Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice is a delightful frozen treat that combines soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies with rich vanilla ice cream swirled with homemade caramel sauce. This indulgent dessert is perfect for summer parties, casual gatherings, or a sweet treat after dinner. Just imagine biting into a creamy vanilla caramel dessert with a smooth caramel ripple and melty chocolate. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit your taste!

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice

There are so many reasons to adore this Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners! Second, the combination of flavors is nothing short of divine. This dessert is perfect for hot summer days or cozy winter nights. The rich vanilla caramel ice cream is an indulgent treat while being versatile enough to pair with different toppings. You can also customize the cookies or make it a vegan vanilla caramel swirl ice cream if you prefer. With a total time of just 2 hours and 40 minutes, you can have a homemade vanilla caramel ice treat ready to impress your guests!

Ingredients for Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice

Gather these items:

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup fine baker’s sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
2 cups plus 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 heaping cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
3 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (room temperature)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp kosher salt

How to Make Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and baker’s sugar until smooth.
Step 3: Add egg and vanilla; mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually combine with wet ingredients.
Step 5: Fold in chocolate chips.
Step 6: Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets and bake for ~10 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
Step 7: For ice cream, heat milk, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla. Chill thoroughly.
Step 8: For caramel, melt butter, stir in brown sugar until bubbling. Off heat, stir in cream, vanilla, and salt. Let cool.
Step 9: Once cookies are cool and ice cream is chilled, scoop ice cream onto one cookie, swirl caramel, top with another cookie. Press gently.
Step 10: Freeze sandwiches in airtight container for at least 2 hours before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice

Keep these in mind:

This dessert is perfect for summer parties and gatherings.
You can customize the cookies and ice cream to your liking.
Make ahead for convenience.
For a richer flavor, try using gourmet vanilla caramel swirl ice cream.
Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings to enhance your vanilla caramel ice cream sundae.

Best Ways to Serve Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice

There are many delightful ways to enjoy Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream. You can serve these ice cream sandwiches on their own or pair them with fresh fruits like strawberries and raspberries for a refreshing contrast. Drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top to elevate your creamy vanilla caramel dessert even further. For a fun twist, try adding a scoop of vanilla caramel ripple ice cream in between the cookies.

How to Store and Reheat Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice

To maintain the best quality, store your Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They can be kept for up to two weeks. If you’re planning to meal prep, make a batch ahead of time and freeze them. Just remember to let them thaw slightly before trying to bite into one for the best experience!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice

What’s the secret to perfect Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice?

The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients, especially for the ice cream. Opt for smooth vanilla caramel ice cream to create the perfect balance of flavors. Also, ensure your cookies are soft and chewy for the best texture.

Can I make Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice ahead of time?

Absolutely! These ice cream sandwiches can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. This makes them a perfect treat for gatherings and parties.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your cookies are completely cooled before assembling the sandwiches. Also, let the ice cream chill thoroughly to maintain its creamy texture when scooping.

Variations of Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice You Can Try

If you want to switch things up, consider trying a Vegan Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream by substituting regular cream with coconut cream and using plant-based butter. For a chocolate twist, incorporate cocoa powder into the cookie dough for a decadent chocolate version. You could also experiment with different flavor swirls or even add crushed nuts for extra crunch!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making gingerbread cookies for a festive treat!

For tips on making the best ice cream, you can refer to this guide on Serious Eats.

Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice: 12 Irresistible Ice Cream Sandwiches

Author: basmer
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 12 ice cream sandwiches 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Vanilla Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches combine soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies with rich vanilla ice cream swirled with homemade caramel sauce.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and baker’s sugar until smooth.
Add egg and vanilla; mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually combine with wet ingredients.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets and bake for ~10 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
For ice cream, heat milk, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla. Chill thoroughly.
For caramel, melt butter, stir in brown sugar until bubbling. Off heat, stir in cream, vanilla, and salt. Let cool.
Once cookies are cool and ice cream is chilled, scoop ice cream onto one cookie, swirl caramel, top with another cookie. Press gently.
Freeze sandwiches in airtight container for at least 2 hours before serving.