freezing the sandwiches for a sufficient amount of time after assembly. Also, using slightly softened ice cream can help the cookies adhere better.

Enjoy your homemade Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches! They're the perfect treat for the holidays or any time of year.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches are more than just a dessert; they're a festive explosion of flavor and texture that will have everyone begging for more. From the satisfying crunch of the chocolate wafers to the cool, creamy peppermint ice cream, every bite is a little slice of holiday heaven. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, especially if you're looking for a simple yet impressive treat to share with friends and family.

But the fun doesn't stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a truly decadent experience, try drizzling melted dark chocolate over the finished sandwiches and sprinkling them with crushed candy canes. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could swap out the chocolate wafers for gingerbread cookies for an extra layer of holiday spice. Another fantastic option is to use different flavors of ice cream. Imagine a combination of chocolate ice cream and peppermint patties, or even a scoop of coffee ice cream for a mocha-peppermint twist! The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwich creation.

Beyond the classic presentation, consider serving these sandwiches in smaller, bite-sized portions for a party. You could cut them into triangles or squares and arrange them on a platter for easy snacking. For a more elegant touch, try using a cookie cutter to create festive shapes like stars or snowflakes. And if you're looking for a fun activity to do with kids, let them help assemble the sandwiches and decorate them with sprinkles and other toppings. It's a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and create lasting memories.

I'm confident that you'll absolutely love these Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches. They're the perfect way to add a touch of holiday cheer to any occasion, and they're guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of the cool, refreshing peppermint and the rich chocolate is simply irresistible. Plus, they're so easy to make that even a beginner baker can whip them up in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (if you're making your own cookies!), and get ready to create some delicious memories.

I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you've made your own batch of Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches, I'd love to hear about your experience. Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you try any fun variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below – I can't wait to see what you create! And don't forget to tag me in your social media posts so I can admire your delicious creations. Happy baking, and happy holidays!

Remember, the key to a perfect Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwich is to use high-quality ingredients and to have fun with it. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something delicious and sharing it with the people you love. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought me. Now go forth and make some magic!