As a self-proclaimed dessert enthusiast, I'm always trying to elevate classic treats. Lately, I've been obsessed with perfecting the humble ice cream sandwich. (Cuz it's been hella hot here in WeHo and it's not even summer yet!)
While the store-bought versions are convenient, they often lack the depth of flavor and satisfying texture a foodie truly craves. That's why I decided to craft my own, and let me tell you, the results are nothing short of phenomenal. The secret? A generous dose of Buff Boy Brewing coffee infused into a creamy, dreamy coffee ice cream.
This recipe isn't just about slapping ice cream between cookies; it's about creating an experience. The rich, robust coffee flavor from Buff coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of the ice cream and the comforting crunch of the cookies. Trust me, once you try this, you'll never look at ice cream sandwiches the same way again.
What You'll Need:
For the Coffee Ice Cream:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup freshly brewed, strong Buff Boy coffee (cooled)
¼ cup coffee liqueur (optional, for extra coffee kick!)
For the Cookies:
You can use your favorite homemade cookie recipe (chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin or even snickerdoodles work great!)
Alternatively, you can use store-bought cookies for a quicker option. (Bleh!) Choose cookies that are sturdy and not too soft. My personal favorite are chocolate wafers or gingerbread cookies.
Instructions:
Let's Make the Coffee Ice Cream:
Combine the Basics: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar and salt.
Heat and Dissolve: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Be careful not to let it boil.
Infuse the Coffee Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cooled Buff Boy coffee, and coffee liqueur (if using). The aroma at this point is simply intoxicating, Maybe almost literally... depending on how much you use!
Chill Out: Pour the mixture into a container, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Churn, Baby, Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. The churning process introduces air, creating a light and creamy texture.
Freeze for Perfection: Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to harden completely.
Assembling Your Masterpieces:
Prepare Your Cookies: Lay out your cookies on a flat surface, with the flat sides facing up.
Scoop and Spread: Take a generous scoop of your homemade Buff Boy coffee ice cream and place it on the flat side of one cookie. Gently spread the ice cream evenly to the edges.
Sandwich Time: Top the ice cream with another cookie, flat side down. Gently press the cookies together to create a cohesive sandwich.
Freeze Again (Optional): For a more solid ice cream sandwich, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
Tips and Tricks for Ice Cream Sandwich Success:
Size Matters (well, duh!): Choose cookies that are roughly the same size for a uniform look.
Get Creative with Coatings: Roll the edges of your ice cream sandwiches in sprinkles, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of fun.
Experiment with Flavors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different cookie and ice cream combinations. Vanilla ice cream with chocolate cookies is a classic, but the possibilities are endless!
Strong Coffee is Key: Using strong, freshly brewed Buff Boy coffee is crucial for achieving a pronounced coffee flavor in your ice cream.
The combination of homemade ice cream, the rich coffee flavor and the comforting crunch of cookies is simply irresistible.