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These patriotic cookie ice cream sandwiches bring a festive and fun twist to any celebration, especially summer holidays. Soft sugar cookies loaded with red, white, and blue mini chocolate chips are baked just right to stay tender and then sandwiched with creamy vanilla ice cream and rolled in matching sprinkles for that perfect festive finish.
I first made these for the Fourth of July, and they instantly became a party hit. The kids loved helping roll the edges in sprinkles and savoring the festive colors.
Ingredients
- Sugar cookie dough: from a tube or your favorite soft sugar cookie recipe to keep the cookies tender and chewy
- Red white and blue mini chocolate chips: add bursts of chocolate flavor plus eye catching patriotic color
- Vanilla ice cream: for a classic creamy center, make sure it is slightly softened to make scooping easier
- Red white and blue sprinkles: create a fun and colorful coating on the edges of the sandwiches perfect for festive occasions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring an even bake that yields soft golden edges without crispiness.
- Prepare the dough:
- Place cookie dough in a medium mixing bowl and allow it to rest on the counter for 10 minutes. This softens the dough making it easier to stir in the mini chocolate chips thoroughly for an even distribution.
- Shape and bake cookies:
- Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop dough onto a nonstick baking sheet. Space them so they do not spread into each other during baking. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes watching carefully until the edges are just golden—this is key to keeping the cookies soft.
- Cool and freeze the cookies:
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely. Then place the cookies in the freezer for about 30 minutes so they become firm and are easier to handle in the next step.
- Prepare the ice cream filling:
- Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for around five minutes to soften slightly. This makes scooping and spreading smoother without melting it too fast.
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Flip half the cookies over to make the base. Scoop approximately one quarter cup of softened ice cream onto each cookie base. Top with the remaining cookies flipping them upside down, and gently press until the ice cream reaches the edges.
- Add the sprinkles:
- Pour the red white and blue sprinkles onto a plate or shallow bowl. Roll the edges of each ice cream sandwich through the sprinkles until they are completely covered, adding a festive touch.
- Freeze to set:
- Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches back into the freezer to fully harden. Once firm, individually wrap them in plastic wrap and keep frozen until ready to serve.
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Storage Tips
Store the individually wrapped ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for up to a week. Make sure to keep them tightly wrapped to avoid freezer burn and preserve the festive sprinkles on the edges. Let them sit a few minutes out of the freezer before eating for the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find red white and blue mini chocolate chips you can substitute regular chocolate chips and add color with sprinkles only. For a fun twist try swapping vanilla ice cream for strawberry or blueberry flavors to enhance the patriotic theme.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches are best served as a cold treat outdoors on a warm summer day. Pair them with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a light refreshing addition. They also work well alongside a glass of cold lemonade or an iced tea.
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Cultural Context
Ice cream sandwiches are a nostalgic American dessert often enjoyed during summer celebrations and holidays. Adding patriotic colors with cookies and sprinkles elevates this classic treat to a festive symbol for Independence Day gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cookie dough works best for these sandwiches?
Soft sugar cookie dough is ideal as it stays tender after baking, ensuring the sandwich remains easy to bite.
- → Can different ice cream flavors be used?
Yes, experimenting with various ice cream flavors can add unique twists to the classic vanilla pairing.
- → How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Spacing cookie dough scoops properly on the baking sheet helps maintain shape and avoid merging during baking.
- → Why is it important to chill the cookies before assembly?
Cooling cookies fully and freezing them helps the ice cream sandwich hold its shape and prevents melting during assembly.
- → What is the best way to store the finished sandwiches?
Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer to keep them fresh and firm.