There’s a special kind of magic that happens when warm, gooey cookies meet cold, creamy ice cream. For me, it takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen. She always had a knack for turning simple ingredients into extraordinary treats.
I remember one sweltering summer afternoon, she pulled out a tray of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and a tub of vanilla ice cream. “Sophia,” she’d say with a twinkle in her eye, “let’s make something wonderful!” That day, we created our very first batch of homemade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. The pure joy on my face, smeared with chocolate and vanilla, is a memory I cherish.
These weren’t just dessert; they were moments of pure, unadulterated happiness. Today, I’m thrilled to share my updated take on these classic Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, a recipe that promises to bring that same delightful comfort and sweetness to your family’s table. They are truly the ultimate summer indulgence, a perfect blend of textures and temperatures, and incredibly fun to make. Get ready to create some sweet memories of your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore these Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches for so many reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make, yet they look and taste like something straight out of a gourmet bakery. As a busy mom and passionate food blogger, I know the value of a straightforward recipe that delivers big on flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen.
This recipe for homemade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches fits the bill perfectly. You can customize them endlessly, choosing your favorite cookies and ice cream flavors, making each batch uniquely yours. Furthermore, they are a fantastic make-ahead dessert, ideal for parties, barbecues, or simply having a delightful treat ready in the freezer for any craving.
Everyone, from the youngest kids to the oldest adults, will cheer for these delightful dessert sandwiches. They truly embody comfort food at its finest, bringing smiles with every bite. So, prepare to fall in love with the ease, versatility, and sheer deliciousness of these incredible Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. I always recommend using good quality ingredients for the best flavor!
- 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your favorite type)
- 2 quarts (8 cups) high-quality vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
- Optional: Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate for decorating
One of the best things about making Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches is how incredibly versatile they are! Explore exciting variations with Fun Simple Basketball Cookies that will inspire your next batch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get baking and assemble these delightful Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches! Follow these clear steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare Your Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This typically takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips by hand using a spatula. This ensures they are evenly distributed without overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and results in a chewier cookie, perfect for Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Bake the Cookies: Scoop cookie dough by rounded tablespoons (or use a 1.5-inch cookie scoop) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial that your cookies are completely cool before assembling your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches.
- Soften the Ice Cream: While the cookies cool, take your ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. You want it softened enough to scoop and spread easily, but not melted.
- Assemble Your Sandwiches: Once the cookies are completely cool, pair them up by size and shape. Take one cookie, scoop a generous amount of softened ice cream onto the flat side, and then gently place another cookie on top, pressing down lightly until the ice cream spreads to the edges.
- Smooth the Edges (Optional): For a neat look, you can use a butter knife or small offset spatula to smooth the ice cream around the edges of your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches.
- Decorate (Optional): If desired, roll the sides of your assembled Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
- Freeze to Firm: Place the assembled Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until the ice cream is firm. For best results, freeze overnight.
Now, get ready to enjoy these delightful, homemade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches!
Pro Tips for Success
Crafting the perfect Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches involves a few clever tricks. As someone who’s made countless batches, I’ve learned these tips truly make a difference:
- Size Matters: Try to make your cookies as uniform in size as possible. This makes assembling the Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches much easier and ensures they look appealing. Using a cookie scoop is a fantastic way to achieve consistent sizes.
- Don’t Overbake Your Cookies: Slightly underbaked cookies will be softer and chewier, which is ideal for a cookie sandwich. They will firm up as they cool, but stay tender enough to bite into without squeezing out all the ice cream.
- Cool Completely: This tip is non-negotiable! Warm cookies will melt your ice cream instantly, leading to a messy, soupy disaster. Ensure your cookies are entirely at room temperature before you even think about scooping ice cream.
- Temperature Control for Ice Cream: Take your ice cream out of the freezer about 10-15 minutes before assembly. It needs to be soft enough to scoop and spread easily without tearing the cookies, but not so soft that it’s liquid. If it gets too soft, pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Work Quickly: Once you start assembling, move efficiently to prevent the ice cream from melting too much. Have all your cookies paired and ready to go.
- Flatten Your Ice Cream (Optional): For an extra neat and even layer of ice cream, you can spread your slightly softened ice cream onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a thin, even layer (about ½ to ¾ inch thick). Freeze it until firm, then use a round cookie cutter (the same size as your cookies) to cut out ice cream discs. This creates perfectly shaped ice cream layers for your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches!
- Freeze in Stages: If you’re making a large batch, freeze the assembled sandwiches in small batches to maintain their firmness. Don’t crowd the freezer.
- Wrap Them Well: This is key for storage! Individual wrapping prevents freezer burn and keeps your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches tasting fresh.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different cookie and ice cream combinations. That’s where the real fun begins with these versatile Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches!
Following these simple pro tips will elevate your homemade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches from good to absolutely phenomenal!
Crafting the perfect Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches involves a few clever tricks. To help ensure your cookies are just right, check out this handy croissant recipe that discusses the importance of size and consistency.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Proper storage is essential to keep your homemade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches tasting their best. Luckily, they are designed to be a freezer-friendly treat!
- Individual Wrapping: Once your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are firm from their initial freeze (2-3 hours or overnight), remove them from the baking sheet. Wrap each individual sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This dual layer protects against freezer burn and prevents any freezer odors from affecting their flavor.
- Airtight Container: Place the individually wrapped Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches in a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. This adds another layer of protection.
