When it comes to sheer, crowd-pleasing magic, few treats can hold a candle to Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars. Imagine soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies sandwiched around a thick, dreamy layer of creamy vanilla ice cream, perfectly chilled and ready to steal the show at any gathering. These bars are the ultimate no-fuss dessert: easy to bake, fun to assemble, and absolute bliss to devour. Whether you’re treating kids after a summer swim or surprising friends at your next backyard cookout, this make-ahead dessert will always be in high demand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how each of these essential ingredients plays a starring role in creating Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars — from the dense chewiness of the cookie to that glorious creamy middle. All are pantry staples, yet together they unlock a nostalgic, showstopping treat you’ll want again and again.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, giving them structure without heaviness and balancing every gooey bite.
- Baking soda: Just a touch helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them soft but sturdy enough to sandwich the ice cream.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the bars from tasting too sweet.
- Unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Melted butter brings rich flavor and a perfectly chewy texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel notes and chewiness to the cookie layers.
- Granulated sugar: Lends the right amount of sweetness and helps with the cookie texture.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together while keeping it soft.
- Large egg yolk: Extra yolk adds even more richness and a tender, decadent bite.
- Vanilla extract: Amplifies the classic cookie flavor and enhances the ice cream.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Stud every bite with melty, flavorful chocolate.
- Vanilla ice cream, slightly softened: The heart of the bars — creamy, sweet, and a perfect contrast to the cookies.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This little trick is your golden ticket to removing the finished bars easily, with no sticky mess or broken cookies to worry about later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Taking a minute to mix these dry ingredients evenly ensures your cookie base will be perfectly textured — trust me, those tiny grains of baking soda can make all the difference!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and stir together the melted, cooled butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fully blended and smooth. This step sets the tone for the ultimate chewy, gooey cookie layers in your Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the whole egg, then add the extra yolk and vanilla extract. The additional yolk transforms the dough, giving it a luxurious, rich texture that holds up beautifully in the freezer.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix — you want everything just blended for an irresistible, tender bite.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
This is where the magic happens: fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, making sure there’s plenty in every corner of dough. They’ll melt just enough when baked for a classic chocolate chip cookie taste.
Step 7: Shape and Bake the Cookie Base
Divide the cookie dough in half. Press one half evenly into your prepared baking pan to form the bottom layer. Pop it in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until set and golden at the edges, but still soft in the center. Let the base cool completely — patience pays off here!
Step 8: Layer on the Ice Cream
Once the bottom cookie is cool, grab your slightly softened vanilla ice cream and spread it gently and evenly over the base. Work quickly, but don’t rush — a gentle hand keeps the layers neat and beautiful.
Step 9: Top with More Cookie Dough
Place the remaining cookie dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to match the shape of your pan. Carefully lift and lay this sheet on top of the ice cream. Gently press so it covers the ice cream completely, creating that iconic cookie-ice cream-cookie structure.
Step 10: Freeze and Slice
Transfer the pan to the freezer and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or until the bars are firm and sliceable. When you’re ready to serve, use the parchment overhang to lift the whole slab from the pan, slice into neat squares, and watch smiles appear!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a scattering of mini chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles. For special occasions, try a finishing touch of crushed nuts or a quick swirl of whipped cream for bakery-level charm.
Side Dishes
While these bars are the star of any dessert table, you can balance out their richness with fresh berries, a bowl of sliced bananas, or a refreshing fruit salad for contrast. A glass of ice-cold milk or cold brew coffee on the side? Perfection.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation twist, pop a bar onto a popsicle stick before freezing for a nostalgic, hand-held treat. Layer bar pieces with extra ice cream and whipped cream in parfait glasses for a decadent trifle, or serve them mini-size at parties for the ultimate crowd-pleasing bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep extra Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container in the freezer; they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one full week. Individual wrapping makes them perfect for quick grab-and-go treats.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully, thanks to their soft-yet-sturdy cookie layers and creamy center. For best texture, freeze on a tray until firm, then wrap individually. This method prevents sticking and keeps each bar picture-perfect and ready whenever you need a sweet fix.
Reheating
Resist the urge to microwave! Instead, let a bar sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes if you prefer a slightly softer, creamier experience. The cookies will become perfectly chewy again, and the ice cream just the right side of melty.
FAQs
Can I use different ice cream flavors in these bars?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars can be customized with cookies and cream, mint chip, strawberry, or any favorite flavor. It’s a creative way to make the recipe your own.
How do I keep the cookie layers from getting too hard in the freezer?
The extra egg yolk and melted butter in this recipe keep the cookie layers soft, but be sure not to overbake them. Just bake until barely set, then cool completely before adding the ice cream for the ideal chewy, freezer-friendly texture.
What’s the best way to slice the bars cleanly?
Let the frozen slab sit out for a few minutes so it’s not rock-hard, then use a large, sharp knife run under hot water (and wiped dry) before each slice. This makes clean, picture-perfect cuts through both cookie and ice cream.
Can I make Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and double-check that your ice cream and chocolate chips are gluten-free. The technique remains the same, so everyone can enjoy this dreamy dessert.
How far in advance can I make these bars?
You can make Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars up to a week ahead of time. Store them wrapped in the freezer, and avoid letting them sit out too long before serving to keep that perfect, frosty bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for the magic of cookies and ice cream in one unforgettable bite, there’s simply nothing like homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars. Simple to make and endlessly adaptable, these bars are destined to become your go-to dessert for birthdays, barbecues, and every sweet craving between. Give them a try — you’ll be hooked!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars, a delightful treat perfect for a hot summer day. Layers of chewy cookie, creamy vanilla ice cream, and decadent chocolate chips make this dessert a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
- Assemble Base: Press half the dough into the pan and bake until set. Let it cool.
- Add Ice Cream: Spread softened ice cream over the cookie base.
- Add Top Layer: Roll out the remaining dough, place it over the ice cream, and freeze.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve frozen.
Notes
- Try different ice cream flavors for variety.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
