Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bars are the ultimate treat for cookie dough lovers! These bars feature layers of edible cookie dough filled with mini chocolate chips, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a chocolate coating. Each bite offers a combination of creamy, chewy, and crunchy textures, making them a perfect summer or year-round dessert.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bars are a must-try for any dessert enthusiast! With layers of edible cookie dough, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a rich chocolate coating, these bars offer an indulgent twist on classic flavors. Perfect for summer days or any time you're craving a frozen treat, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, softened, for a creamy cookie dough base
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed, to sweeten the dough
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup, for added sweetness
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp, to enhance flavor
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup, for structure in the dough
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, to balance sweetness
- Mini Chocolate Chips: 1 1/2 cups, divided; 3/4 cup for the dough, 3/4 cup for garnish
- Vanilla Ice Cream: 1 pint, softened, for a creamy filling
- Milk Chocolate: 10 oz, melted, for coating the bars
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a bowl until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 2:
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined. Fold in 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips.
- Step 3:
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the pan to form the base layer.
- Step 4:
- Spread the softened vanilla ice cream over the cookie dough layer and smooth it out.
- Step 5:
- Press the remaining cookie dough on top, covering the ice cream layer completely.
- Step 6:
- Freeze the pan for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm.
- Step 7:
- Once firm, remove from the pan and cut into bars. Dip each bar into melted milk chocolate.
- Step 8:
- Sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips on top of the dipped bars, then freeze for another 15-20 minutes until the chocolate sets.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Keep bars frozen until ready to serve for the best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.
Helpful Notes
- For a smoother finish, use a silicone spatula to press down the cookie dough layers evenly.
- If you prefer thicker chocolate coating, double-dip the bars in melted chocolate after the first layer has set.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Emily suggests adding a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate coating for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Chef John recommends using high-quality vanilla ice cream for the creamiest result.
How to Perfect Your Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bars
To achieve the best flavor, use real vanilla extract and mini chocolate chips for the dough. Soften the ice cream just enough to spread easily, but ensure it’s not melted to prevent a runny consistency.
Variations of the Ice Cream Bars
For a fun twist, try using different ice cream flavors like chocolate, mint chip, or cookie dough. You can also experiment with dark or white chocolate for the coating.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips?
Mini chocolate chips are recommended for better distribution, but you can use regular-sized chips if needed.
How can I make the bars gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for the cookie dough.
How do I prevent the ice cream from melting while assembling?
Work quickly and use slightly softened ice cream for easy spreading, but keep the dough and pan as cold as possible during assembly.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, the bars can be made and stored in the freezer up to a week in advance. Dip in chocolate just before serving for a fresh coating.
Summary
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bars are a decadent dessert that combines layers of edible cookie dough, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a rich chocolate coating. This recipe starts by making a safe-to-eat, egg-free cookie dough that forms the base and top layers of the bars. In between, softened vanilla ice cream is spread for a creamy center. The bars are then frozen until firm and dipped in melted chocolate, creating a crisp, sweet shell. Each bar is topped with additional mini chocolate chips for a fun and delicious touch. Perfect for cookie dough fans, these bars offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making them an irresistible treat.