Creating a mouthwatering chocolate peanut butter ice cream sandwich is easier than you might think! This recipe combines creamy ice cream with rich cookies to create an indulgent dessert that's perfect for sharing or enjoying alone. Follow these detailed steps to make your own delicious treat at home.
### Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed cookies (e.g., Oreo, chocolate sandwich cookies)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups ice cream, softened for scooping
### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### 1. **Prepare the Cookie Base**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the crushed cookies in a mixing bowl.
- Add melted butter and stir until evenly mixed.
#### 2. **Make the Peanut Butter Filling**
- In another small bowl, mix peanut butter and vanilla extract together until smooth.
- Stir in salt until well combined.
#### 3. **Forming the Sandwiches**
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough mixture onto the baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Add a dollop of peanut butter filling in the center of each cookie dough ball.
#### 4. **Baking and Cooling**
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they're set but not too brown around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
#### 5. **Assembling the Sandwiches**
- Once cooled, take one cookie base with peanut butter filling and place it flat side down on a plate.
- Spoon softened ice cream over the peanut butter layer.
- Top with another cookie to form a sandwich.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used.
#### 6. **Freezing and Serving**
- Place assembled sandwiches in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving to ensure they’re fully frozen but not rock hard.
- Serve chilled or allow them to thaw slightly if desired.
### Tips for Perfecting Your Ice Cream Sandwiches
- **Softened Ice Cream**: The ice cream should be soft enough to spread easily, making the sandwiches more stable. If it's too firm, you can soften it by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or microwaving it briefly.
- **Consistent Cookie Layers**: Using a scoop helps ensure that each cookie layer is uniform in size and thickness, which makes them easier to handle when assembling your ice cream sandwiches.
By following these steps, you’ll create an irresistible chocolate peanut butter ice cream sandwich dessert. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a warm summer evening! Enjoy the deliciousness of this classic treat with a modern twist.