On a sweltering day, there's nothing quite like a cool, delicious dessert to beat the heat. One such treat that combines the tangy goodness of lemon with the creamy indulgence of ice cream is the lemon bar ice cream sandwich. This delightful dessert is not only a feast for the taste buds but also relatively easy to make, especially when you use purchased vanilla ice cream and lemon curd, allowing you to focus on baking the perfect buttery sheet - pan sugar cookies.

Let's start with the star of the show - the sugar cookies. These cookies are the foundation of the ice cream sandwich, providing a sweet and buttery contrast to the zesty lemon curd and smooth vanilla ice cream. To make these cookies, you'll need a few basic ingredients. First, gather 2 1/2 cups of all - purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. This process might take a few minutes, but it's worth it as it creates the perfect texture for the cookies. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over - mix, as this can make the cookies tough. Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 - inch thick. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into small, square - shaped cookies. You can make them any size you like, but for a classic ice cream sandwich, squares about 2 - 3 inches are ideal. Prick the cookies with a fork to prevent them from puffing up too much during baking. Bake the cookies for 8 - 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.

Now, let's move on to the filling. Since we're aiming for convenience, purchase a high - quality vanilla ice cream and a jar of lemon curd. You can find these at your local grocery store. Take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften slightly at room temperature for about 15 - 20 minutes. This will make it easier to spread.

Once the cookies are cooled, take one cookie and spread a thin layer of lemon curd on top. Then, take a scoop of the softened vanilla ice cream and place it on the lemon curd. Top it with another cookie, pressing gently to sandwich the ice cream and lemon curd between the two cookies. Repeat this process with the remaining cookies, ice cream, and lemon curd.

After assembling the ice cream sandwiches, place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Put the baking sheet back in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until the ice cream is firm again. This will ensure that the ice cream holds its shape when you take a bite.

When you're ready to serve, take the ice cream sandwiches out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to make them easier to eat. The combination of the buttery sugar cookies, the tart lemon curd, and the creamy vanilla ice cream is simply divine. Each bite is a burst of flavors that will leave you craving more.

These lemon bar ice cream sandwiches are perfect for a summer party, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat on a hot day. You can also get creative and add some toppings, such as sprinkles, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts, to make them even more visually appealing and delicious. So, the next time the temperature rises, cool off with this amazing lemon bar ice cream sandwich.

In conclusion, making a lemon bar ice cream sandwich is a fun and rewarding activity. With the right ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dessert that will impress your friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy the cool, tangy goodness of a lemon bar ice cream sandwich on a warm day.