chocolate indulgence
ice-cream sandwiches

To make the cookies, preheat the oven to 175°C (340°F/Gas 3–4). Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Sift together the flour, baking powder and cocoa. Place the butter, sugar and vanilla extract in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for 1–2 minutes or until light and creamy. Add the egg and mix well. Add the flour mixture and mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Roll the dough into 20 g (¾ oz) balls and place on the trays 3 cm–5 cm (1¼ inches–2 inches) apart. Flatten each with the palm of your hand or the base of a floured glass. Bake for 7 minutes or until fragrant. Cool for 2 minutes on the trays, then remove to wire racks and cool completely. Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Use a small ice-cream scoop or melon baller to scoop out 20 balls of ice-cream, place on the trays and refrigerate for 2–3 minutes or until slightly softened. Place the balls on half of the cookies, then sandwich with the remaining cookies. Place on the trays and freeze until firm.

Working with one sandwich at a time, carefully dip half a sandwich in the melted chocolate and place on the tray. Repeat with the remaining balls and cookies. Place in the freezer until ready to serve.

NOTE: To make slightly larger ice-cream sandwiches, roll the mixture into 25 g (1 oz) balls and bake for 8–9 minutes; makes 15 sandwiches. Alternatively, roll the mixture into 30 g (1 oz) balls and bake for 10–11 minutes; makes 13 sandwiches.

MAKES 20

1 litre (35 fl oz/4 cups) chocolate ice-cream

225 g (8 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), melted

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

150 g (5½ oz/1 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour, plus 2 tablespoons extra

1 teaspoon baking powder

40 g (1½ oz/1 cup) cocoa powder

125 g (4½ oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature

165 g (5¾ oz/¾ cup) caster (superfine) sugar

1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract

1 egg

120 g (4¼ oz/¾ cup) mini milk

chocolate chips

120 g (4¼ oz/¾ cup) mini dark

chocolate chips