Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches

It's hard to go wrong when sandwiching your favorite ice cream between 2 homemade cookies. Bake the cookies on a cool summer day and assemble the frozen creations for the steamy days ahead. If time is limited, buy thin chocolate wafers from the supermarket or your favorite cookies from the bakery.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip-Oatmeal Cookies

� cup whole-wheat flour � cup toasted wheat germ(see Tip) � teaspoon baking soda � teaspoon ground cinnamon � teaspoon salt � cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature � cup granulated sugar � cup packed light brown sugar 1 egg 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Sandwich filling

2 pints vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream, or any other flavor of your choice

Preheat the oven to 375� F. Spray 2 baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Position 2 oven racks in the center and upper third of the oven.

To make the cookies: Stir the flour, wheat germ, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together in a medium bowl. Put the butter and sugars into another medium bowl; use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the egg and vanilla; beat on low speed until well combined, about 15 seconds. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat until thoroughly combined. Stir in the oats and chocolate chips.

Use a small (2 tablespoon) ice cream scoop to make 1 �-inch balls of the dough; place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Press down the tops of the balls just slightly. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through the baking time for even browning; the cookies should be lightly browned and still slightly soft in the center. Place the baking sheet on a wire rack for about 3 minutes, then use a spatula to transfer the cookies to racks to cool.

Let the ice cream soften slightly. (You can put it in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes.) Spoon the ice cream into a � - cup measuring cup. Turn it out onto the flat bottom of a cookie. Top with a second cookie, flat side down. Press gently. Wrap in plastic and freeze until firm, at least 1 hour.

Advance preparation Ice cream sandwiches will keep for up to 2 weeks in the freezer; put the single-wrapped sandwiches in a freezer bag or freezer container or double-wrap them in plastic. The texture of the cookies softens after being frozen.

Contributed by :

 * SF&SC Y-Group