Sweet Nothings #2 {A Dreamy Valentine's Treat}

Posted by Junkerman Jones, Wedding and Event Design

Valentine’s Day is steadily approaching, and the collective sweet tooth over here at        Junkerman Jones is absolutely up to no good!

{Yes, we know, it’s only January, but we simply couldn’t help ourselves.}
As you begin sifting through the recipe box for cute and delicious recipes to serve during the heart-crazed holiday, you should definitely put this quick and easy sweet-tooth satisfying treat on the menu! Oh, and let us know how it turns out!

Chocolate Strawberry Heart-Shaped Ice Cream Sandwiches
{Makes 24}

Ingredients
· 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
· 1/2 cup cocoa powder
· 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp
· 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract· 1 1/2 cups sugar
· 2 large eggs
· 1 tablespoon milk
· 2 to 2 1/2 pints strawberry ice cream, slightly softened

1. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, vanilla, and sugar. Add eggs and milk, and mix until combined. Add reserved flour mixture, and mix on low speed until incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula at least once. Divide the dough in half, and shape each half into a flat disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 1 hour.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface; use an offset spatula to unstick the dough every few turns of the rolling pin. Roll dough to an 1/8-inch thickness. Cut dough using a variety of heart-shaped cookie cutters from 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter, making sure there is a top and bottom cookie for each sandwich. Place hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet; chill until firm, about 30 minutes. Remove from refrigerator; use a fork to prick holes all over the surface of the cookies. Bake until firm, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Using half the cookies, spoon softened strawberry ice cream about 1/2 inch thick on each underside. Place matching cookie on top of ice cream, top-side facing out. Transfer immediately to freezer to harden; repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve directly from the freezer. Sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for 3 to 4 days.

 If the dessert doesn't sound delicious enough,why not serve it up on a playful dish with a sweet message, like this adorable dessert plate. The only problem with dishing up this wonderful Valentine's Day presentation? Your guests might be tempted to devour the delectable dish, too!

Check back soon for fun and festive Valentine's Day party planning ideas for everyone including kids, doe-eyed couples, and love-loathing singles that think "love bites"! Until then, live large and dream BIG.

{credits}

Thanks to the team at Martha Stewart for the delicious recipe,

Mint Design for the delicious dessert photos, and Hideminy at Etsy for the adorable plate design!