All-American Apple Pie Float Sandwiches (Printable)

Apple pie flavors meet root beer-float ice cream in nostalgic sandwiches wrapped in soft sugar cookies.

# Components:

→ Apple Pie Filling

01 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
07 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Sugar Cookies

09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
14 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Ice Cream Float Layer

16 - 1 pint premium vanilla ice cream
17 - 1/2 cup root beer, reduced to syrup

# Method:

01 - In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are tender. Stir in cornstarch and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
02 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a dough forms. Roll dough into 16 equal balls, approximately 2 tablespoons each, and place on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly, then bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
03 - In a small saucepan, simmer the root beer over medium heat until it reduces to about 2 tablespoons and achieves a syrupy consistency, approximately 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool fully.
04 - Let the vanilla ice cream soften slightly. In a bowl, gently swirl the cooled apple pie filling and root beer syrup into the ice cream to create distinct ribbons, being careful not to overmix. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour. To assemble, scoop approximately 1/3 cup of the apple-root beer ice cream onto the flat side of one sugar cookie, then top with a second cookie. Press gently to form a sandwich. Repeat this process for all sandwiches. Wrap each sandwich in plastic or wax paper and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses classic ingredients almost all from the pantry or fridge
  • Brings together two iconic American desserts in one
  • Perfect party treat that everyone wants seconds of
  • Easy to make ahead for celebrations and backyard barbecues
  • Make them big or small to fit the crowd or occasion
02 -
  • Perfect summer treat for parties
  • Freezes beautifully for make-ahead desserts
  • Fun for kids and grown-ups alike
03 -
  • Let cookies cool completely before filling or your ice cream will melt too soon
  • Firm up the assembled sandwiches in the freezer at least two hours so they slice neatly and hold up at picnics
  • Try swirling in the apple filling while it is very cold for the best ribbons of flavor
  • I learned the hard way not to skip the thickening step in the apple filling runny sauce will make messy sandwiches These are best devoured outside on a warm sunny day but just as good when you are looking for summer in the middle of winter

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