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This strawberry ice cream sandwich makes the perfect sweet treat for hot summer days, combining the softness of homemade cookies with refreshing strawberry ice cream.
I've been making these little ice cream sandwiches every summer since my kids were young. What started as an activity to keep them busy during vacation has turned into our favorite family tradition during heatwaves.
What You'll Need
- All-purpose flour: it gives the cookies their ideal texture. Go for quality flour for the best results
- Softened unsalted butter: pick a good French butter for extra flavor
- Sugar: it adds just enough sweetness without being too overpowering
- Egg: it brings all ingredients together. Room temperature organic eggs work best
- Vanilla extract: try real Madagascar vanilla for an authentic taste
- Baking soda: it helps the cookies rise slightly
- Strawberry ice cream: grab artisanal ice cream or make your own with fresh seasonal strawberries for an amazing taste
Simple Cooking Steps
- Heat your oven:
- Set your oven to 175°C. Make sure it's fully heated before baking for even cooking. While waiting, line your baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies won't stick.
- Mix the cookie dough:
- Start by beating butter and sugar in a large bowl for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This adds air to the dough, making lighter cookies. Then add the egg and vanilla, mixing until everything's combined. Gently fold in the flour and baking soda with a spatula to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape your cookies:
- Take equal portions of dough, about one tablespoon each. Roll the dough between your hands to make perfect balls, then place them on the baking sheet at least 5 cm apart as they'll spread while baking.
- Bake them up:
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching carefully. The cookies are done when the edges start to turn golden but the center stays slightly soft. Don't overbake them as they'll harden when cooling, and you want them tender for your sandwiches.
- Cool them down:
- Move the cookies right away to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely, which takes around 30 minutes. This is important because warm cookies would melt the ice cream too quickly.
- Put them together:
- Take your ice cream out of the freezer 5 minutes before assembly so it's just soft enough to spread. Place a generous scoop of ice cream on one cookie, spreading it to about 0.5 cm from the edge.
- Complete the sandwich:
- Gently place a second cookie on top. Press very lightly to spread the ice cream to the edges without making it overflow. If the ice cream starts melting, put the sandwiches in the freezer right away.
- Freeze them:
- Line up your sandwiches on a tray covered with parchment paper, making sure they don't touch. Freeze for at least 1 hour or until the ice cream is completely firm. You can then wrap them individually in aluminum foil.
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I found that vanilla extract really makes these cookies special. One time when I ran out, I scraped a real vanilla pod instead, and the result was so much better that I only use that now. My kids can tell the difference right away.
Storage Tips
Tasty Variations
Delicious Origins
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different ice cream flavor for this treat?
Sure, you can swap the strawberry ice cream for any flavor you like, such as vanilla or chocolate.
- → What's the best way to store these ice sandwiches?
Keep them in an airtight container in your freezer so they don't get soft or pick up other food smells.
- → Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the cookies and keep them in an airtight container for a few days before putting your sandwiches together.
- → What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
You can try a gluten-free mix if you want a version that fits special diets.
- → How long do I need to wait before eating these sandwiches?
After you put them together, leave them in the freezer for at least an hour so the ice cream gets firm enough.