- 8 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 8 shortbread cookies (Girl Scout Trefoils, Pepperidge Farm Butter Chessman or another shortbread or butter cookie of your choice)
- ¾ cup salted cashews
- butterscotch or caramel sauce
Butterscotch Shortbread Nut Balls
Yield: 8 servings (easy to make more or less)
Feel free to use the following as a framework, switching the ice cream and sauce flavors and cookie or nut combination as preferred. For added value, this crowd-pleasing dessert offers make-ahead convenience and built-in portion control!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scoop ice cream onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Meanwhile, crush or finely chop the cookies and cashews. I use my mini chopper or chop by hand and keep the mixture a little chunky. (You could also use a regular food processor; just take care not to over process.) Transfer the crumbs to a pie plate or shallow bowl.
- When ice cream is firm, roll the balls in the crumb mixture, pressing to coat well, then return them to freezer immediately. Repeat until all of the scoops are well coated, and freeze until ready to eat. The coated ice cream balls will keep for several days in your freezer; simply cover when completely frozen. (They will technically keep for several weeks; the cookies and nuts, however, may lose some of their crispness.)
- Prior to eating, allow the ice cream balls to sit on counter for five minutes (give or take a few depending on how firm they are frozen and how warm it is) to soften slightly. Top with butterscotch sauce and enjoy!
Variations
•Other delicious combinations can be made with chocolate sauce (like this salted hot fudge sauce) and a variety of ice cream flavors like Heath bar, butter pecan, mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream and cookie dough ice cream
•Strawberry and black raspberry ice cream offer delightful options for those who enjoy fruity flavors.
•For a nut-free version, crushed Oreo cookies (or K-Toos for a gluten-free alternative) can be used for the coating.
•For a cookie-free alternative, chopped salted peanuts are especially tasty.
•For a mud pie variation, use coffee ice cream, Oreo cookie crumbs, and hot fudge sauce
•Dairy-free ice creams may be used as needed.
•When serving a larger group, feel free to mix and match flavors for a dessert that is sure to please all!