master-cooks | Chocolate Covered Ice Cream Bites Recipe

Chocolate-covered ice cream bites are a delightful treat that combines the creamy texture of ice cream with the rich flavor of chocolate. To prepare these bites, start by selecting your favorite ice cream flavor, such as vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. Scoop small, bite-sized portions of the ice cream onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the scoops until they are firm, which typically takes about an hour. While the ice cream is freezing, melt high-quality chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, ensuring a smooth and glossy consistency. Once the ice cream scoops are firm, use a fork or toothpick to dip each one into the melted chocolate, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the bites back onto the parchment paper. If desired, you can sprinkle toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut on top of the chocolate before it sets. Return the chocolate-covered ice cream bites to the freezer for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate hardens. Serve these delectable bites immediately or store them in an airtight container in the freezer for a quick and satisfying sweet treat anytime.

Collect the ingredients for chocolate-covered ice cream bites

To create this easy dessert, you'll need just four ingredients. You'll require ice cream, naturally, along with chocolate chips, neutral oil, and sandwich cookies. According to Rosenhouse, you can choose any flavors of ice cream, cookies, and chocolate chips that you like, allowing you to mix and match as you please.

Step 1: Prepare a pan

Prepare a small baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Gently heat an ice cream scoop

Submerge a small ice cream scoop in a cup of warm water.

Step 3: Scoop some ice cream onto each cookie

Utilize the scoop to place a generous amount of ice cream on top of each cookie, dipping the scoop in warm water as necessary.

Step 4: Mold the ice cream to cover the cookies

With gloved hands, carefully shape each scoop of ice cream into a smooth dome.

Step 5: Freeze the ice cream bites

Arrange the ice cream bites on the prepared baking sheet and freeze until they are very firm, for a minimum of 2 hours (or overnight).

Step 6: Melt the chocolate with the oil

Heat chocolate chips and oil in a bowl placed over a double boiler (or in the microwave) until they are smooth.

Step 7: Dip an ice cream bite in chocolate

Submerge each ice cream bite individually in the melted chocolate, ensuring that the entire ice cream dome is fully coated.

Step 8: Finish dipping the rest of the ice cream bites

Continue with the rest of the ice cream bites and place them back on the baking sheet.

Step 9: Add toppings and enjoy (or freeze)

Spoon a few ice cream bites at a time with the leftover melted chocolate, if you like, and sprinkle on any extra toppings before the chocolate hardens. Freeze until you're ready to serve.

What cookies and ice cream flavors can I use for chocolate-covered ice cream bites?

Rosenhouse describes these ice cream bites as "entirely customizable," noting that you can choose any ice cream flavor you prefer. She selects Häagen-Dazs mint chip and white chocolate raspberry truffle. You’re not restricted to just ice cream, either; Rosenhouse mentions, "You can also choose sorbet or a low-fat ice cream alternative." Additionally, gelato would be a great option, or you might consider the Midwestern classic, frozen custard.

Looking for cookie ideas? Rosenhouse explains, "The sandwich cookies serve as the foundation for these ice cream bites, providing something to hold onto while dipping," but she also suggests that any flavor of non-sandwich cookies could work. However, it's advisable to ensure that the cookies are sturdy enough to support the ice cream. For instance, macarons might be too fragile, while chocolate chip cookies could serve as an excellent substitute for sandwich cookies. Depending on the size of your cookies, you may need to adjust the size of your scoop, spoon, or measuring cup to portion the ice cream appropriately.

What toppings work well on chocolate-covered ice cream bites?

When selecting toppings for your ice cream bites, Rosenhouse suggests opting for small, sweet, and freeze-friendly options. She advises against using fresh fruit, as it tends to lose its texture in the freezer, but chopped dried or candied fruits can be a good alternative. Other topping ideas include shredded coconut, colored sugar, crushed cookies, candies, chopped nuts, and sprinkles. Don't forget to prepare some extra melted chocolate to act as edible glue, and "be cautious to drizzle only a few bites at a time to ensure the toppings adhere properly," Rosenhouse recommends.

Regarding the candy coating, Rosenhouse explains, "The crunchy chocolate shell provides a delightful contrast to the creamy ice cream inside." You can choose from semisweet, milk, or white chocolate (consider adding a few drops of food coloring to the white chocolate), or even flavored chips like butterscotch. However, if you opt for something other than chocolate, Rosenhouse points out that you may need to add a little more oil to achieve the right consistency for dipping.

Chocolate-Covered Ice Cream Bites Recipe