Description
These Lavender Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Sandwiches blend the delicate floral flavor of culinary lavender with rich vanilla bean ice cream, all nestled between soft, homemade cookies. Perfectly simple to make, this delightful dessert offers a refreshing and elegant treat ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet floral indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender, finely ground
Ice Cream Filling
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla bean paste to infuse the batter with rich vanilla flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and finely ground culinary lavender to evenly distribute the lavender flavor.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Gently flatten each scoop slightly to encourage even baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color indicating they are cooked through but still soft.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool fully on the baking sheets or wire racks, which is essential for assembling the ice cream sandwiches without melting.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Scoop a generous amount of the slightly softened vanilla ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with a second cookie, pressing gently to adhere. Smooth edges as needed for a neat sandwich.
- Freeze Before Serving: Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
- Optional Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle a small amount of dried lavender buds on the sandwiches for a decorative and fragrant touch.
Notes
- Always use culinary-grade lavender to avoid a bitter taste in your cookies and garnish.
- Soften the ice cream slightly by leaving it at room temperature for ease of spreading and better texture.
- Store assembled sandwiches individually wrapped in the freezer to maintain freshness for up to one week.
