Ever since I first bit into the velvety ice cream and felt the gentle give of the cookie, I knew Thelma’s had made something special. The sincere dedication to quality, flavor, and that ‘just like grandma made’ warmth has made their sandwiches a staple in my home. Are you ready to whisk your taste buds off to a delicious escape? Join me as we recreate the handmade magic of Thelma’s Ice Cream Sandwiches right in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
How to make Thelma’s Ice Cream Sandwiches
Thelma’s Ice Cream Sandwiches is known for its premium ice cream sandwiches. They typically use high-quality ingredients, including artisanal ice cream and freshly baked cookies, to create indulgent treats.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins
For the Ice Cream:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: flavorings or add-ins like chocolate chunks, fruit, or cookie pieces
Instructions
Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in any optional mix-ins.
Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ice Cream:
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once churned, gently fold them into the ice cream if you desire mix-ins.
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.
Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Once the cookies have cooled and the ice cream is set, scoop a generous portion of ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie.
Place another cookie on top of the ice cream, flat side down, and gently press to form a sandwich.
If desired, roll the edges in additional toppings, such as mini chocolate chips or sprinkles, for an extra touch of fun.
Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Thelma’s Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Ensure your cookies are of identical size for uniform sandwiches. A cookie scoop can be a handy tool for this.
Chilling the dough before baking can help the cookies maintain their shape.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before assembling to avoid melting the ice cream.
Homemade ice cream can be customized with natural flavorings and mix-ins; experiment to find your favorite combination!
Always wrap and store your ice cream sandwiches in the freezer until ready to serve to maintain their shape and texture.
What to serve with
Serving Thelma’s ice cream sandwiches at your gathering, family event, or as a special dessert can be a delightful experience. Pairing them with the right accompaniments can make them even more memorable. Here are some delightful options to consider that will enhance the overall dessert experience and complement the flavors in your homemade ice cream sandwiches.
Beverages
Cold Milk: There’s nothing quite like the classic combination of cookies and milk. Serve your Thelma’s Ice Cream Sandwiches with a glass of cold milk for a comforting pairing that appeals to all ages.
Coffee or Espresso: For an adult gathering, offer some freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the ice cream sandwich, making for a sophisticated dessert option.
Hot Chocolate: During cooler weather, a hot chocolate makes a warm and inviting pairing with an ice cream sandwich. Consider topping the hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows for extra indulgence.
Dessert Wines: If you’re serving a crowd of adults, consider pairing the sandwiches with a dessert wine such as Port, Sauternes, or even a Moscato. These wines are sweet enough to complement the desserts without overpowering them.
Sides
Fresh Fruit: Offer a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, sliced peaches, or a seasonal fruit salad. The freshness and slight acidity of the fruit will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Thelma’s Ice Cream Sandwiches.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side can be a simple yet elegant addition, allowing guests to add more creaminess to their dessert plate.
Nuts: Offer a small bowl of toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts. The crunch of the nuts will add texture contrast and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with most ice cream and cookie types.
Toppings
Sauces: Provide minor pitchers or bowls of chocolate sauce, caramel, or strawberry syrup for drizzling. Guests can customize their ice cream sandwich experience with their favorite flavors.
Sprinkles and Other Toppings: Set out a variety of sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or crushed candy pieces. These allow for customization and make the dessert experience fun, especially for children.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making homemade versions of Thelma’s delightful ice cream sandwiches offers a fantastic avenue for personalization, especially when it comes to ingredient substitutions. Whether the need for substitutes arises from dietary restrictions, allergy considerations, or simply a lack of certain items in your pantry, there are plenty of versatile options to consider.
Gluten-free flour Mixes can replace all-purpose flour cup for cup in most cookie recipes if you’re catering to gluten sensitivities.
Almond Flour or Coconut Flour can also be used, but due to their different absorption rates, they may require additional binding agents, such as an extra egg or xanthan gum.
Sugar:
Coconut Sugar can replace granulated sugar in a 1:1 ratio, offering a more caramel-like flavor.
Honey or maple syrup can be substituted with white sugar to sweeten the cookies. Note that liquid sweeteners may affect the cookie’s texture and spread, so adjustments in other liquid ingredients might be necessary.
Butter:
Coconut Oil is a dairy-free alternative that can be used in equal parts to butter and offers a slightly different flavor profile.
Applesauce can replace butter entirely in some recipes for a lower-fat option, though this may alter the texture and flavor of your cookies.
Eggs:
Flaxseed Meal or Chia Seeds mixed with water can serve as a binding agent in place of eggs. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg.
Applesauce or Mashed Bananas can also replace eggs for additional moisture and binding. Use about ¼ cup per egg.
For the Ice Cream
Cream and Milk:
Coconut Milk can replace cream and milk in ice cream to provide a dairy-free alternative with a rich, slightly tropical flavor.
Almond Milk, Soy Milk, or Oat Milk are other dairy-free alternatives, though they may produce a less creamy texture than full-fat dairy milk or cream.
Sugar:
Agave Syrup or Maple Syrup can be used as a natural sweetener alternative. The liquid form may affect the freezing point and texture, so adjustments might be needed.
Egg Yolks (in Custard-Based Ice Cream):
Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder can thicken ice cream bases without eggs, suitable for those who avoid eggs or prefer a lighter texture.
Final Thoughts
Focusing on love and care in each step, you can create a batch of Thelma’s ice cream sandwiches that would make Thelma proud. Enjoy making these homemade treats, which will surely bring smiles and a dose of nostalgia with every bite.
Optional: mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins
For the Ice Cream:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: flavorings or add-ins like chocolate chunks, fruit, or cookie pieces
Instructions
Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in any optional mix-ins.
Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ice Cream:
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Once churned, gently fold them into the ice cream if you desire mix-ins.
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.
Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Once the cookies have cooled and the ice cream is set, scoop a generous portion of ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie.
Place another cookie on top of the ice cream, flat side down, and gently press to form a sandwich.
If desired, roll the edges in additional toppings, such as mini chocolate chips or sprinkles, for an extra touch of fun.
Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Driven by a desire to not only delight the palate but also to educate and inspire others, I began documenting dessert recipes. My writing style is infused with warmth, humor, and a genuine love for food.
