Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches combine the irresistible allure of cookie dough and the creamy indulgence of ice cream to create a delightful dessert that’s hard to resist. This treat stands out with rich, flavorful cookie dough made entirely from plant-based ingredients, layered generously with your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream. Each bite is a luscious experience, where the chewiness of the cookie dough meets the silky texture of the ice cream, making it the perfect remedy for a sweet craving or a festive gathering.
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I first stumbled upon vegan cookie dough ice cream sandwiches on a warm summer afternoon, and since then, they’ve claimed a permanent spot in my dessert repertoire. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility; whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself after a long day, these sandwiches deliver a smile with every bite. Not to mention, they’re a wonderful way to impress your friends, whether they’re vegan or not. Come along and let’s create these delightful Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This cookie dough ice cream sandwich recipe comes together in just about an hour, making it an easy choice for an afternoon treat.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich, buttery cookie dough and creamy vanilla ice cream results in a flavor that’s both nostalgic and exciting.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright rainbow sprinkles and delightful layers create an inviting and impressive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for summer parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Enjoy at any time to satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Completely vegan and customizable to suit various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup vegan butter: Use a brand like Earth Balance for a creamy texture. This ingredient is crucial for moisture and richness in the cookie dough.
- ¾ cup cane sugar: This adds sweetness and enhances the cookie flavor. Coconut sugar can be a good alternative for a touch of caramel flavor.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar: For added depth and a chewy texture. If you’re out, you can substitute with more cane sugar.
- 2 flax eggs: Made by combining 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. This will act as a binding agent and substitute for eggs.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and enhances the overall flavor. Pure vanilla extract can work well here, too.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to heat treat the flour for safety since we won’t be baking the dough. You can substitute with a gluten-free blend if desired.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles: You’ll use half for the dough and half as a fun topping. Choose vegan-approved sprinkles for a fully plant-based treat.
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips: Adds delightful bursts of chocolate throughout the cookie dough. Dark chocolate chips are a great substitute as well.
- 1 pint vegan vanilla ice cream: About 2.5 cups is perfect for the filling. Almond or coconut-based ice creams add different layers of flavor to enjoy.
How to Make Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Soften the ice cream: Before making your cookie dough, remove the vegan vanilla ice cream from the freezer to let it soften. Don’t forget to prepare your flax eggs by mixing ground flaxseed with water and letting it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Cream the butters and sugars: In a standing mixer, cream together 1 cup of vegan butter, ¾ cup of cane sugar, and ¼ cup of light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the flax eggs and vanilla: Mix in the prepared flax eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste until well combined.
- Mix in the dry ingredients: Gradually add in 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt, mixing until a thick cookie dough forms.
- Fold in the mix-ins: Gently fold in ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles and ½ cup of vegan chocolate chips using a spatula.
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the sides for easy removal later.
- Layer the cookie dough: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Then, spread another layer of parchment paper over this layer and add the rest of the cookie dough on top. Remove the top parchment layer and place the pan in the fridge or freezer to chill.
- Layer the ice cream: Once the cookie dough is chilled, scoop the softened vegan ice cream on top of the bottom cookie layer, spreading it evenly. Place the pan back in the freezer until the ice cream firms up, roughly 20-30 minutes.
- Top with the remaining cookie dough: After the ice cream is firm, gently place the second layer of cookie dough on top. Press it down slightly to seal the layers together.
- Freeze until set: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and return it to the freezer for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Slice and serve: When ready to serve, remove the pan from the freezer and use a knife to glide along the edges to help release the cookie dough. Optionally, trim the outer edges for a cleaner look, then slice into 12-16 squares.
- Add the finishing touches: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles on top of the ice cream sandwiches before serving for an extra pop of fun.
Storing & Reheating
Once you’ve enjoyed your Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. For short-term storage, wrap individual sandwiches in plastic wrap to keep them fresh for about a week in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly since they can become quite firm when frozen.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour; a few flour streaks are okay. It helps maintain the desired chewy texture.
- For the best flavor, ensure your vegan butter is at room temperature and already softened. This enhances the creaming process.
- If you’d like to add nuts or other mix-ins, feel free! Chopped walnuts or pecans work great for added crunch.
- To save time, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and keep it stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling.
- Remember, the ice cream should be softened but not overly melted; a slight chill keeps it from becoming too runny when layered.
These Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches are a splendid treat, effortlessly blending indulgent flavors and textures. Uniting the creamy, cool ice cream with the rich cookie dough creates an experience everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. You’re encouraged to experiment with different ice cream flavors and sprinkles to suit your taste and occasions.
Treat yourself, your friends, or family to these delightful sandwiches. They’re perfect for summer barbecues, movie nights, or just a cozy evening at home. Enjoy every bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can replace it with any flavor you like. Chocolate or cookie dough-flavored vegan ice creams would add a chocolatey twist, while mint or strawberry could provide a refreshing change.
What if I can’t find vegan chocolate chips?
No problem! Many brands now offer dairy-free chocolate chips. If unavailable, you can also use chopped dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, or even leave them out altogether depending on your preference.
How can I make this gluten-free?
To make these sandwiches gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum, or use a blend that already incorporates it for the best results.
How long do these sandwiches last in the freezer?
These cookies can last up to 3 months in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container or individually wrapped. They’re perfect to make ahead for those last-minute cravings!
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📖 Recipe Card
Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
Enjoy these Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches that combine rich flavors and simple prep. With vegan butter, sugars, and sprinkles, they are perfect for a sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegan butter
- ¾ cup cane sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 flax eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 pint vegan vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Remove the ice cream from the freezer to soften and prepare the flax eggs by mixing 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes.
- In a standing mixer, cream together the vegan butter, cane sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the prepared flax eggs and vanilla bean paste until combined.
- Add the all-purpose flour and salt, mix until a thick cookie dough forms.
- Fold in the vegan chocolate chips and ½ cup of the rainbow sprinkles into the dough.
Notes
Chill the cookie dough for an hour for easier handling.
Use a scoop to portion out even cookie dough balls for the sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
