Homemade Blue Bell Ice Cream Sandwiches

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As the summer sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, few things give us as much delight as indulging in the sweet, cooling comfort of an ice cream sandwich. Despite numerous brands gracing the freezer aisles, there’s something uniquely heartwarming about Blue Bell Ice Cream Sandwiches. Maybe it’s the irresistibly smooth and creamy ice cream, or perhaps it’s the nostalgia tied to every bite that transports us back to our carefree childhood summers. But what if I told you that you could recreate this quintessential summer treat from the comfort of your kitchen?

How to make Blue Bell Ice Cream Sandwiches

Blue Bell Ice Cream Sandwiches are a popular frozen treat produced by Blue Bell Creameries, a well-known American dairy company. They consist of creamy ice cream sandwich between two soft cookies, creating a delicious dessert experience.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Ice Cream:

• 2 cups Blue Bell Vanilla Ice Cream (or any flavor you love)

Instructions:

Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Mix the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just incorporated. Don’t overmix.
6. Form the cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and slightly flatten them with your palm or the back of a spoon.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches:

1. Soften the Ice Cream: Let the Blue Bell Ice Cream soften for a few minutes at room temperature until it’s easy to scoop.
2. Prepare the ice cream layer: Working quickly, place a scoop of ice cream on the flat side of a cookie. Place another cookie, flat side down, on top of the ice cream. Press down gently until the ice cream spreads to the edges of the cookies.
3. Freeze the sandwiches: Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze until firm, preferably 2 hours.

Tips for Perfect Ice Cream Sandwiches:

• Cookie Consistency: Make sure your cookies are neither too hard nor too soft; they should be just right to bite into without squishing the ice cream out.
• Work in Batches: Depending on how quickly you assemble the sandwiches, you might want to work in batches, keeping the ice cream in the freezer so it doesn’t melt.
• Customization: Feel free to customize the ice cream flavor according to your preferences. Blue Bell offers many flavors, so the possibilities are endless!

What to serve with

When serving Blue Bell Ice Cream Sandwiches, the accompaniments can range from drinks to small snacks that complement the creamy richness of the ice cream and the chewiness of the cookies. Here are some delightful pairings and serving suggestions that can elevate the ice cream sandwich experience:

Beverages:

• Cold Milk: A classic pairing, milk perfectly complements the sweetness of the ice cream sandwiches, especially if you’re using chocolate cookies.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: For adults, the bitterness of coffee pairs excellently with the sweetness of ice cream, providing a refreshing and energizing contrast.
• Sweet Tea: A Southern favorite, sweet tea offers a refreshing balance to the indulgent dessert, especially on a hot day.
• Milkshakes or Smoothies: If you’re going for an ultra-indulgent treat, combining an ice cream sandwich with a milkshake or fruit smoothie can be a delightful dessert combo.

Sweet Accompaniments:

• Chocolate Syrup or Caramel Sauce: Guests can drizzle their ice cream sandwich with additional syrup or sauce for a customizable dessert experience.

Salty and Crunchy:

• Mixed Nuts: Offer a bowl of mixed nuts for a salty contrast that pairs well with the sweet and creamy flavors.
• Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels alongside an ice cream sandwich is surprisingly addicting and provides a satisfying texture contrast.
• Potato Chips: For an unusual but popular pairing, the salty crunch of potato chips dipped in ice cream is an ultimate guilty pleasure.

S’mores Twist:

• Graham Crackers and Marshmallows: For a twist on another classic, let your guests make pseudo s’mores by squishing the ice cream between graham crackers and adding a slice of marshmallow.

For Events:

• Sprinkles and Toppings: Set up a topping bar with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, and crushed candy for fun, especially if kids are involved.
• Warm Desserts: In a more formal setting or dinner party, serving a small, warm dessert like a brownie or a slice of pie alongside the ice cream sandwich provides a “modeled” a la mode experience.

Seasonal Fruits:

• Berries: A side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries can add a tart component that cuts through the sweetness.
• Peaches: In the heart of summer, sliced peaches with a dash of cinnamon can accompany the ice cream sandwiches for a lovely flavor combination.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating Blue Bell Ice Cream Sandwiches at home affords the flexibility to adapt the recipe to meet various dietary restrictions or preferences or simply to work with what you have in your pantry.

For the Cookies:

1. All-Purpose Flour:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute for traditional flour to make the cookies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

2. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:

• Cacao Powder: A more nutrient-rich alternative, cacao powder can replace cocoa powder 1:1. It tends to have a stronger flavor, adding a more intense chocolate taste to your cookies.

3. Baking Soda:

• Baking Powder: If you are out of baking soda, use baking powder as a substitute. The rule of thumb is to use three times the amount of baking powder to replace baking soda, adjusting for taste.

4. Granulated Sugar:

• Coconut Sugar: An unrefined alternative that can replace granulated sugar at a 1:1 ratio, adding a slight caramel-like flavor.

5. Egg:

• Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup of applesauce to replace one egg in cookie recipes, which adds moisture and binds the dough.

6. Butter:

• Coconut Oil: For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil as a 1:1 substitute for butter. This also adds a slight coconut flavor to the cookies.
• Vegan Butter: A direct substitute for butter, vegan butter can be used in a 1:1 ratio.

For the Ice Cream:

Blue Bell Ice Cream is a key component of these sandwiches, but there are many reasons to seek an alternative, from dietary restrictions to flavor preferences.

1. Lactose-Free Ice Cream:

Substitute any lactose-free ice cream brand that fits the flavor profile you’re looking for. Many brands offer vanilla, chocolate, and more exotic flavors without lactose.

2. Vegan Ice Cream:

There are numerous plant-based ice creams made from almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk that can substitute for traditional ice cream 1:1.

3. Homemade Ice Cream:

Making your own ice cream can be a rewarding option for those who prefer homemade alternatives or want to customize flavors. Use your favorite regular, lactose-free, or vegan base.

4. Sorbet:

For a lighter, dairy-free option, sorbet is a vibrant substitute. Its iciness and fruity flavors can add a refreshing twist to your ice cream sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with different flavors and cookie types. Making Blue Bell Ice Cream Sandwiches at home allows you to tweak the recipe to your liking and add personal touches that make summer treats even more special. Plus, it’s a delightful way to engage with family and friends, making those warm summer days delicious and memorable.

More Blue Bell Recipes:

• Homemade Blue Bell Crazy Cookie Dough Recipe
• Copycat Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream