Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe (Copycat)

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Let’s talk about a frozen dessert that surpasses the ordinary—a treat that has set benchmarks and won hearts. I’m referring to none other than Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches. For those who’ve enjoyed indulging in these heavenly sandwiches, you know the experience is hard to forget. But what if I told you that you could recreate this blissful experience at home? Yes, you heard me right!

How to make Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches are a popular treat found in their frozen section. They consist of creamy vanilla or chocolate ice cream sandwiched between two soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies. The cookies are often described as rich, buttery, and the ice cream is typically smooth and flavorful.

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks

For the ice cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
3. Gradually integrate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Bake the Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop out dough using a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon, and place it 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Ice Cream:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
3. Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze until firm, preferably overnight.

Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:

1. Once the cookies have cooled and the ice cream is set, scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto the flat side of a cookie. Place another cookie on top, flat-side down, and gently press to form a sandwich.
2. Freeze the assembled ice cream sandwiches for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Tips for Perfect Ice Cream Sandwiches:

• Cookie Consistency: For the best texture, ensure your cookies are chewy rather than crispy. Adjust the baking time as needed.
• Ice Cream Firmness: If the ice cream is too hard to scoop, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften slightly.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of ice cream or add-ins to the cookie dough to tailor these sandwiches to your preferences.
• Storage: Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer to keep them fresh and ready to enjoy.

What to serve with

Serving Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches can transform a simple dessert into a memorable treat. Here’s how you can enhance the enjoyment of these ice cream sandwiches:

Complementary Desserts:

• Mini Pastries: Serve an assortment of bite-sized pastries, such as mini eclairs or cream puffs, which guests can nibble between Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches bites.
• Fruit Salad: A bowl of fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits can offer a fresh, light counterpoint to the richness of the ice cream sandwiches.

Sauces & Toppings:

• Hot Fudge or Chocolate Syrup: For a classic pairing, drizzle hot fudge or chocolate syrup over the ice cream sandwiches.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce can add a buttery sweetness.
• Berry Compote: A homemade or store-bought berry compote can give a tangy contrast and add a gourmet touch.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of the sandwich can make it even more indulgent.
• Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle crushed almonds, peanuts, or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Beverages:

• Cold Milk: A classic pairing; the creaminess of milk complements the ice cream’s texture.
• Iced Coffee or Affogato: Serve iced coffee for a caffeine kick that pairs well with the sweetness, or pour a shot of hot espresso over the ice cream sandwich for a deconstructed Affogato.
• Sweet Wine: A dessert wine like late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d’Asti can pair splendidly with ice cream desserts.
• Hot Chocolate: On a cold day, hot chocolate with marshmallows can be a comforting companion to an ice cream sandwich.

Savory Snacks:

• Salted Pretzels or Chips: For a contrasting flavor, the saltiness of pretzels or chips complements the sweet ice cream and cookies.
• Mixed Nuts: A bowl of mixed nuts provides a salty contrast and a crunchy break from the soft textures.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a homemade version of Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches allows you to tailor the dessert to personal tastes or dietary restrictions. Here, I’ll guide you through substitutions for the traditional components—the cookies and the ice cream—and suggest ways to adjust for various dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Substitutes for Chocolate Chip Cookies:

• Gluten-Free Flour: To make the cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. If xanthan gum is not included in the blend, it may be needed, it may be needed.
• Alternative Sugars: For a lower glycemic index, substitute coconut sugar for white and brown sugar. Adjust the amount as it may be sweeter.
• Vegan Alternatives: Instead of dairy butter and eggs, use plant-based butter and a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit until thickened).
• Add-ins: To vary the texture and flavor, swap out chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks, dairy-free chocolate, nuts, or dried fruit.

Substitutes for Vanilla Ice Cream:

• Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew milk-based ice cream for a vegan option. These can be sweetened with alternative sugars like agave syrup or maple syrup.
• Reduced Sugar: For a sugar-free alternative, opt for ice cream sweetened with stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit.
• Flavor Variations: Instead of vanilla, consider flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or a fun combination like mint chocolate chip or salted caramel for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the key to a great pairing is balance. You don’t want your accompaniments to overshadow the star of the show, which is your homemade Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches.

More Ice Cream Recipes:

• Thelma’s Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe (Homemade)
• Crumbl Cookies Strawberry Ice Cream Bar Recipe
• Copycat Propitious Mango Ice Cream Recipe
• Lec Ice Cream Recipe
• Helados Churro Ice Cream Sandwich