Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ice cream sandwiches are a classic treat, but making them at home allows you to get creative with flavors, cookies, and toppings. Whether you’re using your favorite cookie recipe or opting for store-bought cookies, this recipe lets you customize every aspect, from the ice cream flavor to the toppings. The best part? They are easy to make and fun for all ages to assemble, making them a perfect family project.
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Cookies (24 large, soft cookies): Choose your favorite! Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, sugar cookies, or gingerbread work wonderfully. Soft cookies are key for easy sandwiching and a pleasant texture.
- Ice Cream (1 pint, your preferred flavor): Vanilla is classic, but feel free to experiment with chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, or even salted caramel.
- Sprinkles or Toppings (Optional): Rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for a fun and visual touch.
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Cookies
- Lay out half of your cookies, flat-side up, on a baking sheet or large plate. This will help you efficiently assemble the sandwiches.
- If your cookies are hard right out of the package, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. However, avoid making them too soft, as they need to hold their shape for the sandwiches.
- Ensure the cookies are of similar size for uniform sandwiches. If using homemade cookies, make sure they are completely cooled before starting the assembly to avoid melting the ice cream.
Step 2: Soften the Ice Cream
- Take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will soften it just enough to make it easily spreadable, without it becoming too melted. Aim for a soft-serve-like consistency for easier spreading.
Step 3: Spread Ice Cream onto Cookies
- Working quickly, scoop a generous amount of softened ice cream onto the flat side of each cookie on your prepared sheet.
- Use a spoon or offset spatula to evenly spread the ice cream to the edges of the cookie, but avoid overfilling, so the ice cream doesn’t spill out excessively.
- A thickness of about ½ to ¾ inch of ice cream is ideal for a satisfying bite.
Step 4: Top with the Remaining Cookies
- Place the remaining cookies on top of the ice cream-filled ones, flat-side down, to create sandwiches.
- Press down gently to spread the ice cream evenly and help the cookies adhere, but don’t press too hard as this might cause the cookies to crack or squeeze out too much ice cream.
Step 5: Decorate with Toppings (Optional)
- Add sprinkles or other toppings for extra flair. Roll the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in a shallow dish of sprinkles, or sprinkle them over the top.
- For more sophisticated toppings, dip the edges in melted chocolate and add chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
Step 6: Freeze the Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches back onto the baking sheet and transfer them to the freezer.
- Freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and the sandwiches are solid. For best results, freeze them overnight.
- Ensure the baking sheet is placed flat in the freezer to prevent the sandwiches from becoming misshapen.
Step 7: Enjoy!
- Once frozen, the ice cream sandwiches are ready to enjoy! Let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly, making them easier to bite into.
- Serve them as-is, or get creative by plating them with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 sandwiches (if using large cookies)
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cookies need baking)
- Total Time: 45 minutes, plus freezing time
Variations
- Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use dairy-free cookies and non-dairy ice cream for a vegan version.
- Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate cookies with chocolate or fudge ice cream and chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles for the ultimate chocolatey treat.
- Fruit-Flavored Sandwiches: Try fruit-flavored ice cream (like strawberry or mango) paired with sugar cookies for a light, refreshing twist.
- Mini Sandwiches: Use mini cookies and ice cream for a bite-sized version that’s perfect for kids or parties.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container or wrapped individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from getting freezer burn. Store them in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheating: Let the sandwiches sit out for a couple of minutes before serving for an easy bite.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought cookies?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought cookies for ease and convenience. Just make sure they are soft enough to sandwich without crumbling.
2. Can I make these sandwiches in advance?
Yes, these sandwiches can be made in advance. Just store them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I use any flavor of ice cream?
Absolutely! Vanilla is a classic, but you can experiment with chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, or even more adventurous flavors like salted caramel or coffee.
4. How do I prevent the ice cream from melting during assembly?
Work quickly, and make sure the ice cream is only slightly softened. If it becomes too soft, place the ice cream back in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up before proceeding.
5. How can I make the sandwiches extra fun for kids?
Let kids help decorate with sprinkles or mini chocolate chips! You can also add candy or chopped fruits as toppings for a more personalized touch.
6. Can I use a different type of ice cream?
Yes, you can use any ice cream flavor of your choice. You could even use sorbet for a lighter, dairy-free option.
7. How can I make the sandwiches healthier?
For a healthier twist, use whole-grain or oatmeal cookies and opt for lower-sugar ice cream options or frozen yogurt.
8. Can I freeze the cookies beforehand?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies after baking them. Just let them cool completely before assembling the sandwiches.
9. Can I make these without an ice cream scoop?
Yes, you can simply spoon the ice cream onto the cookies and use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly.
10. Can I use homemade cookies for these sandwiches?
Yes! Fresh homemade cookies are perfect for ice cream sandwiches. Just be sure they are soft enough to easily bite into after freezing.
Conclusion
These Easy Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun and customizable treat that can be adapted to fit any occasion or flavor preference. Whether you’re using classic chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream or mixing it up with more adventurous flavors, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit. They’re a great option for a party, family gathering, or a sweet indulgence on a warm day!
Easy Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Total Time: 45 minutes, plus freezing time
- Yield: undefined
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun, simple dessert that combines soft cookies with creamy ice cream for a customizable and delicious treat. Perfect for summer days, parties, or as a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookies (24 large, soft cookies): Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, sugar cookies, or gingerbread work wonderfully.
Ice Cream (1 pint, your preferred flavor): Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, or salted caramel.
Sprinkles or Toppings (Optional): Rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut.
Instructions
- Lay out half of your cookies, flat-side up, on a baking sheet or large plate. If your cookies are hard, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
- Take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften.
- Scoop a generous amount of softened ice cream onto the flat side of each cookie. Use a spoon or offset spatula to evenly spread the ice cream to the edges of the cookie.
- Place the remaining cookies on top of the ice cream-filled ones, flat-side down, and gently press to form sandwiches.
- Add sprinkles or other toppings if desired. Roll the edges in sprinkles or dip them in melted chocolate and add chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
- Freeze the sandwiches on the baking sheet for at least 2-3 hours, or until the ice cream is firm. For best results, freeze them overnight.
- Once frozen, the ice cream sandwiches are ready to enjoy! Let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier eating.
Notes
Use store-bought cookies for ease, but make sure they’re soft enough for sandwiching.
Work quickly to prevent the ice cream from melting during assembly.
Make mini versions with smaller cookies for a fun twist!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cookies need baking)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing, Assembling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
