Ginger Molasses Ice Cream Sandwiches are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the warm, spicy flavors of ginger and the creamy coolness of ice cream. Imagine soft, chewy ginger molasses cookies wrapped around a scoop of your favorite ice cream, creating the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. These ice cream sandwiches are not just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience for your taste buds! This recipe stands out because it balances the comforting spices of ginger and molasses with the refreshing chill of ice cream, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Ginger Molasses Ice Cream Sandwiches
These ice cream sandwiches are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly practical and fun to make. Here’s why you’ll love them:
– Quick and Easy: These sandwiches come together in no time, making them perfect for an impromptu dessert.
– Perfect for Beginners: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
– Family-Friendly: Kids will love the combination of cookies and ice cream, making this a fantastic treat for family gatherings.
– Customizable: You can easily swap in different ice creams or toppings to suit your tastes.
– Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or an intimate dinner, these sandwiches are a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you dive into the kitchen, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful treats:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground cloves
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– ½ cup molasses
– 1 pint of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, ginger, or caramel are great choices)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
– Molasses: This is the star ingredient that gives the cookies their distinctive flavor and chewy texture. If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor profile will change.
– Ice Cream: While vanilla is classic, consider experimenting with ginger or caramel ice cream for a unique twist. If you need a dairy-free option, there are fantastic coconut-based ice creams available.
How to Make Ginger Molasses Ice Cream Sandwiches Step-By-Step
Ready to whip up these delicious ice cream sandwiches? Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking, which results in perfect cookies.
**Pro Tip:** Make sure to give your oven enough time to reach the right temperature.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This step ensures that the spices and leavening are evenly distributed.
**Pro Tip:** Sifting the flour helps to aerate it and prevent clumps.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air, making your cookies soft and chewy.
Pro Tip: Use room temperature butter for the best texture—cold butter won’t cream well!
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and molasses until fully combined. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to your cookies.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough.
Pro Tip: Use a spatula to fold in the flour; this gentle method helps maintain the cookie’s texture.
6. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Pro Tip: Wet your hands slightly if the dough is too sticky to handle.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked; they’ll continue to cook as they cool.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
8. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Pro Tip:** This waiting period helps the cookies set and prevents them from breaking apart.
9. Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the cookies are cool, take one cookie, scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto the flat side, and top with another cookie. Gently press down to create a sandwich.
Pro Tip: Warming your ice cream slightly (let it sit for a few minutes) makes it easier to scoop.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy immediately for the best experience, or freeze for later.
Serving Suggestions
This mouthwatering dessert pairs well with many options to enhance your experience:
Perfect Pairings:
– A steaming cup of spiced chai or coffee brings out the warm flavors of the ginger.
– Serve with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra treat.
Occasions:
– Ideal for birthday parties, summer picnics, or a cozy family dessert night.
Presentation Tips:
– Plate them with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
– Stack them on a wooden board and add a scoop of extra ice cream on the side for a delightful display.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keep your Ginger Molasses Ice Cream Sandwiches fresh with the following tips:
Refrigerator
– Duration: Best enjoyed within 2 days.
– Container: Store in an airtight container. If you’re storing them unassembled, keep the cookies and ice cream in separate containers.
Freezer
– Duration: Can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.
-Packaging: Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. This prevents freezer burn.
– Thawing: Allow them to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Reheating
– Best Method: There’s no need to reheat these sandwiches! Enjoy them directly from the freezer for a chilled treat.
Tips for Success
– Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft.
– Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth batter and consistent texture.
– Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to experiment with the spice levels to suit your preferences.
– Chill the Dough (Optional): If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors and make handling easier.
– Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies to prevent overbaking.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with these fun twists on the classic recipe:
– Make it Spicy:** Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the cookie dough for a fiery kick.
– Add Nuts:** Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added crunch and flavor.
– Make it Vegan:** Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use dairy-free ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My cookies spread too much; what went wrong?
A: The dough might have been too warm or the butter too soft. Make sure your butter is at room temperature and consider chilling the dough before baking.
Q: Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cookies, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Q: What if my cookies turn out too hard?
A: Overbaking is often the culprit. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. The cookies should look a little underdone when you take them out.
Q: Can I use other types of flour?
A: You can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend, but the texture and flavor will vary. Start with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
Q: How do I prevent my ice cream from melting before serving?
A: Keep the ice cream in the freezer until you’re ready to scoop. You can even scoop it out ahead of time and store the scoops in the freezer for a few minutes before assembling.