As the sun blazes overhead and summer’s embrace tightens, there’s a universal craving for treats that promise both refreshment and indulgence. Forget the traditional campfire; we’re bringing the beloved s’mores experience to a whole new level of cool. Imagine sinking your teeth into a delightful creation where homemade graham cracker cookies, generously studded with chunks of classic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, lovingly sandwich a luscious, toasted marshmallow ice cream. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures designed to be your ultimate companion for those sweltering summer days. Get ready to transform your favorite nostalgic treat into a sensational frozen delight that will captivate taste buds and cool you down.
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Hershey’s.
Beat the Heat with the Ultimate S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches
The relentless summer heatwave often leaves us seeking refuge indoors, yearning for cool breezes and frosty treats. Air conditioning, refreshing dips in the pool, and, of course, a generous scoop of ice cream become our best friends. This recipe is your perfect excuse to embrace all three, offering an innovative take on a classic that’s guaranteed to become a seasonal staple. We’re diving headfirst into a frozen delight that combines three quintessential summer ingredients: the wholesome crunch of graham crackers, the gooey sweetness of marshmallows, and the unmistakable, creamy richness of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a nostalgic journey reimagined for modern summer comfort.
Effortless Indulgence: Simplicity in Every Layer
While these S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches might appear to be an elaborate culinary feat, rest assured, they are designed with simplicity at heart. My goal was to create a show-stopping dessert that doesn’t demand hours of strenuous effort. The secret lies in smart shortcuts and straightforward techniques that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Let’s talk about the cookies. Far from being complicated, they start with a familiar chocolate chip cookie base, elevated to s’mores perfection. We infuse them with finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, giving them that signature, comforting graham cracker taste and texture. Instead of standard chocolate chips, we use chopped Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, ensuring every bite is met with pockets of rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. These cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, forming the ideal foundation for our frozen masterpiece.
Then there’s the star of the show: the toasted marshmallow ice cream. This component is surprisingly simple yet incredibly impactful. We take store-bought vanilla ice cream, softened to perfection, and blend it with beautifully toasted marshmallows. The toasting process adds that distinct, smoky-sweet flavor characteristic of real s’mores, elevating a simple vanilla base into something extraordinary. Once blended and refrozen, you’re left with a creamy, dreamy ice cream that captures the essence of a perfectly roasted marshmallow. It’s a game-changer that proves delicious results don’t require complex methods. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures creates a frozen treat that is truly unparalleled in its ease and deliciousness.
Your Go-To Summer Sweet Treat
Picture this: a scorching summer evening, and the thought of sitting by a roaring campfire, however traditional, feels utterly unbearable. This is precisely where our S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches step in as your ultimate summer savior. They offer all the beloved flavors of s’mores – the crispy cookie, the melting chocolate, and the sweet, gooey marshmallow – but in a wonderfully refreshing, handheld format. These sandwiches are not only designed to satisfy your most intense sweet tooth cravings but also to provide a much-needed cooling sensation. They are perfect for backyard BBQs, poolside lounging, family gatherings, or simply as a personal indulgence after a long, hot day. Say goodbye to sticky fingers from roasting marshmallows and hello to the cool, clean delight of a perfectly crafted ice cream sandwich. They’re a celebration of summer flavors, made convenient and utterly delicious.
The Heart of Goodness: Hershey’s Tradition of Real Milk
Delving into the story behind the ingredients we use often adds a richer layer to the culinary experience. During a memorable trip to Hershey headquarters in Pennsylvania, I discovered something truly heartwarming about Hershey’s Milk Chocolate – a detail that deepened my appreciation for this iconic brand. I learned that Hershey’s continues to uphold a steadfast tradition: using fresh liquid milk sourced directly from local farms in their milk chocolate production. In an era where many food products are heavily processed and contain an array of unfamiliar ingredients, this commitment to real, wholesome milk is incredibly reassuring and refreshing.
This dedication to quality ingredients isn’t just about taste; it speaks volumes about Hershey’s values. It’s a testament to their belief in using authentic components to create the smooth, creamy, and distinct flavor that has made their milk chocolate a beloved staple for generations. Knowing that the chocolate in these S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches comes from such a mindful and quality-driven process makes them all the more special. It adds a layer of trust and appreciation for the classic taste that Hershey’s consistently delivers.
For those curious to learn more about Hershey’s meticulous process of incorporating fresh milk, including their rigorous quality checks and their commitment to humane treatment of cows, you can gain further insight by watching this informative video. Additionally, explore Hershey’s broader commitment to ingredient quality and best practices by visiting their dedicated page here. This transparency reinforces why Hershey’s remains a trusted name in confectionery, bringing joy and quality to countless homes.
S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches
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Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter , at room temperature (141 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (105 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour (180 grams)
- 1 ½ cup graham cracker crumbs (213 grams, about 2 sleeves)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars , chopped
For the ice cream:
- 2 cup marshmallows (86 grams)
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream , softened slightly at room temperature (250 ml)
- Additional marshmallows for toasting , optional
Instructions
To make the cookies:
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Preheat oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer, beat the butter, sugar and brown sugar together until light and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, mixing after each. Mix in the vanilla.
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In a separate bowl combine the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the chopped chocolate bars and mix until just incorporated.
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Shape into rounded tablespoons and place on prepared sheet pan a few inches apart. Bake until edges just begin to turn golden, about 9-10 minutes. Do not overbake or cookies will become crispy. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the ice cream:
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Use a kitchen torch, gas burner or campfire to toast the marshmallows. Avoid using an oven broiler as that melts the marshmallow and creates a big mess.
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In a food processor or heavy duty blender, blend the marshmallows with the softened vanilla ice cream. Pour mixture back into a medium bowl or plastic container and freeze until hard, at least 2 hours.
To assemble the ice cream sandwiches:
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Scoop approximately ¼-⅓ cup of the toasted marshmallow ice cream onto an inverted cookie. Top with another cookie. Repeat with remaining ice cream and cookies. (Optional: add a few toasted marshmallows to the ice cream as you scoop it onto the cookie.)
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Place sandwiches in the freezer to firm up for about 20 minutes before serving.
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If making ahead, wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap. This will keep them from getting freezer burned.
Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by The Hershey Company as part of my participation in their Food Ambassador program. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own, as always. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I believe in, which make it easier for me to bring you new creative content.