- Freezer Life: When stored properly, these delicious Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches can last in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. While they’ll technically be safe to eat longer, the quality of the ice cream and cookie texture might diminish over time.
- No Reheating Necessary: Since these are cold desserts, “reheating” isn’t a factor. Simply remove a sandwich from the freezer and unwrap it.
- Serving From Frozen: For the best experience, let your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches sit at room temperature for just 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the ice cream to soften slightly and the cookie to become a bit less firm, making them easier to bite into and enjoy.
With these storage tips, you’ll always have a ready-to-enjoy, refreshing dessert on hand!
What to Serve With This Recipe
While Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are a complete treat on their own, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. Here are some delightful ideas:
- Classic Beverages:
- A Cold Glass of Milk: Nothing beats the classic combo of cookies and milk. A tall glass of cold milk is the perfect partner for these indulgent sandwiches.
- Hot Coffee or Tea: For a delightful contrast, a warm cup of coffee, latte, or your favorite tea makes for a sophisticated pairing, especially if your ice cream is coffee-flavored.
- Hot Chocolate: During cooler months, a rich hot chocolate can be surprisingly good with a vanilla or chocolate Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich.
- Fresh Fruit:
- Bowl of Fresh Berries: A simple bowl of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries offers a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the ice cream and cookies.
- Sliced Bananas: Bananas can complement chocolate or peanut butter ice cream sandwiches beautifully.
- Light Dessert Options:
- A Small Scoop of Sorbet: If you’re hosting a dessert spread, a small scoop of a tangy fruit sorbet can cut through the richness and offer another flavor profile.
- Mini Fruit Tarts: Offer a variety of textures and flavors.
- For a Party Spread:
- Other Mini Desserts: Consider an array of small treats like brownies, mini cupcakes, or sweet skewers.
- A D.I.Y. Topping Bar: While your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches might be pre-decorated, a small topping bar with extra sprinkles, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream for other desserts can be a fun addition for guests.
Ultimately, these Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are designed to be a joyous, standalone dessert. But don’t hesitate to get creative with your pairings!
While Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are a complete treat on their own, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. For more delightful ideas on pairings, consider The Best Strawberry Shortcake Cake for a perfect dessert duo.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying these delightful Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches:
Can I use store-bought cookies or ice cream?
Absolutely! For a super quick and easy version of Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, store-bought cookies (especially soft-baked ones) and your favorite pre-packaged ice cream work wonderfully. Just make sure the cookies are completely cool and the ice cream is slightly softened for assembly.
How long do Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches last in the freezer?
When properly wrapped and stored in an airtight container, your homemade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches can last in the freezer for 1-2 months. Beyond that, the quality might start to decline, though they would still be safe to eat.
What’s the best way to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly during assembly?
Work quickly! Have all your cookies baked and cooled. Take the ice cream out of the freezer just 10-15 minutes before you plan to assemble your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches.
If it gets too soft, pop it back in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm up slightly. You can also assemble them in small batches.
Can I make these Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches ahead of time for a party?
Yes, these are excellent make-ahead desserts! Prepare them fully, wrap them individually, and freeze them a day or even a week in advance of your party. This makes entertaining a breeze, as you’ll have a delightful treat ready to go.
What cookie-to-ice cream ratio is best?
This is personal preference, but generally, about a ½ to ¾ inch thick layer of ice cream works well. You want enough ice cream so that it’s creamy and satisfying, but not so much that it’s difficult to eat or squishes out excessively when you bite into your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. Aim for a balanced bite.
My cookies are too hard. What went wrong?
If your cookies are too hard for comfortable eating in a sandwich, they might have been overbaked, or your dough might have been too cold/dry. Try baking for slightly less time next time, or ensure your butter is properly softened. When serving, let your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches sit out for 5-10 minutes to allow the cookies to soften a little from the freezer’s chill.
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are a delightful combination of cookies and ice cream, often enjoyed as a refreshing dessert during warm weather. These treats come in various flavors and can be customized with different cookie types and ice cream choices, making them a fun option for gatherings or a sweet indulgence at home, as described in this article.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Please note that this is an estimated nutritional value for one Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich and can vary greatly depending on the exact ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used. This calculation is based on an average-sized chocolate chip cookie sandwich with vanilla ice cream.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25-35 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-20 g |
| Cholesterol | 60-80 mg |
| Sodium | 200-300 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50-70 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2 g |
| Total Sugars | 35-50 g |
| Protein | 5-8 g |
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free option available
Description
Delightful Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches featuring homemade chocolate chip cookies and creamy ice cream, perfect for summer indulgence.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups (3 sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1 ½ cups Packed Light Brown Sugar
2 Large Eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
3 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
½ teaspoon Salt
2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
2 quarts High-Quality Vanilla Ice Cream, slightly softened
Optional: Sprinkles, Chopped Nuts, or Melted Chocolate for decorating
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually mix it into the wet ingredients
- Fold in the chocolate chips by hand
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets
- Scoop the dough onto the sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes
- Cool the cookies on a wire rack
- Soften the ice cream at room temperature for 10-15 minutes
- Assemble the sandwiches by pairing cookies and adding a scoop of ice cream between them
- Freeze the assembled sandwiches for at least 2-3 hours
Notes
For the best results, make sure cookies are completely cool before assembly.
Experiment with different cookie and ice cream combinations.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 11 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg