Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches

These giant Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches are a delightful treat that combines homemade chocolate chip cookies with creamy vanilla ice cream swirled with rich caramel sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or simply as a sweet dessert to enjoy at home, these sandwiches are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Their standout feature is the luscious blend of flavors and textures, making them an unforgettable addition to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate chip cookies and vanilla caramel ice cream creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you’ll be able to whip these up without fuss.
• Perfect for Sharing: These sandwiches are large enough to share, making them ideal for parties or family gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings for a personalized twist.
• Fun for All Ages: Kids love assembling these sandwiches, making it a fun activity for the whole family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking of your cookies, giving them a nice shape.
• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a fluffy texture in your cookie dough effortlessly.
• Spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly and scraping down bowls.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup fine bakers sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups plus 3 TBSP all purpose flour
• 1 heaping cup chocolate chips, semisweet or bittersweet

For the Ice Cream

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup plus 2 TBSP granulate sugar
• pinch of kosher salt
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 TBSP vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt

How to Make Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and fine bakers sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add in one egg and 1 1/4 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Scoop out portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Allow cooling on a wire rack.

Step 6: Make Vanilla Ice Cream

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and add heavy cream and vanilla extract. Chill this mixture.

Step 7: Churn Ice Cream

Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions until thickened.

Step 8: Prepare Caramel Sauce

Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy whipping cream while stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat; mix in vanilla extract and kosher salt.

Step 9: Assemble Sandwiches

Take two cookies and place a generous scoop of ice cream between them. Drizzle caramel sauce on top of one cookie before pressing it down gently with the other cookie.

Step 10: Freeze

Place assembled ice cream sandwiches back in the freezer for at least an hour before serving.

Enjoy these delicious Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches, perfect for cooling off on warm days!

How to Serve Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches

Serving Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches can be a delightful experience for everyone. Whether it’s a summer gathering or a cozy family night, these sandwiches are sure to impress.

For Kids’ Parties

• Fun Presentation: Cut the sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters. This adds a playful touch that kids will love.
• Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with sprinkles, crushed cookies, and mini chocolate chips so kids can customize their own sandwiches.

For Movie Nights

• Chilled Platter: Serve the ice cream sandwiches on a chilled platter to keep them cool and firm while enjoying your favorite movie.
• Pair with Milk: Offer glasses of cold milk alongside the sandwiches for a classic dessert pairing.

At Summer BBQs

• Easy Grab-and-Go: Individually wrap each sandwich in parchment paper for easy handling during outdoor events.
• Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Serve with iced lemonade or sweet tea to complement the rich flavors of the dessert.

How to Perfect Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches

To ensure your Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches are truly unforgettable, here are some tips to help you perfect this treat.

• Keep Ingredients Cold: Make sure your butter and ice cream are chilled. This will help maintain the texture of the cookies and prevent melting.
• Use Quality Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips for richer flavor in your cookies.
• Adjust Baking Time: Bake the cookies until they are just golden brown; this keeps them soft for sandwiching.
• Let Ice Cream Soften Slightly: Before assembly, let the ice cream sit out for about 5 minutes. This makes spreading easier without compromising texture.
• Freeze After Assembling: After making your sandwiches, freeze them for at least an hour. This helps them hold their shape when served.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try different ice cream flavors or add nuts and fruit for unique twists on this classic dessert.

Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches

Pairing side dishes with Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the ice cream sandwiches.
2. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These decadent treats add a touch of elegance and pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream.
3. Grilled Peaches: Grilled peaches drizzled with honey create a warm, sweet side that complements cold desserts perfectly.
4. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual mini cheesecakes offer a creamy alternative that pairs well with the caramel flavors in your sandwiches.
5. Nutty Granola Bars: Crunchy granola bars provide a satisfying bite alongside your soft ice cream sandwiches.
6. Coffee or Espresso Shots: A small cup of coffee enhances the dessert experience by balancing sweetness with bitterness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill your cookie dough can result in flat cookies. Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Overbaking the cookies: Cookies should be slightly underbaked for a chewy texture. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are golden brown around the edges.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well your dough comes together. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements matter. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Ignoring the caramel sauce: If you rush the caramel process, it may not set correctly. Cook slowly and stir constantly to achieve the perfect swirl.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep cookies separate if not assembled to maintain texture.

Freezing Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm sandwiches for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds for a soft bite, but be cautious not to melt the ice cream.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of ice cream for Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches?

You can use any good-quality vanilla ice cream. For added flavor, try using homemade ice cream with real vanilla beans.

Can I customize my Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different chocolate types, or even mix in other flavors of ice cream like chocolate or mint.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough before baking. This helps maintain their shape.

How long can I keep these Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches in the freezer?

They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months when wrapped properly.

Final Thoughts

These Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches are perfect for summer gatherings or as a delightful treat anytime. Their delightful combination of flavors and textures makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!