Description
These Lavender Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Sandwiches combine floral-infused homemade cookies with creamy lavender vanilla ice cream. Easy to make and perfect for a refreshing dessert, this recipe offers a delightful twist on classic ice cream sandwiches with the subtle aroma of culinary lavender and a hint of white chocolate.
Ingredients
Scale
Ice Cream
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly melted
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds
Cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chunks or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Infuse Ice Cream: Gently warm the softened vanilla ice cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the culinary lavender and allow it to infuse for about 10 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove the lavender and return the ice cream to its container. Freeze until solid, approximately 2 hours.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and sea salt, whisking them together until well mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both white and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined.
- Combine Ingredient Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If desired, gently mix in the white chocolate chunks or chocolate chips.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the lined baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten each mound of dough.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Once the cookies are cool, take one cookie and place a generous scoop of the lavender-infused vanilla ice cream on its flat side. Top it with another cookie, pressing down gently to form a sandwich. Continue this process until all cookies and ice cream are used.
- Freeze Assemblies: For optimal enjoyment, wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the ice cream is only slightly melted before infusing with lavender to prevent it from melting completely.
- If you prefer stronger lavender flavor, increase the infusion time slightly but be careful not to overpower the ice cream.
- White chocolate chunks are optional but add a nice contrast and sweetness.
- Store the assembled sandwiches wrapped individually to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
- Let the ice cream sandwiches sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating if too hard.
